The Golden Child [1986] - Region 2 DVD

Murphy was at the height of his career, having enjoyed his first box-office crest when he attempted this more dramatic role. If his career survived the gamble, it certainly was not because of the lackluster script, mediocre production values, or leaden performance of costar Charlotte Lewis. Not that Murphy does much with his role, either. He mugs for the camera and his timing is off in both dramatic and comedic moments. Stick with his earlier triumphs, or explore his subsequent return to confident comedy turns in The Nutty Professor. -- Rochelle O'Gorman