FILM REVIEW: Trading Places

[diebitter]

This is a pretty much perfect Christmas film for older teens and adults who want a laugh at a great comedy that a tiny bit more intelligent and well-constructed than the majority of comedies.


Here, my friends, is a slice of fried Christmas fun turned to DVD...

The story is a 'prince and the pauper' type swap, but here instead of lookalikes we get the snooty Dan Ackroyd being replaced with the streetwise Eddie Murphy, brought on by a $1 bet between two greedy old rich guys betting whether breeding or environment makes or breaks the man.

Environment wins out here, with Murphy taking to his new job and lifestyle like a Crimsoner to butter (or maybe not?), whilst Ackroyd quickly becomes part of the dregs of society. What could be sadder than seeing a Santa try and blow his brains out and being out of bullets [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

The writing here is sharp as lemon juice, the leads (the two above joined by Jamie Lee Curtis and Denholm Elliott) are really on their game (as is every supporting actor here), and this is all tied together with a great script and direction.


Oh, and there's a reveal of, IMHO, one of the finest pair of breasts ever seen in cinema (there are only one finer pair IMO, but that's irrelevant).

Ho ho ho!

OVERALL: 3.5/5
REWATCHABILITY: Yearly, at Christmas!
Adults and older teens - topless shot and swearing.


RATINGS (out of 5):
0 - This is a complete waste of time, and you will regret wasting it
1 - don't bother unless no other options at all
2 - okay for a single watch, if you've got time
3 - Definite watch if you get a chance
4 - See it very soon, at least once before you die
5 - See it immediately, no excuses


Opinions/comments/arguments please, especially if you think I missed anything worth of discussion/expansion, or violently agree or disagree.

PM me any films you'd like reviewed

RECENT REVIEWS: Witchfinder General, A Christmas Story