Ted Demme directs Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Bernie Mac in this comedy period prison drama where two mismatched young black men are sent to the chain gang together for a crime they did not commit.

Soft and unfussy, this isn’t by any definition a great film but it does plenty right. Eddie back on slick motormouth hustler mode. Martin Lawrence’s least grating lead role. A solid support cast. Demme’s much missed flair for maximising the chemistry in ensemble performances. Rick Baker unmatchable ageing prosthetics. A fair amount of heart. Decent soundtrack. The kinda forgotten release that’ll never be anyone’s favourite movie but equally will entertain even the most hardened cynic.

6

Perfect Double Bill: Harlem Nights (1989)