Harlem Nights is often shitted on, being called one of Eddie Murphy’s worst films. The film was written and directed by Murphy himself, and featured a couple of his good friends in the cast. I watched the film again yesterday after not seeing it for at least 16 years (that makes me feel old). I was really young when I saw this film the first time, so ovbiously I didn’t really understand it, or take it in.

After seeing it with fresh eyes I wouldn’t exactly call it a classic, but it’s a great gem from that era. The film was made in 1989 and is set in 1930′s Harlem. It has that gangsta movie kind of feel, but also features a whole lot of vintage 1980′s comedy. The plot sees Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor) running an illegal club with his adopted son ‘Quick’ (Eddie Murphy). The club is a speakeasy, with a brothel in the back run by tough talking madam Vera (Della Reese). Notorious gangster Bugsy Calhoun (Michael Lerner) sees how successful Sugar Ray’s club has become and wants to take over. This causes Sugar Ray and Quick to plot a plan to both rob Bugsy Calhoun and get out of New York with all the cash.

Some of the comedy is straight up stupid, and it can catch you off guard. But the mix of comedy and the relentless gangster feel makes this a very unique African American made production. This was the era where Eddie Murphy was making a lot of new black stars in the movie industry, and this film is a representation to his contribution in the industry.

Although it is not a classic, it is definitely worth checking out whether you have already seen it or not.

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