National Security is a 2003 American buddy cop action comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan, and starring Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn.

The film was released on January 17, 2003, received negative reviews from critics, and grossed over $54 million worldwide at the box office.

Frustrated that Detective Frank McDuff won't allow Hank to aid in the investigation of Charlie's death, he sees Earl trying to get into his car after locking his keys inside.

The van contains seemingly ordinary beer kegs; however at a foundry they discover they are actually made of an atomic aerospace alloy worth millions.

Hank and Earl rescue Washington, but accidentally start yet another gunfight with Nash's gang; the trio manage to apprehend or kill most of the thugs, including McDuff.

Hank is shot, but survives and kills Nash by catapulting him into the ocean with a crane's lifting hook, finally avenging Charlie's death.

The site's critics consensus reads: "The action in National Security is mindless, while the humor says nothing insightful about racial issues.

[3] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on scale of A+ to F.[4] Joe Leydon of Variety wrote that "Despite some tasty contributions from Lawrence and Zahn, too much of National Security has the bland flavor of microwaved leftovers.

"[6] Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribune wrote was critical of the script but said the actors save the film, and concludes "I wouldn't race out to see "National Security," but it does give you exactly what you'd expect: yocks, explosions and funny brawling buddies rolling all over those over-used L.A.

"[9] John Monaghan of the Detroit Free Press highlighted what he saw as an "off-putting" racial subtext that made him unable to enjoy the movie.