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Not rated. () |
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(24820) |
4532 |
34533 |
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(10700) |
1954 |
14888 |
Male |
(14120) |
2578 |
19645 |
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Plot: A hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down a killer.
Meet Other Fans
Recent Reviews
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MCT:September 18, 2008"This sucks! A maniac gets ahold of my gun and runs all over the streets killin' people with it. So, instead of bein' where I oughta be, home in bed with my gal givin' her the high hard one, I'm out here doin' THIS shit: roamin' around the streets with an overdressed, charcoal-colored loser like you."
At first glance, 48 Hrs. probably appears somewhat outdated, relatively clichéd and more than a little familiar. However, when this film was originally released in 1982 it was an innovative proposition.
48 Hrs. fundamentally gave birth to two distinct genres that reigned supreme at the box office during the 1980s: the violent action comedy and the buddy cop genre. Walter Hill has crafted a slam-bang, highly entertaining romp that begat dozens of rip-offs, imitators and knock-offs...even if you don't count the sequel it also spawned. The buddy cop formula is still being used in contemporary Hollywood, such as in the Lethal Weapon franchise and the recent Rush Hour movies. The violent action comedy variety went on to produce the Beverly Hills Cop flicks (also starring Eddie Murphy). None have ever been more original, but some have been capable of equalling the mother that birthed them. 48 Hrs. is so influential because it's very enjoyable, effectively written, it moves at a swift pace and its main highlights include Eddie Murphy's witty trademark dialogue.
Director Hill is also recognised for directing The Warriors. Similar to that film, Hill's depiction of the grimy city streets at night is uncompromising. 48 Hrs. is probably the most violent comedy in cinematic history. It's filled with terrific gun battles, brutal bare-knuckle beatings, and it's topped off with Hill's proverbial signature.
Hard-nosed police officer Jack Cates (Nolte) is assigned to aid in the capture of two wanted fugitives. When the behaviour of these fugitives begins to accommodate cop killing, Jack grows desperate for these men to receive the justice they deserve. The trail runs cold, and it rapidly becomes clear that the only way to find these men is to recruit extra help. Enter cool, wisecracking Reggie Hammond (Murphy) who's serving a 3-year prison sentence for armed robbery. His prison sentence concludes in 6 months. Jack Cates is able to get Reggie released for 48 hours. For these 48 hours, Reggie is assigned to Jack in order to assist him in tracking down and apprehending the cop killers. The problem is that the two hate each other and have their own agenda. Jack wants to catch the culprits, whereas Reggie yearns for sex and the sweet taste of no-strings-attached freedom.
48 Hrs. encompasses a pretty uncomplicated creature for its plot. But when it comes to this genre, are you really searching for a complex and intricate narrative? The killers-on-the-lam plot is very clichéd, and it's been endlessly exercised. Even Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry features a conventional plot, yet it's a masterpiece of the action genre as it's utterly involving and badass. Dirty Harry aimed to introduce the world to an extremely badass character and his somewhat twisted moral system, and it succeeded. 48 Hrs. aims to supply some frenetic action scenes (of which there is plenty) with a satisfying dosage of drama and comedy to boot.
The film is additionally given a terrific soundtrack. Jazzy 80s tracks and dramatic music will dominate one's ears throughout. There are countless memorable scenes to witness in this classic flick. There's one scene in particular which has been praised to the skies and incessantly made out as absolutely impeccable. This mentioned scene is Eddie Murphy's Reggie entering a redneck bar. It's not quite as masterful as the boasting and accolades suggest, but it's memorable and witty. Another memorable scene includes a car chase with the cop killers being pursued by the protagonist. There's something irresistible about a bus and a busted-up Cadillac pursuing it. The final showdown is admirably unsentimental as Nolte's Jack isn't ready to negotiate: he's tired, annoyed and grumpy. He pulls out his gun and fires it without a second though. No time for chit-chat or sweet moments...he wants to put the case to bed. And I don't think I'm spoiling much (especially with the sequel featuring Murphy and Nolte) by saying that this objective is completed.
The volatile chemistry between Nolte and Murphy always lights up the screen with impeccable comedy in addition to suitable dramatic tension. Nolte is very credible as a cop who's been on the force for several years, is having lady trouble, and can't be bothered dealing with the antics of those around him.
Eddie Murphy is beguilingly charismatic as the other half of the black-white odd couple cop duo. This marked Murphy's first major performance in a movie. His introductory scene is particularly memorable: he's singing 'Roxanne' in a high-pitched voice while relaxing in his gaol cell.
The rest of the cast do what they need to do: there are the customary cops who forever screw up the plans of the good guys, the bad guys who are there to get killed and the love interests for the two respective protagonists. All are standard for the genre.
If one watches 48 Hrs. in this day and age, the film probably appears painfully predictable and clichéd, not to mention outdated. Like I said before, respect the film for its age. It was an original offering upon its initial release, and it you're not familiar with its endless impersonators it will still seem very refreshing. It's an awesome flick that supplies entertainment and fun aplenty. Not much in the way of a meaty plot, but it was made to supply laughs and action. It delivers in a very satisfying way! -
MCT:August 28, 2008
One a Murphy's better movies. I loved the chemistry between him and Nolte and the fun script,that has enough humor to carry the OK story.
