IN the spoof buddy cop movie Showtime, two Los Angeles police officers are thrust into the public eye when they agree to take part in a tabloid-style reality show.

Detective Mitch Preston (Robert De Niro) is a no-nonsense veteran, a man of few words and little patience.

During a covert drug operation, Mitch's cover is blown by hot-headed patrol officer Trey Sellars (Eddie Murphy), a frustrated actor with more attitude than sense.

Mitch is so annoyed by the rookie's actions that he lashes out, destroying a television news crew camera in the process.

When the news station threatens to sue the LAPD, the Chief of Police agrees to partner Mitch and Trey, and allow cameras to track their every move, 24-hours-a-day.

For Mitch, life in the eye of the camera is a living hell. For Trey, it's his dream come true, and he doesn't miss a single chance to play to his adoring public.

And the result? The pair suddenly find themselves the stars of the biggest hit reality show in television history.

Also opening this week is double Oscar-winner Jodie Foster's new movie, Panic Room.

Foster's has her first big screen role for three years in David Fincher's explosive follow-up to Fight Club.

She's divorced mother Meg Altman, who lives in her swanky New York mansion with her young daughter Sarah (Stewart).

The brownstone is well protected and has a hidden sanctuary - the panic room - where the residents can hide in the event of intruders.

When three petty criminals break in, searching for a hidden fortune, Meg and Sarah seek refuge in the panic room.

Unfortunately, what the invaders want (a small fortune in bearer bonds) is concealed within their sanctuary.

Mother and daughter are forced to play a life-or-death game of cat and mouse with the burglars to escape the mansion alive.