THE GOLDEN CHILD (1986)

title: THE GOLDEN CHILD

starring: Eddie Murphy rating: **

In 1986, it was time for superstar Eddie Murphy to fully establish himself after three big hits: 48 HRS. where he proved his worth as a substantial actor, TRADING PLACES as a cinematic funnyman, and BEVERLY HILLS COP as both at the same time. (We'll just forget about his strategic guest star turn in BEST DEFENSE). The world was poised to see him again: He was beloved.... He was "it." So for his next role he plays an "investigator" hired to find Tibet's GOLDEN CHILD: a bald boy with magical powers to make Pepsi cans dance and to bring back parrots to life. Eddie battles flying demons, talks smack to a (literal) dragon lady, wields a magic sword, and all the while tries maintaining the street-smart charm that made him so popular. This film is like hobo stew... if you get sick eating it, there are so many ingredients: what exactly is to blame? Either way, it wasn't a wise choice for Murphy... Although he'd make up for it in COMING TO AMERICA.