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MCT:July 22, 2008wow i have just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think this is a great action/comedy movie...i think that both nick nolte n eddie murphy are great as the title roles of the movie characters throughout the movie...i think that the director of this Action & Adventure, Comedy movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie...the gun shoot = outs n the fight scenes throguhout the movie are really kewl throughout the movie...this has got a good cast of actors/actressess throguhout the movie..
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MCT:May 18, 2008
Nick Nolte is Jack Cates, a worn-out cop who gets Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) out of prison for 48 hours to try to catch Reggie's old partner.
It's the classic misfit partners action/adventure story with a good dose of humor thrown in (it is Eddie Murphy, after all).
And actually, both actors do really well, and are very convincing in the roles. I completely buy Nolte's character as a cop who's seen it all and isn't very happy about it. And Murphy is classic Eddie Murphy--the Eddie Murphy from SNL, not the sanitized Eddie Murphy who makes children's movies. You know, the one whose standup routine broke records for the most frequent use of the word "fuck."
It's just that they seemed to be in two different movies--Nick Nolte in a serious action/adventure, and Eddie Murphy in a comedy. There wasn't any chemistry between them. And that might be just me, because I just read a bunch of reviews on the IMDB that said otherwise. I know I liked it enough back in 1982 to buy the video. -
MCT:April 20, 2008
Not a stretch for Nick Nolte by any means was this early buddy cop comedy co-starring Eddie Murphy long before kids determined his film roles (he actually had a co-star besides himself in this one!) Right up there with the original Lethal Weapon as the best of the genre.
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MCT:March 30, 2008
good buddy cop movie. Can't believe this was Eddie Murphy's debut film! Also James Remar was phenomenal!
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MCT:March 11, 2008The only redeeming element is Eddie Murphy's potential. Other than that, it borders on the absurd. Nick Nolte is mostly comical - but not intentionally. The story isn't anything unique and the action is subpar and the gunshots sound ridiculous. Ugh.
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MCT:February 25, 2008This is one of the classics from the 80's and Nolte is great together with Murphy, who could make people laugh back then...
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MCT:February 10, 2008A awsomely entertaing action film thats powerful and wickedly funny. It proves action flicks can be serious and humorous all at the same time. A guilty pleasure in every way. Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphey are fantastic. A head-bashing, barrels blazing tounge in cheek thriller. It's a totally fun rollar coaster ride.
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MCT:January 27, 2008
Ah... Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. Funny, action story. They mix well together like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon flicks! Just a little raunchier.
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MCT:December 22, 2007
Eddie's best movie, although 'Trading places' is probably a better film, so I'm wrong but damn honest about it. Most notable for Eddie's version of 'Roxanne' on his walkman, but not surprised his career died in the arse in the end
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MCT:September 28, 2007
This was the flick where I first saw Eddie Murphy and I liked what he did. A great foil for Nolte and a thrilling car to finish on. Saw this again and again when it came out. "Rozanne" is a great song too so that was reason enough.
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MCT:September 16, 2007I saw this a few years ago. I found it entertaining, but certainly not as great as most people say. I guess not quite my genre. Though I do like Nolte.
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MCT:August 26, 2007
Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte had great chemistry, but the best is seeing that guy from Warriors back on screen.
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MCT:August 22, 2007I only vaguely remember this but I seem to recall it being quite good, would have to watch it again before rating it though
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MCT:August 7, 2007
older movie about a criminal and a cop teaming up. it was an ok movie, but not one i would see again.
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MCT:July 31, 2007
Defiantly an action classic in my opinion, the narrative was good and the cast chosen well. Eddie Murphy really kicked off his carrier with a good performance as the role of 'Reggie Hammond'.
The thing I loved most about this film is the way they managed to have a good balance between comedy and action, the comedy is brilliant and the action simple but effective. Overall a really entertaining film that's a must see for any one that likes a 'buddy thriller'. -
MCT:July 18, 2007
Yeah it's a bit cliched and predictable, and it's probably the loudest movie I've ever seen, but it's Walter Hill doing what he does best, and Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy spar perfectly.
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MCT:June 29, 2007
A hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down a killer.
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MCT:June 26, 2007
A very young Eddie Murphy at the start of his acting career shines as the crook pulled out of jail to help the cop (Nolte) track down some baddies. This film is very violent and profanity abounds, but the chemisty between the two leads is undeniable.
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MCT:June 18, 2007
On an older movie kick at the moment and watching a lot of older stuff that I haven't seen before or simply can't remember. This fell into that category.
Had seen bits and pieces of this before but the majority of it was quite a refreshing experience. Nick Nolte actually looking like a human being who hadn't been dragged through a hedge backwards and Eddie Murphy in his younger days, fresh faced, vibrant and witty...with the trademark "trust me" laugh which appeared in the Beverly Hills Cop movies.
Murphy is the convict who Nolte releases in order to apprehend an escaped convict by the name of Ganz who was earlier freed by his accomplice...errr, Big Bear. Revolves around money and Reggie Hammond (Murphy) and Ganz's desire to get their mucky paws upon it.
Enjoyable enough to just kick back and watch to be honest. Better than the appalling buddy cop movies we see now a days which seem to be two a penny. -
MCT:June 4, 2007
Eddie's onscreen breakout role, this buddycop (or crook) action comedy wasn't Lethal Weapon, but the next best thing.
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