Nostalgic pub conversation No291: "Remember Police Academy? The first one? Ah, that was great..."

Well it wasn't, actually. Unlike your Animal Houses or Cannonball Runs (sphincter-clenching racist moments aside), this '80s screwballer crumbles under 21st-century scrutiny. Despite its flimsy `equal opportunity' message - - positing that any loser can become a copper - - it still has racist moments, but far fewer laughs.

Steve Guttenberg apparently believes that comedy acting is all about flaring your nostrils, while quips like, "'You and the wife do it doggie-style or what?"' are the nearest the script gets to punchlines. Only George Gaynes' commandant retains any tickle-power, his podium blow-job scene being the sole smile-cracker. Hardly enough to warrant a purchase, though, is it?

DVD Extras:

Only a talking-head documentary and & commentary, but both prove entertaining. The insistence of the doc participants on recalling events that happened to their characters as if it happened to them is endearing. The group commentary, meanwhile, is so slapdash - - the director joins in late and one actor leaves early - - that it raises more laughs than the movie itself. Police Academy completists (don't laugh) should note that all seven movies are also available in a box set, priced £69.99...