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Harlem Nights (1989)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 3

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77

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 32,871

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Movie Info

Eddie Murphy, in addition to starring as Quick, the son of 1930s Harlem gambling-house proprietor Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor), also wrote and directed the film. The plotline details the combined efforts of Quick and Sugar Ray to prevent white gangster Bugsy Calhoune (Michael Lerner) from muscling in on their operation. The supporting players include Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello and Jasmine Guy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

R, 1 hr. 58 min.

Action & Adventure, Comedy

Eddie Murphy

Jan 29, 2002

Paramount Home Video

Cast

All Critics (17) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (11) | DVD (8)

Does it matter to Eddie Murphy whether Harlem Nights is good or bad? It doesn't look like it.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Washington Post | Comment
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Once there was Freddy. Once there was Chuckie and Jason and Howard the Duck. Now there is the scariest of them all. Now there is Harlem Nights.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Washington Post | Comment
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

An uninspired cross between Cotton Club and the characters of Damon Runyon, told in cliches so broad you keep waiting for it to poke fun at itself, but it never does.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | Comments (2)
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Not as bad as you might think, but not all that good either.

February 12, 2004 Comment
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Though it's not easy to watch, Harlem Nights is gorgeous to look at.

July 30, 2002 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | Comment
Apollo Guide

Ugly, pushy and over-the-top, but there's still a bunch of laughs to be found.

July 26, 2002 Comment
eFilmCritic.com

There's maybe two funny moments in this shrill directorial bomb from Eddie Murphy.

July 25, 2002 Comment
Matinee Magazine

It's narcissistic, misogynistic and extremely mean-spirited.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | Comment
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Harlem Nights

This movie, directed by Eddie Murphy, was boring, unfunny, and forgettable.

September 6, 2010
ajv2688

Super Reviewer

Very funny and very well put together by Murphy. He could have been a little more generous to his fellow cast though as he pretty much gives himself the best lines.

September 30, 2009
SirPant

Super Reviewer

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Latest News for Harlem Nights

December 12, 2005:
Richard Pryor Passes Away at 65
Richard Pryor passed away yesterday morning, and while he's probably best remembered for his...

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