Boomerang (1992) User Reviews

I would love to leave a comment under some of these Negative Reviews!!!

[xenazues · 7/10 · 26 November 2021]

I can't quite understand how people left anything less than a 6 for a review for this movie. The only reason I say six is cause they do make jokes that are offensive to other cultures and genders so to speak. But other than that, it was quite funny. There definitely were some parts of the movie that people may not have appreciated. Some viewers really don't understand the whole 1988-1992 genre that seem to raise between decades and the start of one.

That would definitely explain all the references to Africa that the students were doing. Back then Black People including hip hop was all about wearing African Medalians and so on. This movie was touching on that just a bit. I have to agree with one viewer. I was surprised when I found it it was an all black cast. I mean I remember the movie when it came out but it was never brought up much in that time its all black cast. Probably cause they thought that was something that was going to be normal.

I watched this with my girlfriend who never heard or seen this movie and she loved it. The real funny part was Grace Jones. She was a little before my time in the early 80s so by 90s i saw a small glimpse of her. Definitely a raunchy movie but it was hilarious. Plus Im a sap for love stories. Plus I love how this made black women look. Powerful. Most movies to this day don't even do that.

Id like to have a word with those people who gave it a 5 and really a word with those who gave it a 1. There is nothing bad about this movie. Definitely comedy. Plus its just a great sound track. Now if we as black people could get back to making this type of movies that would be nice. This movie is like a mix of working girl mixed with definitely maybe.

"You got to reverse it. Don't be p*ssy-whipped, whip that p*ssy. Like this here, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang."

[drewnes · 7/10 · 30 May 2021]

There are a lot of top black actors in this movie. Halle Berry, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, even Chris Rock. It was cool to see them all working together and I had a good laugh throughout the movie. A lot of famous lines come from this movie and I had no idea. Good old school Eddie flick.

Underdeveloped Romance !

[elshikh4 · 5/10 · 27 April 2009]

What this movie is about? The story of a liar who lives a lying world, then finds truth finally? A lover man who's torn between 2 different women? The friendship of 3 guys? Actually, the movie itself doesn't know, otherwise it could've been more coherent, enjoyable and complete.

OK, it's a story of a man who sells everything until he himself becomes a merchandise to be sold. And as a romance, supposedly romance, the movie pushes this lead to learn about himself as lost person without real love in his life. BUT this movie so lousily sinks itself in a lot of details, un-comic characters, and many conversations before hitting the right nerve.

It was too late for (Halle Berry) to discover that she loves (Eddie Murphy) or that he loves her; it seemed a desperate attempt for making a third act more than being the movie's main core!

Not to mention, the matter of unattractive (Robin Givens) portraying a femme fatale. The dreadful presence of (Grace Jones) who got nothing to do with comedy. The dirty language, the dirty humor, then the sex and the nudity which aren't less dirty in my viewpoint (concerning this movie or else!). The long conversations scenes which with the tepid, nearly dead, direction so the truly dull pace--the whole thing looked close to pointless for most of the time. Many characters like; the mail-boy, the mad model, the French artistic director, the old-deceived neighbor, the friend's parents, or even the annoying employee of the clothes store.. all of them took more time on the screen than what the original story, any original story, did take or should've taken.

I pitied the charming and talented young (Berry). Although, she was a perfect princess of innocence, but this dull script, and those endless digressions, wasted her utterly. The movie didn't care of developing her as someone who would love the lead (she advised him how to seduce her boss by Jazz!), or give her space to appear right in the first place. I think that it should have been clear to her, so somehow us, how she got something for him from the very start, and how she had to take over the screen at least since the second half. Instead, they threw some real naive stuff to her; like the clueless first dialogue between her and (Murphy), and treated her like minor character, namely the heroine's sidekick, all along to suddenly remember her just before the end. Although the intense performance that she delivered at the scene of her emotional explosion was the best, most strong, anything of this movie, but still one of the worst movies that she was in!

