Trading Places
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Trading Places is a classic comedy in every sense of the word. They just do not make adult comedies like this anymore. Nowadays rated R comedies tend to be immature gross out fests, like "Harold and Kumar", or "American Pie". These are funny and a good time to watch, but they are not adult comedies by any means. They are teen movies. An adult comedy should have drug references, gratuitous nudity, and cursing. Wow, I guess they do have a lot in common. I guess the only difference is that in an adult comedy all this is done by adults. Well, all that is here in this movie.
Trading Places is about a bet made between two rich waspy brothers. What would happen if you strip a rich Winthorpe (Akroyd) of all his riches, friends and home. Would he resort to a life of crime? On the other side of the coin, take a poor black street con man named Valentine (Murphy), give him the house, clothes, and riches, and see if he will change to live the life of a harworking socialite.
This movie brings two comic legends to the screen. Dan Akroyd and Eddie Murphy shine together in this film. The premise is genius, and the situational comedy could not be better. This is also topped off by many cameos, and a great supporting role by Jamie Lee Curtis. One reason this movie is still so popular, besides the obvious comic chemistry, is one little scene of Jamie Lee Curtis topless. Many thought that Phoebe Cates was the epidome of topless starlettes in the 80s. I'm here to tell all you Bums that she is nothing compaired to Jamie Lee. (I shouldn't say 'nothing', because that scene is still a classic.)
What makes a great comedy is obvious. Comedy makes a great comedy. This movie is full of it.
Overall this movie will, and should be in everyone's collections. Hell, if you don't buy it you can watch it on PBS every other weekend. Now that is how you know it is a classic.
4.5 cans out of 5

Added:  Saturday, April 09, 2005
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