Showtime (2002)

In the pulsating heart of Los Angeles, hardened LAPD Detective Mitch Preston, a man who has dedicated twenty-eight years of his life to upholding the law, finds himself thrown into a world of glitz and glamour he never asked for. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Mitch despises the sensationalized portrayal of police work in the media, preferring the stark reality of his job's often mundane nature. However, his world is turned upside down when he is unwittingly filmed destroying a Maxxis Television camera while working an undercover case that goes awry due to unwanted media interference. Enter Chase Renzi, a shrewd and ambitious Maxxis producer who spots an opportunity in Mitch's predicament. Faced with the threat of a multi-million dollar lawsuit from Maxxis for the camera incident, the LAPD is forced to allow Renzi to create a reality show revolving around Mitch's day-to-day work. Renzi's vision of a glamorized police force, however, clashes with Mitch's steadfast dedication to reality, tension sparking at every turn. Adding fuel to the fire, Renzi chooses Trey Sellars, an overzealous beat cop and aspiring actor, as Mitch's on-screen partner. Trey, who was directly responsible for the camera debacle during Mitch's undercover operation, sees this as a golden ticket to stardom and eagerly embraces his role, often playing to the camera more than to the job at hand. As the cameras roll, Mitch and Trey are tasked with solving the case that started it all: tracking the source of a custom-built assault weapon used by the criminals in the botched undercover operation. Amid the glares of the spotlight, their partnership is tested, and the lines between reality and television blur. The duo must navigate through the chaos of Chase's constant interference, aiming for that perfect television-worthy shot, and resolve the case at hand. Showtime is a thrilling journey that explores the clash between the sensationalized world of entertainment and the gritty reality of police work. It poses a critical question: will the cameras prove to be an asset or a hindrance to solving the case and revealing the true essence of law enforcement? The answer unfolds in this rollercoaster of a story, filled with danger, drama, and unexpected camaraderie.

Showtime is an action movie featuring Robert De Niro and directed by Tom Dey.

It is possible to buy Showtime on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.