Police Academy
Police Academy

Police Academy

1984Movie97 minEnglish

New rules enforced by the Lady Mayoress mean that sex, weight, height and intelligence need no longer be a factor for joining the Police Force. This opens the floodgates for all and sundry to enter the Police Academy, much to the chagrin of the instructors. Not everyone is there through choice, though. Social misfit Mahoney has been forced to sign up as the only alternative to a jail sentence and it doesn't take long before he falls foul of the boorish Lieutenant Harris. But before long, Mahoney realises that he is enjoying being a police cadet and decides he wants to stay... while Harris decides he wants Mahoney out!

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes37%
Metacritic37/100
Google Users73%
Director: Hugh WilsonGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

In a city where the police force is in dire need of recruits, the mayor announces a new policy: any person, regardless of their physical or mental limitations, can join the police academy. This decision leads to an influx of eccentric and unqualified individuals who clash with the strict academy staff. The film follows a group of misfits as they navigate the chaotic training, aiming to prove themselves despite overwhelming odds and the skepticism of their superiors.

Critical Reception

Police Academy was a box office success, becoming a surprise hit of 1984. While critically panned for its lowbrow humor and predictable plot, it resonated with audiences who enjoyed its slapstick gags and ensemble cast. The film spawned a long-running franchise due to its popularity.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film relies heavily on crude and often juvenile humor.
  • Despite critical disdain, its characters and gags proved popular with audiences.
  • Many critics found the plot weak and uninspired.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a general enjoyment of the film's comedic elements and memorable characters, though some acknowledge its lack of sophisticated humor.

Fun Fact

The character of Mahoney was originally intended to be a more serious role, but Steve Guttenberg's natural comedic talent led the filmmakers to emphasize the humor.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

<em>'Police Academy'</em> is proper lacklustre. I didn't find any of it amusing, even so I can usually see why a film may actually work for others - not here. Given I've heard of this franchise, I assume folk enjoy these so I am a tad surpr...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A comedy landmark.** I have no doubt that this film inaugurates what was one of the comic franchises that most marked the 80s and 90s. I remember that, until the dawn of the new century, films from this franchise were a regular presenc...