Harlem Nights

Name: Harlem Nights
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Crime
Released: November 17, 1989
Duration: 116 min
Rating: 16
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor

1989

METASCORE

Overwhelming dislike based on 14 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 61 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 61 Ratings

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Harlem Nights

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Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: November 17, 1989 | R

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor

Summary: He's Quick with a quip, Quick with a gun. And Quick with a scheme to keep mobsters from muscling in on the 1930's Harlem hot spot, Club Sugar Ray. (Paramount Pictures)

Director: Eddie Murphy

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 116 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Harlem Nights isn't the embarrassing vanity production it might have been, there's still not a lot to be said for it. Read full review

Jay Carr

The best thing about the film is the way it allows Richard Pryor to rise above the demeaning buffoon roles he's been playing for the last few years and finally play a character with dignity and style. [17 Nov 1989, p.89]

Roger Ebert

People may go to see Eddie Murphy once, twice, three or even six times in disposable movies like Harlem Nights, but if he wants to realize his potential he needs to work with a better writer and director than himself. Read full review

Empire Staff (Not Credited)

Self-serving, storyless tripe. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

This blatantly excessive directorial debut for Eddie Murphy is overdone, too rarely funny and, worst of all, boring. Read full review

Desson Howe

Unfortunately, entertainer-for-life Murphy, directing for the first time, seems to have spent his energies on topping the bill rather than on the bill itself. Read full review

Chris Dafoe

As it stands, Murphy has put his idols and friends in front of a camera, given them a watered down version of The Sting and hoped they'd make the best of it. They don't. [23 Nov 1989, p.C12]

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User Reviews

Ozy

Dec 16, 2014

Why oh why oh why is this movie rated so low by the 'experts' ?? I understand that a number of people wont like this movie, like people who watch gone with the wind for 10,000th time on Saturday night. People like my mother who wont find the movie all that amusing because there were no realWhy oh why oh why is this movie rated so low by the 'experts' ?? I understand that a number of people wont like this movie, like people who watch gone with the wind for 10,000th time on Saturday night. People like my mother who wont find the movie all that amusing because there were no real romantic scenes. Or people like my 5th grade teacher who hated cursing. Yeah fair enough they may hate it - but their views are not the be all and end all view of this movie. I have watched this movie several times and enjoyed it thoroughly. I laughed all the way thru. I loved the chemistry between the characters i thought the movie was brilliant. Sorry experts, you are Wrong.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

AngelE.

Nov 30, 2008

Easily one of Eddie Murphy' best movies. Every character and scene in this movie is memorable. You will remember ( you shot my pinky toe and stop shooting that little piece of s##t ) quotes for years to come. If you have seen this film then you know what I am talking about.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

WarrenC.

Jan 1, 2008

This is one of my all time favorite movies.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

DreH

Jun 25, 2009

Ok.. i decided to stroll the bottom movies out of random bored to see what was there. Then i saw Harlem Nights. I think i must be missing something, or they all watched a boot-legged version of this movie. This movies is definitely one of the better movies ever made, with a stellar cast. I Ok.. i decided to stroll the bottom movies out of random bored to see what was there. Then i saw Harlem Nights. I think i must be missing something, or they all watched a boot-legged version of this movie. This movies is definitely one of the better movies ever made, with a stellar cast. I think this comedy is more cultural based and appeal to a specific crowd. That does not make this a bad movie, but just a movie not for everyone. But bottom 200, by no means… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

kingq22

Feb 25, 2020

This film may have been panned by critics, but I believe those critics lacked any relatability to the film. The legendary comics a part of this film were hilarious throughout, the setting and cinematography were well chosen, but there is a lackluster story to push through. Overall, this filmThis film may have been panned by critics, but I believe those critics lacked any relatability to the film. The legendary comics a part of this film were hilarious throughout, the setting and cinematography were well chosen, but there is a lackluster story to push through. Overall, this film is extremely funny and a joy to watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Tazberry

Sep 17, 2010

As a comedy, this movie doesn't really work, but as a rather dark gangster drama with some funny bits thrown in, Harlem Nights is a film that was well ahead of its time. If it were made today, it may of had a different reception. The ending could have been stronger, but I enjoyed the filmAs a comedy, this movie doesn't really work, but as a rather dark gangster drama with some funny bits thrown in, Harlem Nights is a film that was well ahead of its time. If it were made today, it may of had a different reception. The ending could have been stronger, but I enjoyed the film and see it as a precursor to the type of style adopted by films like Pulp Fiction and shows like The Sopranos.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

ThePepper

Mar 31, 2012

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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