`MONEY TALKS' NOT VERY RICH IN QUALITY.

Byline: David Hunter Hollywood Reporter

Not the most original of ideas - a streetwise African-American guy teams up with a strait-laced white guy in an action-comedy - ``Money Talks'' could be more aptly titled ``Chris Tuckers Us Out.'' Starring stand-up comedian Chris Tucker, who played flamboyant media personality Ruby Rhod in the futuristic ``The Fifth Element,'' this film is overblown and derivative.

Co-starring a subdued Charlie Sheen, ``Money Talks'' is slick and violent, loud and instantly forgettable. Tucker's motormouth character grows tiresome after half an hour, but the talented funnyman can't be faulted for trying to carry a film with such a ludicrous plot.

The debut of filmmaker Brett Ratner - an NYU graduate and music video director - ``Money Talks'' lurches from shootouts to shticks with primarily one-note characters and lackluster humor. One expected more from the writing duo of Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, who received Oscar nominations for their work on ``Toy Story.''

Arrested in a sting operation filmed by a TV crew, ticket scalper and car-wash owner Franklin (Tucker) is set up by ambitious L.A. newsman James (Sheen). After the expected and unfunny jokes about big, gay prisoners, Franklin is almost killed with many others when commandos destroy a transport bus to free a ruthless French diamond smuggler (Gerard Ismael).

While Franklin leaps from a helicopter to escape his new captors and becomes a most-wanted fugitive, James is fired from his job and needs a break. When two cops in a diner start blasting away at the jailbird, Franklin seeks help from the well-heeled TV-news star wannabe.

It's more of the same as engaged James brings Franklin to the rehearsal dinner in the mansion of his future father-in-law (Paul Sorvino). Pissed off but so full of mischief he accomplishes some good from time to time, Franklin on a lark passes himself off as Vic Damone Jr. The party does not go down in flames, but the improbable story hinges on a deal wherein James hides Franklin until Monday, the start of sweeps week.

An unreliable mate with a long track record, Franklin tries to calm his significant other (Elise Neal), but both the law and the high-powered smugglers are hot on the heroes' trail. With the rapid delivery of good/bad jokes and serviceable thrills, climaxing in a preposterous firefight in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ``Money Talks'' at least moves at a brisk pace.

With Heather Locklear as James' bride-to-be, the supporting cast comfortably weathers Hurricane Tucker. The film would have benefited from more comic input from Sheen.

THE FACTS

The film: ``Money Talks'' (R; graphic violence and pervasive strong language).

The stars: Charlie Sheen, Chris Tucker, Paul Sorvino, Heather Locklear, Gerard Ismael, Elise Neal.

Behind the scenes: Directed by Brett Ratner. Written by Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow. Released by New Line Cinema.

Running time: One hour, 35 minutes.

Playing: Citywide.

Our rating: Two Stars.