Much like the modern day version of its setting, "Pluto Nash" is a sparkling but cold and lifeless chunk of rock which is best left forgotten. Warners has spent a fortune on the sci-fi comedy/actioneer but where the money has gone is anybody's guess.
Sure there's some nice establishing shots of Moon city complexes, but the sets and design feel very cobbled together whilst attempts at elaborate action including a chase scene through a barren rocky region have little to no life to them. Part of this can be blamed on the shabby directing and writing job, but even more can be put on what is arguably the worst cut and paste editing job since the ending of "Snake Eyes". Dialogue is mismatched, whole sequences are gone but referenced too nonetheless, whilst other elements seem completely out of left field and never tie in with the story in any real capacity.
Murphy himself has his usual cockiness but even he can't generate any laughs out of the flat script, and his character seems to be included more to move the plot along than actually crack any jokes. His chemistry with female lead Rosario Dawson is practically nil, not only does she feel like an actress who deserves to be in a movie several levels of class above this but her whole back story and devotion to him is not explained properly and feels forced beyond words.
Randy Quaid has a great look and voice in this, but is stuck with an utterly uninteresting character whose the brunt of unfunny 'old model' gags. Joe Pantoliano, James Rebhorn, Illeana Douglas, Pam Grier, Luis Guzman, John Cleese, Jay Mohr and Peter Boyle all struggle their way through lifeless and very ordinary supporting roles - even the Alec Baldwin cameo is a let down.
Sight gags and references such as a Hilary Clinton/currency one feel dated very already (though the horny slot machine one I kinda liked). There's a big buildup twist in regards to the identity of a mysterious underworld figure named Rex Crater, though the solution ends in an action scene that has been done so many times one wonders why they bothered. Considering how much money, time and talent went into this its truly a remarkable achievement in regards to how such a piece of drivel could result. Not worth it, even for Murphy fans.
