48 HRS1982
48 HRS (1982)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Marking an auspicious feature film debut for Eddie Murphy, 48 Hrs. is a briskly paced action comedy that succeeds largely due to the outstanding chemistry between its two leads.
48 HRS Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Jack Cates
as Reggie Hammond
as Elaine
as Haden
as Ganz
as Luther
as Billy Bear
as Kehoe
as Rosalie
as Algren
as Vanzant
as Frizzy
as Lisa
as Casey
as Sally
as Candy
as Young Cop
as Thin Cop
as Big Cop
as Old Cop
as Detective
as Plainclothesman
as Ruth
as Policewoman
as Bob
as Cowboy Bartender
as Cop
as Cop
as Parking Attendant
as Road Gang Guard
as Road Gang Guard
as Road Gang Guard
as Prison Guard
as Prison Guard
as Prison Guard
as Duty Sergeant
as Hooker
as Indian Hooker
as Hooker
as Henry
as Leroy
as Vroman's Dancer
as Vroman's Dancer
as Torchy's Patron
as Torchy's Patron
as Torchy's Patron
as Gas Station Attendant
as Security Guard
as Cop with Gun
as Bar Girl
as Bar Girl
as Bartender
as Interrogator
as Gang Member
as Cowgirl Dancer
News & Interviews for 48 HRS
Critic Reviews for 48 HRS
All Critics (39) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (3) | DVD (5)
Neither jokes nor fast, flashy action can completely distract audiences from the failure to establish an authentic, rather than a purely conventional connection between Nolte and Murphy.
All in all, a superior genre piece, if not the height of Hill's artistry.
A down-the-line thriller, plain, fast and efficient.
The movie's story is nothing to write home about. It's pretty routine. What makes the movie special is how it's made. Nolte and Murphy are good, and their dialogue is good, too -- quirky and funny.
[It] is more memorable for its characters than for its high style, more a series of energetic scenes than a collection of handsome imagery. It has life, ferocity and humor in place of icy, stylized elegance, and that seems more than a fair trade.
...a rather disappointing buddy comedy.
Audience Reviews for 48 HRS
This is yet another formulaic action film from the overblown eighties, complete with naked broads, gunplay, and a maniacal killer. Much like other eighties films there's a deadline before everything blows up in the protagonist's face and someone dies. This is the first Eddie Murphy vehicle, made during his time on SNL and led to his impressive film career. Here a hostage situation leads to a craggy policeman going on a vendetta with the unneeded deaths of two police officers, and springing a convict from his cell for 48 hours to help catch the guys responsible. While Cates (Nick Nolte) is an irresponsible, violent, and corrugated kind of cop, he does abide by some rules. Though he continually tries to apprehend the criminals and get information he needs through illegal means he always comes close before being foiled by other policemen who don't know he's a cop. After finding out that a convicted criminal may hold the key to finding the place where money for a hostage will be exchanged, he springs Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy). The rest of the film is the two playing off one another while being shot at and running after bad guys in elaborate car chases throughout the city. Though there's a lot of great dialogue and social commentary in this film, Nolte and Murphy are not an appropiate pairing. Both are loose cannons, and though Reggie is more talk than anything, he still engages in dangerous situations and exhibits little to no fear. Cates also shows no fear, and bumbles through every encounter with a crook like a godlike entity that can ricochet bullets and kill off everyone in his way. They aren't tortured heroes and aren't especially interesting except for their feats of daring. I don't see any real character development besides Nolte being grumpy and Murphy being a smart ass. If there was more balance, or at least some backstory for Reggie this would feel like a much more comprehensive film. The action isn't very engaging and very little of this doesn't drag. Except for being a platform for Murphy's off the wall humor at times this has very little appeal.
Super Reviewer
I feel REALLY late to the party on this one. Good, but nothing spectacular. To be fair this movie has been copied, parodied, and ripped-off so much it's hard for it so seem as fresh as I'm sure it was when it came out.
Super Reviewer
A great action comedy film about a partnership between a cop and a convict as they try to bring down a cop killer. The combination between Murphy and Nolte is fantastic! The plot is solid and the action is in full supply. A film with lots of action, laughs, and great acting make this film engaging and an enjoyment to watch.
Super Reviewer
48 HRS Quotes
| Reggie Hammond: | there's a new sheriff in town and his name is reggie hammond y'all be cool right on |
| Reggie Hammond: | There's a new sheriff in town and his name is reggie hammond y'all be cool right on. |
| Reggie Hammond: | i'm sorry about the doorman.did that hurt?it looked real painful when you slammed into it. |
| Reggie Hammond: | I'm sorry about the doorman. Did that hurt? It looked real painful when you slammed into it. |
| Reggie Hammond: | I'm sorry about the door, man. Did that hurt? It looked real painful when you slammed into it. |
| Reggie Hammond: | I'm your worst fucking nightmare, man! A nigger with a badge. |