Anyone remember "Midnight Run", the insanely funny Robert De Niro & Charles Grodin chase movie from 1988? This was the film that showed everyone De Niro could actually pull off a comedy. One of the many memorable characters in that film was the no-nonsense FBI agent chasing 'the Duke,' a witness on the run (Grodin) and the bounty hunter who had him (De Niro). The agent's name was Alonzo Mosely, and he was played by Yaphet Kotto.

It turns out Kotto plays another G-Man with no sense of humor named Alonzo Mosely in Lionsgate's recent dud "Witless Protection" starring Larry the Cable Guy. Clever in-joke, right? Well, Universal -- which like REEL TALK is part of NBC Universal -- has filed a lawsuit against Lionsgate claiming character theft, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Universal wants all copies of the "Witless Protection" DVD as well as all profits, which probably isn't much since the film tanked at the box office. According to THR's legal blogger, Lionsgate may claim fair use, since their movie is clearly a parody, whereas "Midnight Run" was a comedy -- and a MUCH BETTER MOVIE. Do yourself a favor and go rent it, it's a classic.