If one was looking for a good example of how great acting can carry a so-so script, 48 hrs would be a good choice.
Nick Nolte is perfectly cast as 'Jack Cates', a rumpled, gruff cop on the hunt for an escaped killer. He elicits the help of a smooth talking, jailed convict who is connected to the killer, 'Reggie Hammond', who again is perfectly played by Eddie Murphy. Over the next 48 hours, the two polar opposites not only fight their way to the killer, but fight each other as well, making for some very memorable scenes. Yet, by the end of the movie, the two learn to respect each other and become friends.
While the script isn't all that special, the movie is dominated by the performances of Nolte and Murhpy. The chemistry between the two is off the charts, and it's a pleasure watching these two banter back and forth between each other scene after scene.
48 Hrs is edgy, quickly paced and refreshingly politically incorrect. But most of all, it's fun. The plot of the movie may have Nolte and Murphy chasing Ganz, the escaped killer (played well by James Remar) and his accomplice, the real show is Nolte and Murphy. They alone are worth the price of admission and make this a must see comedy/thriller.
Nick Nolte is perfectly cast as 'Jack Cates', a rumpled, gruff cop on the hunt for an escaped killer. He elicits the help of a smooth talking, jailed convict who is connected to the killer, 'Reggie Hammond', who again is perfectly played by Eddie Murphy. Over the next 48 hours, the two polar opposites not only fight their way to the killer, but fight each other as well, making for some very memorable scenes. Yet, by the end of the movie, the two learn to respect each other and become friends.
While the script isn't all that special, the movie is dominated by the performances of Nolte and Murhpy. The chemistry between the two is off the charts, and it's a pleasure watching these two banter back and forth between each other scene after scene.
48 Hrs is edgy, quickly paced and refreshingly politically incorrect. But most of all, it's fun. The plot of the movie may have Nolte and Murphy chasing Ganz, the escaped killer (played well by James Remar) and his accomplice, the real show is Nolte and Murphy. They alone are worth the price of admission and make this a must see comedy/thriller.