‘Another Stakeout’ By Hal Hinson Washington Post Staff Writer July 23, 1993

Director: John Badham Cast: Richard Dreyfuss; Emilio Estevez; Rosie O'Donnell; Madeleine Stowe; Cathy Moriarty; Dennis Farina; Marcia Strassman; John Rubinstein; Miguel Ferrer Children under 13 should be accompanied by a parent Compare prices for this movie Find local video stores More movie shopping Save money with NextCard Visa

First, sign up Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, stars of earlier film.

Check.

Next, figure out some way of shoehorning Madeleine Stowe into plot, even though she fills no discernible function, because she contributed greatly to popularity of first film and has since had an even bigger hit in "The Last of the Mohicans."

Check.

Have brainstorm about providing the boys with a female partner. Make her a funny, klutzy female district attorney. Pretend you didn't get idea from "Lethal Weapon 3." Attempt to sign another name star; settle for Rosie O'Donnell.

Check.

Sign oath in blood promising stars they will not have to bother creating characters and can just coast on old tricks.

Check.

Instruct screenwriter to conjure standard antagonistic male-female banter.

Check.

Get cuddly-wuddly doggie star to soften up audience and distract them from overused formulas and tired gags. Excessive drooling preferred.

Check.

Floss.

Check.

Obtain fancy car and trash it. (Preferred method: dunking in water via collapsing pier a la "Risky Business.")

Check.

Release film in summer when, you tell self, audience will pay price of admission just to sit in air-conditioned room.

Check.

Book in multiplex showing "Jurassic Park." Pray for spillover.

Double check.

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