National Security

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National Security

PG-13

2003

1h 28m

Comedy

Action

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Popcornmeter

11%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

46%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn), a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.

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Critics Consensus

The action in National Security is mindless, while the humor says nothing insightful about racial issues.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 26, 2010

1/5

Indistinguishable dumb action comedy.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Jun 19, 2003

2/4

This is lowest common dominator filmmaking in every sense of the word, which shouldn't come as any surprise to anyone familiar with the oeuvre of director Dennis Dugan.

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Alan Morrison

Empire Magazine

Apr 21, 2003

1/5

This is a two-star movie dragged down a star because of its unrepentant racism.

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Jae-Ha Kim

Jae-Ha Kim

Jul 28, 2023

2/4

If you want to get philosophical about "National Security," you could ask yourself this: Would you be able to forgive and perhaps even befriend the man who wrongly accused you of a crime that got you sent to prison?

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

May 5, 2020

2/5

All the good stuff can be guffawed at in the opening half-hour. After that, you're on your own.

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Mark Halverson

Sacramento News & Review

Aug 7, 2008

1/5

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Robert P

@Superbad 5 days ago

National Security is a *2* star Movie!

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Curtis C

@RT09002564 Sep 21, 2026

Excellent film and instant classic

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Robert H

@Rwhobbs198 Aug 15, 2026

National Security is a pretty funny movie, especially if you're a fan of Martin Lawrence and his particular brand of comedy. There are definite shades of Blue Streak here, mixed with just about every over-the-top '90s cop movie—or the classic security-guard-wants-to-be-a-cop storyline. It's not breaking any new ground, but it doesn't need to. The movie is short, gets right to the point, and gives Lawrence plenty of opportunities to carry scenes with his delivery and personality. Steve Zahn also makes a great counterpart, and their constant bickering creates some of the movie's funniest moments. Predictable? Absolutely. Familiar? Definitely. But it's fast, funny, and entertaining enough to make the formula work.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 18, 2026

National Security was a major disappointment for me and easily one of the weaker comedy films I’ve seen. Despite having actors who are usually entertaining, the movie never fully comes together and feels messy from beginning to end. Most of the humor falls flat, relying too much on loud arguments and predictable jokes instead of clever writing. The story also feels unfocused, making it difficult to stay interested for the entire runtime. The cast does what they can with the material, but even their chemistry cannot save the film from its weak script and uneven pacing. There are a few small moments that work, but not enough to improve the overall experience. Overall, National Security is a forgettable and frustrating comedy that misses more than it hits. It had potential, but the execution just didn’t work for me. Big thumbs down from me, and I rate it a 2/10.

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tony P

@tonypuppy May 14, 2026

very funny movie with lots of comedy

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Pat C.

@slycoop3r Mar 30, 2026

One of the GOAT comedies. These reviews are whack af. Trust me this is a great watch

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Dennis Dugan

Director

Martin Lawrence

Earl Montgomery

Steve Zahn

Hank Rafferty

Colm Feore

Detective Frank McDuff

Bill Duke

Lieutenant Washington

Eric Roberts

Nash

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Synopsis

Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn), a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.

Director: Dennis Dugan
Producer: Bobby Newmyer, Jeffrey Silver, Michael Green
Screenwriter: David Ronn, Jay Scherick
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia, Outlaw Productions, Intermedia Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sensuality|Language|Violence)
Genre: Comedy, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.8M
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR

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