Dragnet

This 1987 take on the classic radio and TV cop drama series that was created by and starred Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday is not a remake but rather a spoof co-written by Dan Aykroyd, who also stars as Friday's nephew (also named Joe Friday). Friday is a fastidious officer with a by-the-book approach to policing and Aykroyd plays the role with a clipped, rapid-fire delivery that channels and parodies Webb's patter and square attitude. Friday clashes with his new partner Streebek, a sloppy, freewheeling young detective played by Tom Hanks with a whimsical flair, as they take on a satanic cult (called "P.A.G.A.N."). The movie has fun with Friday as a 1950s-style cop in the permissive world of 1980s Los Angeles (he goes undercover as a punk rocker) but also presents him as a dedicated and tough officer who can hold his own in a car chase or a fight. It only falters in the over-the-top climax of explosions and car wrecks that are jarringly out of place and neither exciting nor funny. Harry Morgan reprises his role as Gannon (Friday's partner in the 1960s version of the series), who is now Friday's exasperated commanding officer, and Christopher Plummer and Dabney Coleman costar in hammy performances. Debuting on Blu-ray, extras include audio commentary with pop culture historian Russell Dyball, an interview with costar Alexandra Paul, and an archival promo featurette. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)