Feds

Trailer—Feds

Feds

Leonard Maltin has this movie perfectly pegged with his 1/2 point rating. Rebecca De Mornay and Fred Thompson are much too good to be associated with a film of this caliber, which did not even come close to being anything comparable to a "Police Academy". Just to even watch the whole film tells you that I certainly did not have anything better to do.

Feds is great! So much humour and wit mixed with butt-kicking. The movie really is empowering for any woman who works in a male-dominated field. They really do show many of the guys how to do the job right. There is also a great showing of support for each other that really helps make the difference. I wish they would release it to DVD. VHS is really a sad medium for film now. I want to add Feds to my DVD collection. If you haven't seen Feds, do yourself a favour and rent it if you still own a VCR.

In a way Feds is something of a historic film. Because back in the day there ain't no way J. Edgar Hoover would have allowed his men to have been satirized. They had been used as villains before now someone is poking fun. Rebecca DeMornay and Mary Gross are a pair of female applicants and they're told up front they are a pair of affirmative action specials. No one expects them to last 16 weeks. Both women complement each other. Gross is an academic wizard who is a klutz with the physical stuff. DeMornay is a Navy WAVE who is a match for her male counterparts but lacks the education. They are always looking to impress the brass. The film is compared to police academy movies, but it is hardly as outrageous as that series. No outlandish or colorful characters are spawned from this movie as in Police Academy. Still though it has lots of laughs and good entertainment value.

Affirmative action says there have to be female cadets. Nobody says that the old boys network has to like it. Mary Gross is a perfectionist with more degrees than a thermometer. However, she's the proverbial 98 lb. weakling. Rebecca DeMornay took a couple of classes at a community college, however, she just got out of the Marine Corps and can kick the butt of anything or anyone that crosses her. Together, they're the ultimate agent, however, they've got to pass separately. The things they get into, the mistakes they make and the things they do spectacularly (and sometimes accidentally) right will keep you laughing and cheering to the end. Mary Gross getting beyond drunk and coming onto a sailor in a bar is worth it by itself.

This is one of my five favorite comedy movies. Mary Gross gives an inspired and hilarious performance as the nerdy, neophyte, near-Fed. Rebecca De Mornay is perfect as the straight foil for Mary, and Fred Thompson did a much better job of impersonating an FBI instructor than he ever did at impersonating a Senator. Tony Longo as the sailor in the bar was also outstanding. It also had a great beat, and was easy to dance to. I give it an 80, Dick.

Hopefully Feds will be brought to DVD! Feds is a unique "buddy" comedy. Two women are admitted to the FBI academy on the assumption that they will fail. Academically weak and physically strong Ellie pairs up with academically strong and physically weak Janice for mutual aid. Both have plenty of moxie and come up with unique solutions for overcoming roadblocks. Casting Rebecca DeMornay as Ellie was genius; soft-spoken Mary Gross is exactly right as Janice. It's refreshing to see two women in these kinds of roles. Has one of the best funny bar-seduction scenes ever. Fred Thompson is the perfect FBI director Bilecki, with a hard-guy manner and that warm southern accent. Family-friendly despite the bar scene.

I love this movie. I own this movie. I watch this movie whenever I need a quick pick-me-up. Rebecca DeMornay and Mary Gross play off of each other so well (Rebecca's the "straight-man" and Mary's the comic relief.) The girls are trainees in the FBI Academy--chosen because of their gender rather than their skills. Ellie (Rebecca)is the ex-marine who has no trouble with the physical requirements but can't do the academics. Janice (Mary) is the multi-degreed academic standout who can't pass the physical tests. Teamed up as roommates, they are forced to work together so both can realize the dream of becoming a Special Agent. Good clean fun for the whole family. Enjoy!

It may not win any awards as one of the all time greats. However it is a fun movie to watch. Sometimes you don't want a movie that you have to think about. Like I said it makes me laugh!