After many hits in the field of action and comedy, why not (Eddie Murphy) takes on romance. It was a bold attempt. Yes, he's a good actor along with being big star, but the movie wasn't that good (the word is: broken up). I think it got something to do with (Murphy) himself as the story's writer, and maybe his fear that the movie could be just romance without comedy, to end up as jammed comedy with no real laughs that belated the romance if not suffocated it. I loved few of his moments here; on their top of course is the shot in which he finds the money for his "fatigue" besides the bed from his female version who's now treating him like a prostitute, notice how (Murphy) - silently - pulls the sheets on his chest, sad with weak feminine look in his eyes. With wicked little reactions like these, (Murphy) proves that he's one of few comedians who can make comedy brilliantly with or without talking.

Anyhow, it seemed like many incomplete movies in one, or boring stray comedy. I know that it could have been nice romantic comedy but what I've watched was an ideal example for underdeveloped one, or a movie with dysfunctional personality. I read opinions about (Boomerang) as "smart movie".. please, it's anything but smart!

P. S: At one scene, when the lead was being dumped, we see the lights go off at the top of one skyscraper. At later scene, when the lead hugs his friends, we see the lights go on at the same skyscraper??.. Naaa.. Don't bother, it's part of this movie's naivety!

One Of Eddie Murphy's Funniest Films

[soranno · 3 November 2002]

After a terrible 1991 loanout to Hollywood Pictures for the weak comedy "The Distinguished Gentleman", Eddie Murphy returned to Paramount the following year and gave one of his all time best and funniest performances in this romantic comedy with a twist. Murphy portrays Marcus Graham, a New York advertising executive who is known by many people throughout New York for being a notorious player, a man who will date a woman, get her into bed by the end of the first date, judge her by the lovemaking and then dump her. Marcus is quite happy with having this rather low lifestyle and way of treating women. He goes around proudly reporting the previous night's results each morning to his friends (David Alan Grier, Martin Lawrence). One day, an attractive young woman (Robin Givens) becomes the advertising company's new boss. Marcus naturally feels that she will be his next target for romantic using and gets more than he ever bargained for when she winds up being the first woman ever who can see through his tricks and try to get back at him for it (hence the title). Murphy is absolutely hilarious in his role as a player who gradually learns to get lessons in treating women right and Halle Berry has a early leading film part as another work colleague who eventually comes between the Murphy/Givens love affair. Several other popular character actors and actresses make appearances here too.

Eddie Murphy's Fantasy

[view_and_review · 4/10 · 25 August 2018]

Eddie Murphy had a wet dream then woke up and cranked out this movie.

He plays Marcus Graham a bachelor living every single man's fantasy. He's young, has a great job fully staffed with nothing but great looking women, he has a boss pad, has all of his hair, and oh yeah; there isn't a woman that he hasn't slept with. Marcus was something of folklore. He allowed a couple of mortals to bask in his presence and call him a friend: Gerard (David Alan Grier) and Tyler (Martin Lawrence). Presumably he permitted their company so he'd have worshippers though Marcus gave the impression that they were really his friends.

I guess, in an attempt to show some fallibility there was one vixen he had to try extra hard to bag in Jacqueline (Robin Givens). And because this is a hallucination Jacqueline couldn't wait to spread the news of Marcus's bedroom prowess.

As the dream continued Marcus was able to pull another top notch woman in Angela (Halle Berry) with his doggy reputation preceding him. He was a veritable stud, an irresistible force with the strongest pheromones of the animal kingdom. It's a wonder that dogs, cats and other beasts didn't flock to him like in Dr. Doolittle.

This was a romantic comedy after all so eventually Marcus had to fall in love with someone. And because this was all the figment of Eddie Murphy's imagination his love was reciprocated though he did nothing to deserve it.

Boomerang was actually going somewhere at the beginning and had a few funny parts then it became patently obvious that it was Eddie Murphy's imaginary world and I lost interest. This could've been so much better.

Good looks aren't everything

[Fiona G. · 6/10 · 16 April 2000]

First of all, this movie has some nice visuals. Interieurs, light, even the clothes of the cast look like they were made for each other. The appeal is so perfect, it reminds you of a commercial, which unfortunately holds true to the rest of the film as well.

