Harlem Nights

a relatively decent movie, that adds some really good humor to an otherwise dramatic, but light hearted movie. i was surpised to find this--even though i had never even heard of it. it blends caper, comedy, drama, and romance very well and never bores.

Actually not bad, but no wonder Eddie hasn't directed much since

More of an old school comedy with a cast of comic legends The story should've been Better written and the length of the story causes it to drag

It's kind of fun to be a fly on the wall when Murphy, Pryor, and Foxx are all in a room together. Unfortunately, it cares so desperately about being cool that it forgets to be that funny. Feels like a lost opportunity.

Shaggy, disorganised tip of the hat to vintage gangster films kinda sorta works, thanks to a terrific cast elevating some amusing vignettes to near comedy gold (an entire sitcom could be built around Reese and Foxx’s banter). Murphy's more at home directing his castmates to comic effect than distinguishing himself as a visual stylist; might be one of Pryor’s best 80s efforts, though the clear signs of MS starting to bite hamper things. Great fun, and a creditable effort for Murphy on all fronts.

B+

1918+lmaofightsbigbitch-losessotrashcansher-nowigottacutchalol-shootspinkytoe+pryorbadacting+toomuchofadrama

Of all films, this reminds me of Caddyshack: it should do a lot more with such a strong cast, but those who should take the project seriously obviously didn't. Also like Caddyshack, long stretches of the film don't even seem to have comedy. One has trouble even finding where Eddie Murphy wanted us to laugh.

Filmed entirely on sound stages and back lots, Murphy's maligned directorial debut is less a realistic evocation of a bygone era than a throwback to the gangster films of old Hollywood. The plot is a typical turf battle with a strong racial element, and the entire project seems like an excuse for Murphy to shoot-the-s*%t with black comedy legends like Pryor and Foxx, who both turn in solid performances. The profanity laced dialogue is funny and Arsenio Hall's cameo is hilariously over the top.

What happened in this movie, besides Eddie Murphy getting beat up by a lady?

A lot of swearing but not much else, especially considering some pretty decent comedic talent.

So now Murphy's a director and scriptwriter too, in a not very atmospheric conjuration of an after-hours gambling and prostitution house of the 1930s. The direction is plain and pedestrian, not at all flashy, but that fits in with the period. The script (ahead of which we always seem to be one step) would be several pounds lighter, and with no loss of wit, if it shook out all the "f" words. The tone, in both departments, is maddeningly fickle

I guess it tries to be hip.

well shot but flat

ok

Not even Richard Pryor could save this. And Richard Pryor saved See No Evil, Hear No Evil with Gene Wilder's assistance.

???WTF

Passes the time.