Con man Eddie Dash (Richard Pryor) is on parole requiring 100 hours of community service. He's assigned to drive recently released mental patient George (Gene Wilder). George is a neurotic pathological liar and would rather stay in the clinic. He's mistaken for brewery tycoon Abe Fielding by everyone including Abe's wife Elaine (Mercedes Ruehl).
It's the last time that the great comedic pairing Pryor and Wilder appear on the big screen. The most compelling scene turns out to be the last one with Pryor and Wilder holding a sign that says "partners forever". I don't know if the guys knew at the time that this would be their last film together. They are older and a half step slower. They still have plenty of chemistry and comedic flair. The bigger problem lies in the construction of the comedy. The movie initially sets up Pryor as a lying con man and Wilder as unwilling to lie. That should be the connection all the way to the end. Pryor would lie, cheat, and steal to get his money. Wilder, on the other hand, would be the clueless innocent bumbling his way to the riches while only telling the truth. I do like the twist but there should be more it. It's still nice to see the guys but this is not good.
It's the last time that the great comedic pairing Pryor and Wilder appear on the big screen. The most compelling scene turns out to be the last one with Pryor and Wilder holding a sign that says "partners forever". I don't know if the guys knew at the time that this would be their last film together. They are older and a half step slower. They still have plenty of chemistry and comedic flair. The bigger problem lies in the construction of the comedy. The movie initially sets up Pryor as a lying con man and Wilder as unwilling to lie. That should be the connection all the way to the end. Pryor would lie, cheat, and steal to get his money. Wilder, on the other hand, would be the clueless innocent bumbling his way to the riches while only telling the truth. I do like the twist but there should be more it. It's still nice to see the guys but this is not good.