I wonder whose idea it was to pair up the unlikely combo of aging action star Steven Seagal and hip hop superstar DMX in an action film? And who could have guessed that they would put out an entertaining, not terribly good, but fun movie? I certainly wouldn't have. Of course, I am somewhat a fan of both of them. I always get a kick out of those old Seagal flicks from the late 80's and early 90's, and DMX is one of the few rappers that I make a point of tracking down new albums from. Anyway, they team up in this middling action film from the director of Romeo Must Die, Andrzej Bartkowiak.

The first thing to remember, as if you needed reminding, is not to watch this in a serious state of mind. This is a pretty far-fetched and goofy movie, but you could probably tell that by looking at the cast list, which also includes Tom Arnold and Anthony Anderson.

The movie opens with a lengthy segment featuring Seagal. It is that cliched section of film that introduces your hero by placing him a situation that has nothing to do with the rest of the movie, but establishes him as a good guy, but also as someone who stands up to authority. This gets him kicked out of his precinct and sent to the bad side of town. Here he has conflict with his fellow officers. who don't come across as the best of men, quite the opposite in fact, before teaming with the young cop out to make a difference. His work here leads him to suspect DMX as a drug dealer looking to make a big score. Of course nothing is as it seems here, and if you didn't see the flip coming, well, I don't know what to say.

The plot is strictly by the numbers, yet still retains a certain amount of pure fun. Seagal shows that an old dog can learn new tricks. This time, and for the first time in his career, he resorts to using wires to pull of some new stunts. DMX proves that he has the charisma to pull of a big screen role, he doesn't display much range, but he looks pretty comfortable and can give off an intimidating visage. The supporting cast adds a lot to the fun. Anthony Anderson, as TK, one off DMX's crew, is very funny, I have always enjoyed his supporting work. Also, Tom Arnold is gleefully goofy as an opinionated host of a morning talk show who also has a problem with rage control.