Downtown (1990)
A fish-out-of-water cop comedy set in Philadelphia's meanest streets, starring Anthony Edwards and Forest Whitaker.
Downtown - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Richard Benjamin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 12, 1990 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Downtown - Plot
Officer Alex Kearney patrols an upscale neighborhood in Philadelphia, where he pulls over a well-connected white collar executive who promises to get even with the policeman. Soon, Kearney learns that he is off the cushy suburban beat and must now work in the deadliest precinct in Philly, where he is partnered with tough veteran cop Dennis Curran. Tensions are high between them, but Kearney soon proves he can play just as rough as the crooks.
Downtown - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits on the streets of Philadelphia:
When you pound this beat, it pounds you back.
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Downtown - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Benjamin
Main Cast
- Anthony Edwards
- Forest Whitaker
- Penelope Ann Miller
- Joe Pantoliano
- David Clennon
- Art Evans
- Rick Aiello
- Wanda De Jesus
- Roger Aaron Brown
- Ron Canada
Writers
- Nat Mauldin
Producers
- Charles H. Maguire
Downtown - FAQs
What is Downtown (1990) about?
Downtown follows Officer Alex Kearney, a by-the-book cop from a quiet Philadelphia suburb who gets reassigned to the city's most dangerous precinct after crossing a powerful executive. Paired with gruff veteran Dennis Curran, he has to adapt fast — and prove he's tougher than he looks.
Is Downtown (1990) worth watching?
If you enjoy classic late-80s/early-90s buddy cop comedies, Downtown delivers solid entertainment. The chemistry between Anthony Edwards and Forest Whitaker is genuinely fun, and the film balances action with laughs in a way that fans of the genre tend to appreciate. It's a lightweight but enjoyable ride.
Where can you stream or rent Downtown (1990)?
You can rent or buy Downtown on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you'd rather not spend anything, it's also available for free on Hoopla — great if you have a library card that includes the service.
Did Anthony Edwards and Forest Whitaker have good chemistry?
Absolutely — their odd-couple dynamic is the heart of the film. Edwards plays the fish-out-of-water suburban cop with an earnest charm, while Whitaker brings intensity and warmth to his street-hardened veteran. Their back-and-forth is what makes Downtown more than just a routine action comedy.
Who are the main actors in Downtown?
The film stars Anthony Edwards as the idealistic Officer Kearney and Forest Whitaker as his tough partner Dennis Curran. The supporting cast includes Penelope Ann Miller, Joe Pantoliano, David Clennon, Art Evans, and Rick Aiello, all adding color to the gritty Philadelphia setting.
Who composed the music for Downtown (1990)?
The score was composed by Alan Silvestri, who was riding high at the time after his iconic work on Back to the Future and Predator. His music for Downtown brings the right mix of tension and playfulness to match the film's action-comedy tone.
What movies are similar to Downtown (1990)?
Fans of Downtown tend to enjoy other buddy cop comedies like Ride Along (2014) and The Enforcer (2022). For more action-heavy picks, Debt Collectors (2020) and Lights Out (2024) scratch a similar itch. All share that mix of street-level action and comedic banter that defines the genre.
What is the age rating for Downtown (1990)?
Downtown is rated R, reflecting its mix of strong language, violence, and adult humor. It's firmly aimed at mature audiences, so probably not one for younger viewers — but perfectly in line with the gritty, no-holds-barred tone of buddy cop films from that era.
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