A hit action movie is airing on TV tonight

While a big hit upon release, the action comedy has been a little forgotten.

The film centres around Hollywood star Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox) who is seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and land a role as a tough cop on a new show.

As such, he works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix (Delroy Lindo), who by chance is one of his fans, to be paired with detective Lt. John Moss (James Woods) and learn how to act like a real cop.

"But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John's pursuit of a serial killer (Stephen Lang)," the plot synopsis reads.

Directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, Stakeout) and co-written by Lem Dobbs (The Limey), The Hard Way's cast also includes Annabella Sciorra, Christina Ricci, LL Cool J, Luis Guzmán, Penny Marshall and Yasiin Bey.

Upon release, the movie nearly tripled its budget at the box office and received positive reviews from critics.

In particular, its high-concept premise and the chalk-and-cheese chemistry of Fox and Woods were singled out for praise.

While slightly forgotten over time - it is not available to stream currently - The Hard Way is airing on TV tonight on the channel Legend at 12.55am.

It is also available to rent on Apple TV, Google Play and the Sky Store.