Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
1990s action sequel has language, violence, some nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Another 48 Hrs.
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ANOTHER 48 HRS. reunites cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) with the formerly incarcerated Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), this time in pursuit of a drugs kingpin.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel came about eight years after the original movie established Murphy as a major box-office draw. Another 48 Hrs. is another chance to spend time with an iconic double-act forged in the 1980s. While it can't suppress the talents of Murphy, or that of Nolte as his gravel-voiced, misanthropic police escort, the movie also can't hide the fact that it tells a jumbled and rushed story. Possibly because 30 minutes of material was cut shortly before its release to keep a runtime down to just over 90 minutes, much of the pair's pursuit of an elusive drug lord known as "The Iceman" happens without that much discussion of this feared villain.
Released in 1990, Another 48 Hrs. does tone down the racism of its predecessor, but also runs light on new ideas, with its retread of Murphy's show-stopping shut-down of a bar from the original recycled here with diminishing returns. It's worth noting that Murphy also had two instalments of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise under his belt before deciding to return to the harder-edged 48 Hrs. series, and even co-wrote the story here. But despite its commercial success upon release, Another 48 Hrs. plays like its makers ran out of time with this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Another 48 Hrs.. What impact did it have? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the film portray sex and nudity? Was it sensitively handled? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex.
Talk about the relationship between Hammond and Cates. Why did they work together despite their differences? What did this tell us about them as people?
Discuss the lack of female representation. Was this surprising? How might the movie be different if it was made today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 8, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : February 16, 1999
- Cast : Eddie Murphy , Nick Nolte , Andrew Divoff
- Director : Walter Hill
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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