The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)

"The Distinguished Gentleman" (1992) is a political comedy starring Eddie Murphy. Buena Vista Pictures Distribution (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) is responsible for releasing the movie, which is the first film Murphey did not make with Paramount Pictures. Jonathan Lynn directed the movie, and Marty Kaplan and Jonathan Reynolds wrote the screenplay. The film also features Sherly Lee Ralph, Charles Dutton, Victoria Rowell, Chi McBride, and Sonny Jim Gaines.

By 1992, Eddie Murphy was a massive movie star. He starred in two films released that year, one of which included "Boomerang." During this period, it seemed like there wasn't much Murphy couldn't do, and "The Distinguished Gentlemen" was another testament to how he attempted to expand himself. Murphy plays a con man who used his tricks to run for Congress of the same name as a senator that just past. And for most cons, the main goal is getting money. Unfortunately, the film mainly received negative reviews and is one of the primary Eddie Murphy movies that people hardly mention, especially considering he was in the prime of his career. 

Sheryl Lee Ralph was well into her career by 1992, appearing in over 20 movies and TV shows. Her acting career in film started in the 1977 movie "A Piece of the Action" with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. Afterward, she starred in the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow," the TV show "It's a Living," and the underrated movie "The Mighty Quinn" (1989) with Denzel Washington. She also starred in the classic film by Charles Burnett, "To Sleep with Anger" (1990). In addition, Charles S. Dutton established his film career in 1985 and appeared in several movies and TV shows. He earned a significant role in "Alien 3," which helped further his filmmaking profession after "The Distinguished Gentleman."

Other supporting cast members in Victoria Rowell and Chi McBride, which this movie marked as breakthrough moments for them both. Rockwell started acting in 1986 in the film "Leonard Part 6." "The Distinguished Gentleman" was McBride's first theatrical film. Sonny Jim Gaines began performing in 1972, appearing in many black-themed TV movies such as "Just an Old Sweet Song" (1976), "I Know What they Caged Bird Sings" (1978), and "The Sophisticated Gents" (1981).

"The Distinguished Gentleman" was not a box office flop. However, it's a film worth noting, and it displays Murphy differently than people are used to seeing him.

Director: Jonathan Lynn

Writers: Marty Kaplan (story), Jonathan Reynolds (story)

Starring Eddie Murphy, Lane Smith, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Joe Don Baker, Victoria Rowell, Grant Shaud, Kevin McCarthy, Charles S. Dutton, Victor Rivers, Chi McBride, Sonny Jim Gaines, Noble Willingham, Frances Foster, Della Reese, James Garner

Storyline

In the conniving world of politics, even a professional shyster like Thomas Jefferson Johnson (Eddie Murphy) can find himself outmatched. After using name recognition to get elected, Johnson enjoyed many of the same financial perks as other politicians. However, while investigating the connection between electric companies and cancer in young children, he unexpectedly develops a conscience. Unfortunately, fellow Congressman Dick Dodge (Lane Smith) isn't about to let him rock the boat.

Another 48 Hrs. (1990)

 

Starring:

• Eddie Murphy
• Nick Nolte
• Brion James

IMDB.com
For the past four years, San Francisco cop Jack Cates has been after an unidentified drug kingpin who calls himself the "Ice Man". At the Hunter's Point Raceway, Jack confronts Tyrone Burroughs and Arthur Brock. Jack kills Brock in self defense, but Burroughs escapes, and Jack is in danger of going to prison because Brock's gun can't be found. Jack finds a picture that proves that the Ice Man has put a price on the head of Reggie Hammond, who is scheduled to be released from prison on the next day. Jack tries to convince Reggie to help him clear his name and find the Ice Man, but Reggie says he won't help unless Jack gives Reggie the $500,000 that Jack has been holding on to for Reggie. Jack refuses to give Reggie the money unless Reggie helps him. After the bus that is transporting Reggie away from the prison is forced to crash by two bikers and Jack gets shot by the same two bikers, Jack forces Reggie to help him by having the hospital release Reggie into his custody. Reggie ...

Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)

Starring:

• Eddie Murphy
• Jon Tenney
• Joey Travolta

IMDB.com
I think "Beverly Hills cop III" was an extremely regrettable turning point in the nice career of one of the most talented and funniest black comedians Hollywood has ever seen - Mr. Eddie Murphy. Before it he used to be funny or at least much funnier. He appeared in the rather enjoyable flicks like "48 Hrs.", "Coming to America", "Another 48 Hrs.", "The Distinguished gentleman", "Boomerang" and of course "Beverly Hills cop I & II" - two beloved movies that will always be his very best works.

Then someone decided to add part three in the so far terrific "Beverly Hills cop" saga. This time Axel Foley was on the mission of revenge and the comedy was unfortunately replaced by action. Who forgot that most of the glamor behind these movies came directly from the humor? Even though John Landis - the man behind hit comedies like "The Blues Brothers" and "Three Amigos!" - sat in the director's chair the end result just wasn't that funny anymore or at least it was funny very rarely and that's a bad thing if we compare part three to its absolutely hilarious precursors. ...and as it happened, after "Beverly Hills cop III" Eddie Murphy got roles from the movies like "Vampire in Brooklyn" (with only couple of excellent scenes), "Metro" (that apparently wasn't supposed to be funny in the first place), "Doctor Dolittle" (cute little film for kiddies who love furry animals that talk), "Holy man" (interesting but more confusing than amusing) and "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (definitely one of his worst movies, waste of his undisputed talents and a model example of a comedy that doesn't make you laugh).

Lately I saw "Life" and surprisingly it was pretty brilliant and alongside with fairly good "Bowfinger" it's the only completely clear exception in this course. What I'm saying is, "Beverly Hills cop III" started it all. Was it all just a coincidence or was it meant to be that Eddie Murphy's best years were in the 80's and early 90's? I can't tell. This is just the way I see things.