Eddie Murphy plays Scott Roper, a fast-talking, wise-cracking hostage negotiator for the San Francisco Police Department. Roper is known for his unconventional methods and quick thinking, which often get him into trouble with his superiors.
The film opens with Roper successfully negotiating the release of a hostage from a deranged gunman. However, during the negotiation, Roper’s partner is killed, leading him to question his abilities and effectiveness as a negotiator.
Meanwhile, Roper’s girlfriend, Veronica (played by Carmen Ejogo), grows increasingly frustrated with his commitment to his job at the expense of their relationship. She urges Roper to consider leaving the police force and starting a family with her.
In the midst of these personal and professional challenges, Roper is assigned to negotiate with a notorious jewel thief named Michael Korda (played by Michael Wincott), who has kidnapped a diamond expert and is planning a high-stakes heist.
As Roper delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Korda is a former protégé who has a personal vendetta against him. Determined to stop Korda and save the hostages, Roper embarks on a dangerous game of cat and mouse through the streets of San Francisco.
In the climax of the film, Roper confronts Korda in a final showdown aboard a cable car, where a tense standoff ensues. With the help of his wits and resourcefulness, Roper manages to outsmart Korda and save the hostages, including Veronica, who has been kidnapped by Korda as leverage.
In the end, Roper reconciles with Veronica and decides to leave the police force to pursue a quieter life with her. He realizes that there are more important things in life than his career and vows to prioritize his relationships and personal happiness moving forward.
“Metro” is praised for Eddie Murphy’s charismatic performance, as well as its thrilling action sequences and comedic moments. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it remains a popular entry in Murphy’s filmography for its entertaining blend of action and humor.