Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this film too bawdy for children under 17 as it has explicit female nudity, coarse language, and visualizations/discussions of hard-core drugs (including PCP, cocaine, Quaaludes). Besides profanity, there are racist remarks targeting blacks. The mature content depicts stereotypes of social classes and different races. Avarice drives many of the characters, yet the film does a good job showing the ill effects of greed.
Families who see this movie could discuss the overall message of the film: nature versus nurture. What does this film say about the role of money on social behavior? Are people who are born with money more or less likely to commit crimes? How about poor people?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Alex Orner
Eighties icons Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy pair up in this clever, raunchy comedy. TRADING PLACES tells the story of two greedy brothers [aptly named Duke (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy)] who wager on whether environment or heredity defines a man. The pawns in their game are a smart-mouthed street hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) and an affluent investment executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd). The bet entails taking Winthorpe's power and money and giving it to Billy Ray to see if whether nature or nurture will take over. When both Valentine and Winthorpe get wind of the brothers' scheme, they join forces to turn the tables on the Dukes.
Set as more of a dark comedy Trading Places insightfully raises some issues about socio-economics and class structure in America. Both Aykroyd and Murphy put on stellar performances, in addition to cameos offered by Al Franken and Jim Belushi. Although the movie depicts many stereotypical views of money, it could offer good topics of debate for parents and kids.
Adults might find the film entertaining, but it's definitely not appropriate for younger children. Other successful films starring Eddie Murphy include Coming to America (1988), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and the more family-friendly Dr. Dolittle (1998). Families who enjoy Dan Aykroyd can also find him in Blues Brothers (1980), Ghostbusters (1984), and My Girl (1991).
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSeveral scenes of topless women; one of the main characters is a prostitute. |
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LanguagePacked with profanity. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorShowing no remorse for their actions, two characters drastically alter the lives of two complete strangers for their own personal amusement. Many characters are greedy and selfish and indulge in drugs and alcohol. The film also elevates prostitution as an acceptable means of earning a living. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoReferences and visualizations of several drugs; binge drinking. |
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