Comedy spotlight: Double Whammy

By JESSICA WETHINGTON

Publicly humiliated when his back goes out during a major bust, a down-on-his-luck detective finds his heart bent out of shape by a beautiful chiropractor in Myriad Pictures' comedy "Double Whammy," screening at the American Film Market.

Elizabeth Hurley stars as the doctor who puts Denis Leary's heart and spine back on track, helping the cop repair his public image and his own self-esteem.

Steve Buscemi co-stars as Leary's partner and best friend, along with Luis Guzman and Chris Noth.

Leary brings his cynical, sardonic humor to his first romantic leading role. Tom DiCillo ("Box of Moonlight," "Living in Oblivion") directed the film from his original screenplay.

Lions Gate acquired U.S. distribution rights during the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, where "Double Whammy" played in Competition.