Eddie Murphy Movies

From stand-up comic to television star to Golden Globe winning actor, Eddie Murphy has made his mark in the entertainment world.

The range of talent this man has displayed on film is incredible: comedy, drama, impersonations, music.  How about  a short quiz ?

The Five by Five Eddie Murphy Test

Name 5 comedy superstars who have played in films with Eddie Murphy.

Name 5 Academy Award nominees who have played significant roles in movies with Eddie Murphy.(for a bonus, name 8)

Name 5 movies in which Eddie Murphy played dual or multiple roles.

Name 5 movies in which Eddie Murphy was arrested and/or spent time in jail.

Name 5 roles Eddie Murphy played in which he was in law enforcement .

Eddie Murphy has reprised roles played by such icons as Jerry Lewis, Bill Cosby and Rex Harrison.  When he is at his best, there are few,if any, today who can match him. Yes, he's had some flops; but even some of  his 'flops' would make other actors happy. Daddy Day Care grossed over $150 million.  Norbit was nominated for an Oscar for Makeup and Harlem Nights for Costume Design.

 Murphy's  forte is playing fast talking con men-types, but he plays other roles with equal aplomb. These are my Top Twenty Eddie Murphy Films  (not including his live comedy performances or any animated movies featuring his voice)

20. Imagine That   2009  E.M. plays a father whose daughter has magic powers which he (mis)uses

19. Beverly Hills Cop 3   1994  the worst installment of the trilogy despite Theresa Randle

18. Harlem Nights   1989  arguably the movie with the most comedy potential ever...it delivered to a point

17. Dr. Dolittle   1998  hey, I'm an animal lover

16. Vampire in Brooklyn   1995  E.M played multiple roles in this underrated comedy-horror movie

15. Bowfinger   1999  Eddie Murphy and Steve Martin...neither at their best, but good enough

14. Holy Man   1998  this one caught me off guard; see it when you get a chance

13. 48 Hours   1982  E.M made his first big screen appearance in this film...what a debut (one scene- -in a bar--is fantastic)

12. The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps   2000  no wonder E.M is the biggest comedy box office star in history

11. Beverly Hills Cop 2   1987  this was only his sixth movie, but E.M was already a polished veteran

Has any other actor played with Robin Givens, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Thandie Newton, Beyonce Knowles, Halle Berry, Janet Jackson, Lela Rochon, Charlotte Lewis and Victoria Dillard? (just a question)

10.The Golden Child   1986  good plot involving  fate and providence with action and laughs

 9. Beverly Hills Cop   1984  called the first "buddy cop movie"...this was E.M as a Detroit cop in California...good stuff

 8. The Nutty Professor   1996  E.M  was equal  to the task (or better than) that was set before him in remaking the Jerry Lewis

      classic    not only did he play a great Buddy Love, but  six other roles in addition...phenomenal work

 7. The Distinguished Gentleman   1992  good political comic satire

 6. Life   1999  such an underrated movie   E.M is very good and you won't believe the comedy stars who are in this film

 5. Trading Places   1983  E.M.'s second feature film; but his genius shows already   classic material

 4. Metro   1997  E.M as a hostage negotiator for the police...lots of action, very good backstory with Carmen Ejogo

 3. Dreamgirls   2006  this could have been number one save for the fact that it is not strictly an E.M vehicle...Murphy has a strong presence and his performance garnered many awards, but the ensemble cast  prevented this from being viewed as an "Eddie Murphy movie" per se (though it is a movie starring Eddie Murphy)  are you more confused now?

 2. Boomerang   1992  E.M. at his charming best...and Eartha Kitt's supporting role was priceless...this is the E.M movie which is probably the most stylized and features  E.M  with the confidence and swagger he often parodies...had he played the role a bit more pronounced, I think it would have been over the top,,,he was excellent

 1. Coming to America   1988  another multiple role extravaganza for E.M.(including the part of an older Jewish man)...this movie had humour, a love story, cultural wit, and even James Earl Jones...E.M plays the 'fish out of water' role as if he had invented it

   Coming to America had so many great scenes that I cannot list them...I think I'll watch it again

Axel Foley, Reggie Hammond, Billy Ray Valentine, Prince Akeem...Murphy has given us so many memorable characters and he has given us so much laughter that I see no reason not to call him a superstar.(and he just turned fifty three ...darn youngster)

So long for now.