Eddie Murphy’s Underappreciated Gem: Revisiting ‘The Golden Child’ (1986)

Key Takeaways:
– ‘The Golden Child’ is often overlooked in Eddie Murphy’s expansive film catalog.
– The film boasted a strong cast including Murphy, Victor Wong, James Hong, and Peter Kwong.
– Despite initial poor reviews, ‘The Golden Child’ was a sizeable box-office hit.
– Alterations to the movie’s original intent created a blend of comedy and fantasy.
– The film’s exploration of supernatural elements sets it apart from Murphy’s other works.

When talking about Eddie Murphy, one of the greatest comedic actors of all time, we often mention his blockbuster hits like ‘Trading Places,’ ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ ‘Harlem Nights,’ and ‘Dolomite is my Name.’ Murphy’s comedic genius shines brightly in these standalone films, and he also loyal fans in franchises like ‘Shrek,’ ‘Dr. Dolittle,’ ’48 Hours,’ and ‘The Nutty Professor.’ However, one film that tends to be overlooked in Eddie Murphy’s illustrious career is the 1986 fantasy-comedy, ‘The Golden Child.’

‘The Golden Child,’ released during the peak of Murphy’s stardom in the 80s, had a fascinating lineup of actors including stalwarts from the cult classic ‘Big Trouble in Little China.’ The film also tested the waters with Murphy’s foray into the world of fantasy, adding elements of supernatural and mysticism in the storyline. Despite lukewarm responses from critics, it went on to be a box-office success, earning a whopping 149 million on a budget of 25 million.

The plot follows Murphy as a special investigator specializing in finding missing children. He becomes entangled in a mystic underworld when he learns about ‘The Golden Child’s’ abduction, who he is destined to rescue. The film delves into the otherworldly, springing surprises and challenges at every corner, which makes for an entertaining watch.

The film surprisingly came out victorious against the competition at the box office. ‘The Golden Child’ was originally envisioned to follow a more serious tone but during production, it pivoted towards humor, featuring the iconic Eddie Murphy charm and laugh we all love. Notable performances from Charles Dance, the beautiful Charlotte Lewis, and Randall Tex Cobb further enriched the movie.

Interestingly, ‘The Golden Child’ includes a memorable dream sequence and 4th wall breaks, which fans look back fondly. The film merged multiple genres effortlessly, incorporating elements of horror and drama alongside fantasy. It delved into supernatural elements quite unlike any other Eddie Murphy films.

Over the years, ‘The Golden Child’ has entered the ‘guilty pleasure’ category of films for many, remembered for its eccentric plot and Murphy’s infectious charisma. Its fusion of comedy with supernatural elements has allowed it to stand out as a unique addition to Eddie Murphy’s repertoire. The curious blend of different genres, while frowned upon by some critics, truly adds an entertaining and refreshing angle to Murphy’s remarkable filmography.

It’s worth noting that despite the criticism it received, ‘The Golden Child’ was still the eighth biggest movie of the year it was released, and eventually made its money back. In retrospect, it feels like a film ahead of its time, mixing genres nonchalantly before it became a widespread trend.

In conclusion, ‘The Golden Child’ definitely holds its place as a quirky and fun part of Eddie Murphy’s film journey that shouldn’t be missed. If you haven’t indulged in this 80’s gem, give it a shot; you might find yourself appreciating it’s unpredicted blend of humor and fantasy. And for those who delight in nostalgia, it’s time to revisit this entertaining movie that is more than deserving of a renaissance in pop culture. Despite not basking in the limelight of an Oscar, ‘The Golden Child’ certainly shines with its unique charm and charismatic performances!