Who is the Audience for This Movie?

Eddie Murphy fans.

What I Liked About This Movie

If you made a list of the top actors who at one time owned cinema screens with consistent box office/critical success then began a path to mediocrity you would definitely see Eddie Murphy near the top of the list. I personally never felt it was his doing that lead down the critical panning path but rather the over saturation of his persona. But I still found this movie made during his descent to mediocrity a solid addition to his filmography.

When you choose to make a movie satirizing something it is a big undertaking. If your movie comes off looking petty by throwing obvious jabs the entire purpose of the movie could be lost. I was surprised how well the political satire was handled in this movie because it never feels over-bearing. If you connect the dots of the jokes you find them funnier but if you do not they are funny regardless.

As usual Murphy plays his usual fast talking manipulative persona. I for one always like to see him on screen because he knows how to carry a scene and always has you watching him even if others are on screen.

What Didn’t Work For Me

Being a film created in 1992 really dampers much of its impact. In the early 90’s movies still carried some of the ugly traits of 80’s cinema. Everything in this movie happens way too “conveniently” dampening the believability of the plot. Even if you are not one to care about true realism (like myself) there are a few scenes that are eye roll worthy. The other 80’s movie trait that rears its head is the sentimental character motivation switch that is set off by a woman. This plot line has been used so many times that even when this movie was made it had already become tired.

Should You Watch This Movie?

I had some good laughs. It could be worth a watch depending on how you feel about Eddie Murphy’s comedy style.

My Rating (Out of 13)