I believe the "professional" critics who critiqued this film forget what it is like being a child growing up in 1982. When I watched this movie, as a child, it resonated with me because the little boy and myself were around the same age. I watched a film about a boy learning about friendship, a man learning about patience, and both of them learning about forgiveness and understanding. Critics seemed to have confused it with a comedy.

Thanks for this, when I saw it again, it made me feel like a kid again.

Despite this movie having controversy it is a fantastic classic comedy of a different time. Do not overlook the misjudgment of newer reviewers who do not understand the comedic genius of Jackie Gleason and Richard Pryor.

Classic childhood film that brings back happy memories. The WonderWheel scene is hysterical 🤣

Lots of great potential wasted. Pryor tries hard, but the material is defeating him at every turn. Gleason appears to be just picking up a check.

I watched this movie 30 years ago and remembered enjoying it. I saw it on a list of 100 worst movies of all time and thought this definitely does not deserve to be on that list.

Could've been good if it didn't totally suck

I love this movie. I first saw it as a kid in the 80s and it has always been one of my favorite Richard Pryor movies. People say the plot of a rich white kid buying a black man is outrageous and stupid, they obviously don't understand that is part of the joke. This movie has a lot of heart at its center and has two main messages. The importance of communication and the stupidity of racism. Anyone who doesn't get that isn't paying attention.

classic '80s comedy. and yes a bit sexual, but has a great message.

All the Richard Prior haters this one's for you laughed all the way through. Great movie

Despite the rating, I watched this as a kid and again as an adult. As a kid I could connect with Eric in wanting my parents attention when they are constantly working. You could have everything and still feel like nothing to anyone. I understood why he acted the way he did compound by being given anything to pacify him so that he doesn't need to be "dealt" with. Even as a kid I thought, "if I did that, said that, acted that way, my mom would have whooped my behind." But enjoyed all the crazy things that Eric put Jack through and felt sorry for both. I enjoyed how they learned to get along and care for one another, both modifing behavior to benefit the relationship. As an adult, the racial issues acknowledged in the movie we're more real. I felt uncomfortable that Eric would "buy" Jack and even think it's okay based of history and that his dad went along with it. Suprised even that Jack would, but when you can't get a job because of the colour of your skin, you work with what you can or so it would seem. However, I did so still enjoy the antics and more so how despite colour, once they got to know each other, listen, and learn from each other, share in each other's problems, they began to understand each other and care for one another. Once you take the time to understand someone, it's really hard not to like them, even if you don't like their current or past decisions and behaviors. I think without little steps like these in real life and showing it in film and print, then we would not have come as far as we have. Still not perfect but these are good steps forward. Overall, this is a comedic, heartwarming film and I still will watch it.

6 year old Chris thinks it is 5 stars. 43 year old Chris thinks it is 1 star. Therefore it is 3 stars.

I love this comedy because Richard Pryor makes me laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's good laughs from a couple of great comedians.

Dumb toy movie and an ok story.

One of the best films I've seen for Richard Prior.

An all time classic. F the critics!

A little too sweet and cliche, but there's some good gags in here.

I loved this when I was a kids

3/15/2016: Ok at best. There were a few funny moments, but not many.