The actors so much try to look swell, sophisticated and suave that it seems they forgot they not only portray the clothes and fancy apartments, but actually characters that interact with each other. This keeps them flat and it is not easy to establish a relationship to them, which also lets most of the humoristic points of the story fail.

If you really are into watching movie-length commercials an evening with "9 1/2 weeks" might be more enjoyable.

Mediocre as Both a Comedy and a Romance,

[lesleyharris30 · 4/10 · 31 October 2014]

Boomerang is a very poor movie with a storyline that never really goes anywhere or gets very interesting but a good comedic cast.I felt like they thought they were being a very different and unique romantic comedy,and while it isn't like any other one I've seen,thats not particularly a good thing.It goes on for way longer than it needs to and I didn't feel a lot of sympathy towards Eddie Murphys character,which is difficult because we follow him for the whole film and are expected to like and feel sorry for him.The best parts were the scenes between Eddie Murphy,David Alan Grier and Martin Lawrence,they seemed to enjoy each others company and clearly got to improvise their lines together,which was great because the scripted scenes are not very funny.It has some good moments,but Boomerang dosen't succeed very much as either a comedy or romance and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

An ambitious,womanizing ad executive meets his match when he gets involved with three different women.

Best Performance: Eddie Murphy Worst Performance: Eartha Kitt

Smart, likable Eddie Murphy rom-com

[TheRetroCritic · 6/10 · 15 October 2023]

Eddie Murphy stars in Boomerang, a romantic comedy from 1992 about an advertising executive whose womanizing ways are challenged when he finally falls in love.

Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy) is successful and very good at his job but his love life is a constant string of girlfriends he nitpicks to death, then dumps. When his company is acquired, he begins a relationship with his new boss but finds that being on the other side of his own tactics is not much fun at all. As that relationship slowly crumbles, he develops real feelings towards colleague Angela (Halle Berry) but how he accepts and deals with these feelings proves itself to be the real challenge.

A different kind of project for Murphy, being a rom-com, Boomerang was a successful film for the star who showed he could apply his style of comedy to yet another kind of story. With a strong supporting cast that includes Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, David Alan Grier, Eartha Kitt and the ever-reliably eccentric Grace Jones, Boomerang is a funny film throughout as it manages to be a solid Murphy vehicle without feeling too wild or cartoonish. The themes tackled here (infidelity, commitment) are explored in an interesting way and, while the film doesn't go too deeply into them, it gives both Marcus and us plenty to think about. It works, despite the film too often feeling like an excuse to show its star get together with one pretty girl after another.

While Marcus is a womanizer and should come off as extremely unsympathetic and insecure as he goes through what is basically a midlife crisis, Eddie Murphy plays him with enough subtlety that you do care about this guy and look forward to him growing up. There's a clear vulnerability to Marcus and this, coupled with Murphy's effortless charm, plus the fact that the character gets a taste of his own medicine, makes him relatable. Unfortunately, the film seems reluctant to teach him too many harsh lessons as his puppy dog eyes save the day time and time again. It would have been refreshing to see the man feel what he's been making others feel a little more and, perhaps, not have him get what he wants by the end.

While Boomerang isn't Eddie Murphy's most hilarious movie, it remains a funny, sharply written piece with a likable cast and good intentions, even if it regrettably shies away from delivering the emotional punch this movie very much needed.

Enjoyable enough.

How can this many cool actors make such a crappy movie?

[vwls · 2/10 · 9 January 2019]

Boomerang is the worst. I mean really bad from top to bottom. The jokes don't land and the romantic components are thoroughly boring. So little happens, and you just never really care about the characters. Also the sex scenes are absolutely disgusting (why would Eddie think we want to watch HIS face during or pre- orgasm... not once, but TWICE! Gross).

Such a piece of trash is hard to produce with so many decent actors and comedians (and so much eye candy), but Eddie managed to do it quite handily despite the treasure trove of talent he had at his disposal. Thank goodness he stopped directing and writing. It's a real shame that he stopped doing standup - THAT he was great at (no one ever made me laugh as hard as he did when I saw him live in Oakland during the Raw tour). But he was never cut out to be the creative force behind films.

