Strangest Movie Duos: Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, And More (PHOTOS)

This weekend, "Safe House" -- starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds -- opens in theaters. This may seem strange for those familiar with each star. After all, Washington, an Oscar winner, has been in films such as "Training Day," "Malcolm X" and "Glory," whereas People's Choice Award-winner Reynolds has starred in "The Green Lantern," "Van Wilder" and "Blade: Trinity."

Obviously, "Safe House" is not the first movie to tinker with the "opposites attract" method. Putting two random actors together in front of a camera is a quick way to guarantee either big box office numbers ("Rush Hour") or one giant flop of a film ("Hollywood Homicide").

In honor of the Ryan-Denzel connection, Moviefone presents the Strangest Movie Duos in action films.*

*We included action-comedy in there, because no one does "strange movie duo" like an action-comedy.

PHOTOS:

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• James Belushi and Jerry Lee in "K-9"

  This movie is about a goofy cop, played by James Belushi, taking down an international drug dealer with the help of his dog. Really, the voiceover for the "K-9" trailer says it all: "This is Mike Dooley and his new partner -- meet, Officer Lewis [camera pans to German Shepherd]. He's a lover. He's a rebel. He's amazing. He's a hit in high society. But when he goes undercover, he has his own way of making a collar. They're the two toughest cops in town -- one's just a little smarter than the other."

• Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman in "Double Team"

  Yes, five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman was once in an action movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mickey Rourke and Dennis Rodman's hair. Thanks to this strange 1997 film, where Van Damme and Rodman look to take down a terrorist, Dennis can add three-time Razzie award winner (Worst Actor, Worst New Star and Worst Screen Couple) to his list of achievements. Critics weren't the only ones unimpressed: "Double Team" made a paltry $11 million at the box office.

• Eugene Levy and Samuel L. Jackson in "The Man"

  Remember when Eugene Levy first played the awkward/semi-hilarious "Jim's Dad" in "American Pie"? The folks behind this movie sure do. Hoping to bank on that trademark Levy goofiness -- an idea that, looking back, seemed halfway decent -- "The Man" totally bombed at the box office, with only $13 million in ticket sales. Proof positive that that no amount of Samuel L. Jackson F-bombs can save a film.

• Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith in "Independence Day"

  Although this movie was ultimately about Bill Pullman's 1996 presidential run (or an alien invasion, depending on who you're asking), "Independence Day" featured one of the strangest duos in movie history: Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith. At the end of the film, the two travel in a UFO to infect the alien mothership with a computer virus. "Forget the fat lady, you're obsessed with the fat lady." You tell 'em, Jeff.

• Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan in "Cop Out"

  Kevin Smith is probably having second thoughts about directing this movie (or maybe not), which follows two mismatched police officers who've been together for nine years. Instead of "The Other Guys," viewers were treated to the movie equivalent of John McClane's worst nightmare. Despite critics's best efforts, the movie still grossed a surprisingly decent $55 million.

• Jimmy Fallon and Queen Latifah in "Taxi"

  Jimmy Fallon was still an "SNL" castmember when he decided to star in this movie alongside rapper-turned-actress Queen Latifah. Even more improbable was the fact that Fallon played a New York City cop looking to stop a group of bank robbers (one of whom was played by Gisele Bundchen -- seriously) with a feisty cab driver (Latifah). Also, the taxi Queen Latifah drives is custom-built and doubles as a race car! Despite the outrageous story (and critical drubbing) the film ended up grossing $68 million.

• Leon and Mathilda in "Leon: The Professional"

  A movie that features a deadly assassin teaming with a teenage girl sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. However, "Leon" (better known in the U.S. as "The Professional") was anything but: starring a 12-year-old Natalie Portman, the film follows Leon (Jean Reno), a hitman who stumbles upon his neighbor Mathilda (Portman) after her parents and siblings are murdered by ruthless criminals. With the help of Leon, she tries to avenge her family's deaths while learning Leon's mysterious ways. The chemistry between Reno and Portman makes this duo one of the best in movie history.

• Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in "Rush Hour"

  Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker -- two actors at the height of their career starring together in a buddy cop film. They struck a comedic chord by teasing racial stereotypes and lost-in-translation cultural references. (It was like "Silver Streak" all over again!) After grossing more than $240 million worldwide, the two went on to make the very successful "Rush Hours 2 and 3."

• Josh Hartnett and Harrison Ford in "Hollywood Homicide"

  Josh Hartnett: "You want me to be in a movie with Indiana Jones?! Awesome!" Harrison Ford: You want me to be in a movie with the guy who played the drug dealer in 'The Faculty'? I will do it, but only if Master P has a supporting role."

• Edward Furlong and Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day"

  Despite the oft-criticized performance of Edward Furlong as future-savior John Connor (oh, James Cameron, did we really need a scene of Ed teaching the Terminator how to "speak cool"?), "Terminator 2" was so good it really didn't matter -- especially once John's mom, Sarah (Linda Hamilton) showed up to kick some ass. Final verdict: Awful duo. Awesome movie

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