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Trading Places (1983)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
11/03, 3/06
3/06:
Trading Places has its moments but is hard to believe.
Was there a successful black commodities broker back then? I don't think so given there was a lot of racism in Wall
Street during the 80's. Just because Eddie Murphy looks polished and handsome doesn't mean his character can speak the
language fluently and know exactly what's going on just like that.
Not a comedy, Trading Places seems to work well, thanks to the strength of fine acting from Dan Aykroyd and
Jamie Lee Curtis. It's not a strong performance by Eddie Murphy as he's much better in
Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America.
I got lost near the end when there was a blow-up during the stock market, and I wished I knew what was going on.
Although I know the filmmakers want to prove a point, the concept of an uneducated black male trading places
with a well-do white guy with many years of education and Wall Street experience and performing as well will never fly.
All in all, the premise of Trading Places is impossible.