Where to watch 48 Hrs. online

Storyline

A hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down a killer.

Released

1982-12-07
Revenue

$78,868,508
Budget

$12,000,000
Runtime

1hr 36m
Genre

Thriller, Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Status

Released
Language

English
6.9
Production

Paramount Pictures, Lawrence Gordon Productions, Silver Pictures

Crew

Walter Hill

Director

Larry Gross

Writer

Lawrence Gordon

Producer

Keywords:

prison san francisco, california knife partner revenge convict buddy cop tough cop fake fight dysfunctional relationship absurd amused african american lead

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Cast

Videos and Photos

Movie Reviews

Reviews for 48 Hrs.

A Review by John Chard 8

Written by John Chard on 2019-04-22

You switch from an armed robber to a pimp, you're all set. A hard as nails cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal tempora... read more

You switch from an armed robber to a pimp, you're all set. A hard as nails cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down an escaped convict cop killer. The mismatched buddy buddy formula exploded onto the screen here in a ball of violence, profanity and pin sharp one liners. It also launched Eddie Murphy into 1980s stardom. Directed by Walter Hill and starring Nick Nolte alongside Murphy as part of an electrifying black and white double act, it's unrelenting in pace and bad attitude. It could have been so different though, with the likes of Stallone, Reynolds, Pryor and Hines attached at various times for lead parts, it now is written in folklore that Murphy got the break and grasped it with both hands (he was actually fired at one point mind!). Thankfully the problems behind the scenes were resolved to give us a classic of its type. A big success for Paramount it paved the way for more choice same formula pictures in the decade, but few were able to be so course and daring with the racial divide explosions. Murphy is outstanding, quick as an A.K. 47 in vocal delivery and with visual comedic ticks in full effect, he plays off of the also excellent gruff rough and tough Nolte superbly. Unsurprisingly the plot trajectory is simple enough, but such is the writing and performances (James Remar, Sonny Landham and David Patrick Kelly in support) it's one hell of a live wire ride from start to finish. In amongst the verbal and action carnage you find plenty of 80s pop culture, with a blunderbuss sound track and a score from James Horner that pings around the Los Angeles locales (he would rework it for Arnie starrer Commando in 1985). This points to a time where now it is perceived as being tactless and a relic, and yet it instils realism as it captures the zeitgeist of the era. So not one for the easily offended then, but for nostalgics and those interested in the expansion of the action comedy formula, then this is a must see that still delivers high octane entertainment. 8/10

A Review by JPV852 6

Written by JPV852 on 2021-07-02

Entertaining buddy action-comedy that features a good antagonistic relationship between Nolte and Murphy. The plot isn't the strongest but t... read more

A Review by SoSmooth1982 6

Written by SoSmooth1982 on 2023-08-21

Back to the old school. Love this movie. This is when cop movies started to have some comedy in it.... read more

Read Full Review (The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely those of the reviewer.)

A Review by John Chard

A Review by John Chard 8

Written by John Chard on 2019-04-22

A Review by JPV852 6

Written by JPV852 on 2021-07-02

Entertaining buddy action-comedy that features a good antagonistic relationship between Nolte and Murphy. The plot isn't the strongest but the action/fight scenes were alright. **3.25/5**...