Murder at 1600

Late in the evening, the body of a young woman is discovered in a lavatory in the White House. When D.C. homicide detective Harlan Regis (Wesley Snipes) arrives to investigate, he finds that the Secret Service has already confiscated all the evidence. It is clear that he has been called in to the investigation just for appearances' sake. In reality, the Secret Service plans to do whatever it takes to deflect suspicion from members of the First Family, and to offer any remotely plausible scapegoat so that the case may be speedily resolved. A suspect is arrested on the flimsiest evidence and the investigative portion of the case is declared to be closed.

Detective Regis refuses to be set aside, however, and he continues his investigation of the case, hampered only slightly by the fact that he is being tailed, wiretapped, and overheard by sophisticated electronic surveillance. Regis finds an ally in Secret Service Agent Nina Chance (Diane Lane), who at first impedes his investigation, but finally realizes that there is injustice in framing an innocent man. In the course of their efforts to solve the murder, there are several fist fights, shootouts, and chase sequences.

The movie is fast-paced and suspenseful enough to hold your interest from beginning to end, but I can’t give it a high recommendation because by the second half of the film, the plot had become hopelessly complex, convoluted, and lacking in credibility. I found that the more I reflected on this movie, the more awkward and unbelievable it became.

The film contains a brief but explicit sex scene in the opening minutes of the movie, and two scenes that include female nudity. I noticed only one use of profanity. The intensity and violence in the movie (as well as the sex scene) make it unsuitable for children and young teenagers.