Search - The Distinguished Gentleman on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 2/11/2022...

I loved Eddie Murphy in this movie. Filled with great laughs.

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Subtle Humor with Few Belly Laughs

Lonnie E. Holder | Columbus, Indiana, United States | 04/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is tempting to compare this movie to other political satires of previous years. However, it is at heart an Eddie Murphy movie, and you know that Eddie Murphy is always over the top.The plot is relatively simple. Eddie Murphy is a small-time con artist. Having recently overheard a conversation between several lobbyists and a congressman, Eddie realizes that (in his opinion) being a congressman is the biggest con of all. One day he happens to be in the right place at the right time when a congressman with virtually the same name as his dies. Eddie runs for election to replace the dead congressman with his only platform being that "you know the name". You must know that Eddie wins in a landslide.Eddie's initial goal is to figure out how he can get as much money as possible. However, as is the case with all con artists, their undoing is when they begin to care. In Eddie's case, his undoing is a beautiful woman and a little girl diagnosed with cancer. The combination of the two makes Eddie care about someone other than himself, and you see Eddie change from that point.Lane Smith plays Dick Dodge, a senior congressman on the powerful Power and Industry committee. Dick Dodge is a wheeler and dealer who knows all the ins and outs of Washington, and the best way to wield power and profit from his position. Initially Eddie looks to Dick as a mentor. While Eddie initially identified with Dick Dodge, as Eddie discovers that there is a harmful side-effect on ordinary people by the actions of people such as Dodge, Eddie eventually uses his abilities to remove Dodge from power.This movie is a bit more cerebral than Eddie's typical movies. "Trading Places" was generally slapstick and situational comedy. "Beverly Hills Cop" was one-liners and irony. The humor in this movie is often more subtle, and in some cases may be lost on some viewers. There are places in the movie where the humor is slapstick and one-liners, however, much of the humor is satirical and often harder to discern.While this movie is certainly not Eddie's best, neither is it among his worst. There are places in the movie that are inspired. However, for every inspired part of the movie there are tired jokes and typical Washington political satire. Worth watching once, and collecting for the avid Eddie Murphy fan, this movie rates a low 4 stars."

Required viewing for the voting public

02/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The movie should be on the required list for viewing by voters. It is spot-on about the 'ways and means' available in D.C. We weren't sure how it managed to get released until we realized that likely no one realized it was so close to the truth that it would only be seen as fiction. Excellent, funny, Murphy was great as the con artist, and was able to show his many talents as a mimic."

Political Satire meets Mr. Murphy

MrWildCrazy101 | 02/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Eddie Murphy is not well known for his bite at the US Government, so upon seeing "Distinguished Gentleman", you may either be shocked or impressed. Regardless, Eddie Murphy is dressed to impress in the politcal satire that takes bite out of politcs and crime. Kevin Kline put America at edge in his film "Dave," Tim Robbins made a couple great jabs with his movie, "Bob Roberts." "Distinguished Gentleman" has some extraordinary funny moments. Compared to other Eddie Murphy movies, you may get lost in the wickedness. "Distinguished Gentleman" wasn't made for the "Nutty Professor" or "Dr Dolittle" crowd. Murphy is at his sharp, witty best in "Distinguished Gentleman." Murphy proves not only is he gifted comic gem in movies today, but with good writing, we don't need to dwell into his blue mouth, in order to score laughs. Check out "Distinguished Gentleman," and fill out your politcal humor card for a superb satire."