Directed by:
John LandisCinematography:
Robert PaynterComposer:
Elmer BernsteinCast:
Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, Jamie Lee Curtis, Paul Gleason, Frank Oz, Jim Belushi, Robert Curtis Brown (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
The fabulously wealthy but morally bankrupt Duke brothers make a one-dollar bet over heredity vs. environment. Curious as to what would happen if different lifestyles were reversed, they arrange for impoverished street hustler Billy Ray Valentine to be placed in the lap of luxury. Simultaneously, they strip wealthy Louis Winthorpe III of his identity and wealth. When Billy Ray figures out that the brothers intend send him back to his life of poverty once their experiment is complete, he seeks out Winthorpe, and together they plot their revenge on the Duke brothers. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (3)
An excellent "classic" comedy that represents everything we love about the 80s. Eddie Murphy is on his very best form here and Ackroyd is equally flawless as the filthy rich Louis Winthorpe III.
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A great classic from the days when Eddie Murphy oozed with charisma and his comic performances were as funny and successful as the quality of his films. And Trading Places has, in addition to its polished teeth, a brilliant and equally likeable Dan Aykroyd and a wonderful satirical plot that shows us mere mortals how vile and stupid people can pull million-dollar strings and gamble on someone else's fate. I wouldn't look for big ideas in it, but the smart and witty execution successfully creates a perfect illusion thereof, which everyone will be happy to repeatedly enjoy. 80%
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I should have seen this comedy earlier, but somehow it escaped me on television back then. I only got to it now, and I have to say that I simply didn't enjoy it much. True, Jamie Lee Curtis alone is enough for happiness, but still, for a two-hour film, it's quite little, mainly because there are too many silent moments.
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