48 Hrs (1982) – Encore Review

“You said bullshit and experience is all it takes, right? Come on in and experience some of my bullshit.” – Reggie

Number of Times Seen – at least 10 times (Video, DVD, 6 Aug 2013 and 4 Mar 2020)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis – A detective gets a prisoner released for 48 hours in order t help him catch a wanted cold blooded killer who escaped from prison.

My Take on it – I have loved watching this movie ever since I first saw it on cable in the mid-80’s.

This is not your typical buddy-buddy cop movie and they find ways to keep it fun along the way.

Te two main characters have amazing chemistry together and that is what helps make this work especially given the fact that they are meant to hate each other since each of them is aware of ow much they need each other, things begin to come together as they slowly begin to learn to trust one another.

Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy are both superbly cast in these roles and they constantly work off one another which is what helps make this story so much fun to watch unfold.

They manage to set up the mystery of the story really well and that helps make the viewer understand the motivations of the various characters along the way.

The story is paced really well and there are no scenes in the movie that feel as if they drag along or need to be trimmed.

The contrast between the personalities of the two leads is quite large yet they find ways to bridge the gap between the wise-cracking convict and tough as nails detective trying to catch his prey.

This film is the one that made Eddie Murphy a legitimate star yet, he has squandered his star status over the past 38 years by making far too many films in the “silly comedy” genre.

This, has not endeared him to fans who want to see him play characters more like Reggie Hammond in this film or Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984) instead of another “Klump”.

This is such a fun film to watch as the story unfolds.

Bottom Line – Really fun buddy-buddy cop film that works so well because of the great chemistry that these characters have with one another. The fact that they truly hate one another, yet both realize how much they need each other helps make this so enjoyable to watch unfold. Nolte and Murphy are both perfectly cast n these roles and are able to work off one another the entire time. The mystery of the story is set up really well and that allows us to understand the motivation of all of the characters involved. The pacing is done perfectly and there are never any lulls in the story as things move along. Love the way that they allow Murphy’s character to be a wise-cracking con because it helps enhance the story so much do his style which is such a contrast to Nolte’s. This is the film that helped make Murphy a star and it’s too bad that he didn’t make more films like this over the past 40 years instead of aiming at the “stupid comedy” genre where he has remained for decades without finding a way to redeem his name and reputation for making fun action films like this one and Beverly Hills Cop (1984). Regardless, this movie is so much fun to watch. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – According to ‘Allmovie’, the movie “greatly bolstered the career of Nick Nolte and made comedian Eddie Murphy a bonafide box-office sensation”. Murphy’s debut in this movie, like Lauren Bacall’s in To Have and Have Not (1944), is considered one of the most sensational debuts in screen history. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (8/10) (no change from original review)