When it comes to making movies out of TV shows, there are some serious duds. Wild Wild West, Inspector Gadget and The Honeymooners are prime examples. It may have been something in the water in the mid to late '90s in Hollywood that led some to believe they could be successful at churning out film versions of classic shows.

While some might argue the "classic" qualities of Comedy Central's mockumentary, Reno 911!, there's no doubt about the unique premise of the show. So when it came time to take a step up to the big screen, no one really saw a problem with moving an already hilarious concept to a theater near you.

With that said, the movie Reno 911! Miami has some truly hilarious moments, but they're still based in the context of a TV show. On TV, the program ends after 30 minutes, and the gags end up standing strong on their own.

I know, I know... it's a comedy, don't take it so seriously. But the fact is the Reno gang could have taken something comedically on par with three of their best episodes in the series, apply the same Miami story arc and come out with a movie much better than what's in theaters. Another reason the show isn't successful as a movie is of the fact that it is a movie. Not only was it necessary that there be a substantial plot line -- something that doesn't happen in the show too often -- but the comedians took for granted the fact that they could have nudity and swear.

The show is at it's best when the department is patrolling the streets, finding the odd characters that one might expect to find in Reno.

Characters such as Nick Swardson's recurring role as Terry, a gay, roller-blading prostitute, provided for hilarious moments mostly involving Terry's inability to create a believable alibi. The Reno officers actually run into Terry in Miami on multiple occasions in what seems to be an attempt to appease fans for the rest of the movie's shortcomings. The city of Reno is almost a character in the TV series, and while the Miami setting might set the movie apart from the series, it's not necessarily a good thing.

Add that on top of the fact that ads for the film have already ruined half of the movie.

The cast succeeds at this about every 20 minutes, and the movie is only worth watching for those moments alone. GRADE: C+

-- Reviewed by Jim DiGiuseppe