Much of the film’s appeal stems from the sizzling energy and sharp dialogue, a lot of which was improvised on the spot by Murphy.

| Nov 20, 2023

This lickety-split action comedy is distinguished by the wry, character-conscious direction of Martin Brest, who coaxes a silver-bullet performance from star Eddie Murphy that's practically criminal in its accuracy.

| Dec 5, 2016

| Original Score: B | May 12, 2011

Murphy exudes the kind of cheeky, cocky charm that has been missing from the screen since Cagney was a pup, snarling his way out of the ghetto.

| Jun 6, 2009

It's one of the few star comedies of the early 80s to allot some humor and personality to the minor characters.

| Aug 7, 2007

Expectations that Eddie Murphy's street brand of rebelliousness would devastate staid and glittery Beverly Hills are not entirely met in a film that grows increasingly dramatic.

| Aug 7, 2007

The connecting stuff is just bagatelle.

| Feb 9, 2006

Eddie Murphy looks like the latest victim of the Star Magic Syndrome, in which it is assumed that a movie will be a hit simply because it stars an enormously talented person.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 23, 2004

Mr. Murphy knows exactly what he's doing, and he wins at every turn.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 20, 2003