Police Academy

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Police Academy

R

Released Mar 16, 1984

1h 35m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

33 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

When the mayor of a crime-ridden city loosens the restrictions on entering the police academy in order to get more cops on the street, all manner of oddball characters enlist to join the force. Among the cadets are suave Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), hulking Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), beautiful Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrall) and sound effects-generating Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), who all have to show initiative and courage when they are faced with tough situations out on patrol.

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Critics Consensus

Police Academy is rude, crude, and proudly sophomoric -- which is either a condemnation or a ringing endorsement, depending on your taste in comedy.

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Mark Dinning

Empire Magazine

The Friday The 13th of the comedy genre.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 4, 2023

Full Review

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Police Academy is the most uproarious film to come along in years. You have the right to remain silent, but you can't help bt laugh out loud.

Mar 6, 2019

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Police Academy is a dumb-funny movie that succeeds by virtue of sheer invention.

Mar 5, 2019

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a film about the irrepressible nature of the ordinary American, and the fight against corrupt institutions that supposedly serve them…the notion that a repressed class war has put things on edge throughout society is consistent throughout the film...

Rated: 4/5

Dec 8, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The movie isn’t really much funnier than its sorry sequels, but it’s the best of the bunch simply by virtue of being fresh (or as fresh as this moldy premise can get).

Rated: 2/4

Nov 25, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...somewhat erratic yet mostly affable...

Rated: 3/4

Jun 23, 2022

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Cedric G

Not sure how anyone can hate on this movie although I only see a few critics giving it a bad review. I was 9 when this movie came out and I still love it to this day as much as I loved it then. Maybe it's nostalgia or the reminder of simpler times in life & the world but this movie always puts a smile on my face and puts me at ease. Might I might add that a young Kim Cattrall is a always bonus.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

Audience Member

A comedy that has been infamous for 40 years even spawning several sequels Mayor Mary Beal has changed the requirements of the city's police force New recruits would no longer have any restrictions signing up A colorful cast includes Steve Gutenberg, Kim Catrall to name a few This follows along the lines of other spoofs such as Naked Gun and Monty Python with a hint of Stripes So many jokes and visual gags that are part of the every day norm in this world The recruits have to of course face certain scrutiny or face being washed out A lot of this humor wouldn't fly today being more PC but this was a product of the time being what they had to work with It does make for a silly watch though putting a humorous spin on the police force poking at authority The most lively scene has to be the city's rioters since all the recruits are called in The movie is mostly erratic but fun in all the right ways

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Daniel B

Undoubtedly one of the greatest film comedies of all time. Yes bits and pieces of it stand out a bit in today's ultra-PC world but the film doesn't have a mean bone in its body. The film and it's brilliant cast want only one thing - to make you laugh. And they'll succeed!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/24

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Archie W

A cheesy yet enjoyable comedy and an 80's classic. Doesn't keep up with a lot of similar modern comedies but certainly contains some great humour that you would not find in a movie of this decade.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/13/23

Full Review

Mike H

Hands down a highlight of 1980's comedy. You absolutely have to suspend reality in order for any of this movie to take place but once you do its a delight. A decent combination of over-the-top (almost eye roll) gags combined with some actual heartfelt moments. A good time overall.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/23

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StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 35 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/23

Full Review

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Hugh Wilson

Director

Steve Guttenberg

Cadet Carey Mahoney

Kim Cattrall

Cadet Karen Thompson

Michael Winslow

Cadet Larvell Jones

G.W. Bailey

Lt. Thaddeus Harris

George Gaynes

Commandant Eric Lassard

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Synopsis

When the mayor of a crime-ridden city loosens the restrictions on entering the police academy in order to get more cops on the street, all manner of oddball characters enlist to join the force. Among the cadets are suave Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), hulking Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), beautiful Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrall) and sound effects-generating Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), who all have to show initiative and courage when they are faced with tough situations out on patrol.

Director: Hugh Wilson
Producer: Paul Maslansky
Screenwriter: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Hugh Wilson
Production Co: Ladd Company, Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 16, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 35m

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