48 Hrs. (1982)

Succeeded by: Another 48 Hrs. (1990)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Inspector Jack Cates	Nick Nolte
Reggie Hammond	Eddie Murphy
Albert Ganz	James Remar	½
Luther	David Patrick Kelly
Billy Bear	Sonny Landham
Inspector Ben Kehoe	Brion James	½
Elaine Marhsall	Annette O'Toole	-
Captain Haden	Frank McRae	-
Rosalie	Kerry Sherman	-
Detective Algren	Jonathan Banks	-
Casey	Margot Rose	-
Sally	Denise Crosby	-

Review

The first part of this semi-classic action yarn from 1982 is a contrivance of characterological conflicts and archaic set-pieces meant to lay the foundation for an ostensibly modern interracial partnership between hard-nosed cop Nick Nolte and smooth-talking convict Eddie Murphy. Nolte overdoes his tough-guy persona and is initially outplayed and outshone by Murphy and his own hair, respectively, but the film slowly finds its footing and attains the effect director Walter Hill intended. Murphy's slick, smiling Reggie Hammond is almost as irresistible as his Axel Foley was two years later. He is a natural in front of the camera and saves numerous otherwise awkward scenes. The crime plot which our two buddies find themselves in the middle of is so-so, but Hill manages to give it some kind of Dirty Harry / French Connection-esque edge.