Another remastered from the 4K Ultra HD version of an Eddie Murphy film from the 80s (1983). This time he is paired up with another film comedy legend in Canadian Dan Aykroyd. Plus it is directed by director John Landis, who worked with both Murphy (after) and Aykroyd (before), of The Blues Brothers and Spies Like Us fame. Should be plenty of comedy here, no? The answer to that question is “yes”. There are laughs to be found here even
This is another case of opposites making for laughs. Aykroyd plays a stuffy upper crust executive Louis Winthrope III who is put against down and out hustler Billy Ray (played by Eddie Murphy). In an attempt to get some entertainment in their life, two older millionaire commodities brokers who are brothers – Mortimer (played by Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (played by Ralph Bellamy) – make a bet. It comes about after an argument about whether it is environment or heredity which leads to success for a person. They decide to bet on that, swapping the places of a successful guy with one who has fallen on tough times.
Setting the bet up, Winthrope III is framed up by the brothers for a crime resulting in him losing his job, money, girlfriend and friends. They then put Billy Ray into Winthrope’s job. Soon in Ray and Winthrope figure out what is happening. How are they going to react? Let the game begin!
Everything is clicking here. Interesting story with a cool edge, solid acting by the two leads, deft directing, and plenty of laughs. I was really loving the partnership of Ameche and Murphy. Great chemistry between the two! A film which really confirmed that Eddie Murphy was a talented comedic actor. As a viewer you remain entertained and interested throughout. Kudos all around.
Special Features:
-Digital Copy
- Deleted Scenes
- Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places
- Dressing the Part
- The Trade in Trading Places
- Trading Stories
- Industry Promotional Piece
- Theatrical Trailer