The only saving grace to this picture is Halle Berry's gorgeous face... and an honorable mention for the chance to watch Robin Givens and Grace Jones strut around looking absolutely stunning. Beyond that, this movie belongs on the garbage heap of other flops Murphy created... it never should have made it off the cutting room floor.

One of Eddie Murphy's underrated films

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 10 July 2020]

Boomerang is a 1992 romantic comedy starring Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry,Martin Lawrence and David Alan Gier and tells the story of a womanizing executive named Marcus who sleeps with women and can't seem to settle down. All that changes when he meets a woman named Jacqueline who is the new boss for the company he works in. But when he meets her friend Angela,will he finally settle.

This film features a full African American cast.

Boomerang

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 28 February 2008]

I don't understand the meaning of the title (probably relating to throwing something away, and getting it back), but I recognised many of the African American stars in this film, and I enjoyed the fair amount. Basically Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy) is a successful advertising executive, and also a hit with the ladies (womaniser). After a company merger he finds that his new boss, ravishing Jacqueline 'Jackie'/'Jack' Broyer (Robin Givens, former wife of Mike Tyson), she is treating him the same way he would. He thought he was in love with her, and for a while he was (presumably), and his work is going downhill, but then later he starts dating her more quietly attractive assistant Angela (Halle Berry), who was dating one of his best friends. In the end, after some negative turns and rejection, the eventually get back together, and they (supposedly) live happily ever after. I can definitely agree with the critics that Grace Jones as Helen Strangé and The Emperor's New Groove's Eartha Kitt as Lady Eloise give the film a buzz. Jones being, well, herself (putting on a French accent) is funny taking her knickers off in public, and demanding sex with Murphy, and saying "pussy" a lot, and Kitt with her funny nymphomaniac (desperate for sex) character, really husky voice, and sexy legs and body (even here 65, she's still foxy). Also starring Jumanji's David Alan Grier as Gerard Jackson, Martin Lawrence (just before his breakthrough in Bad Boys) as Tyler, Live and Let Die's Geoffrey Holder as Nelson, young Chris Rock (not long before he started stand-up comedy) as Bony T, Tisha Campbell as Yvonne and Lela Rochon as Christie. Sure, it's slightly long, but don't let that sway you. Worth watching!

After "Harlem Nights", another under-appreciated Eddie Murphy gem...

[ElMaruecan82 · 8/10 · 18 April 2021]

First, let's credit "Boomerang" for what it is: an all-Black cast movie not centered on urban crime, drugs, racism, hood etc.

This is not the first of its genre: Spike Lee built his reputation by portraying African-Americans in narrative realms outside the usual dictated tropes, but director Reginald Hudlin and writer Barry Blaustein went even further by exploring the world of glam, cosmetics agency, marketing, female power and reversed the roles with white people playing comic reliefs and women dominating men; it's "The Cosby Show" meeting "Working Girl". And from that starting point, it creates a whole new outlet for romantic comedies whose tropes were codified by Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts movies.

And in this seemingly implausible world, Eddie Murphy plays Marcus, the smooth-talking womanizer who can get any girl. A lesser movie would've made him arrogant and detestable but Marcus plays in a whole other league, taking women as seriously as any part of his professional endeavor. His character-establishing moment occurs when he improvises a lost-dog scenario by buying a leash on the spot, Lela Ronchon falls in his trap. The trick could work by earning him a number but it works so well she gives hers. One ellipse takes us to him decorating his house with the cautiousness of a caterer and ignoring the insult of his neighbor (Tisha Campbell) who keeps warning new girlfriends about the predator.

Yes, Marcus is always on the prowl but his perfectionism is rather impressive: he could have the girl in his bed but he plays it so smooth again he ends up in hers. Then a quick stare on her feet while she's sleeping reveals ugly soles calling for immediate dumping. This is neither a gag, nor a hint at a foot fetish but a revealer of the unconscious overlapping of his trade with his relationships. Indeed, advertisement is all about attentiveness to image or packaging, and so the man regards his preys as 'objects'. But take it for someone who worked in that racket, this is a woman's world, as image-awareness is largely considered a female trait, so for all his masculine act, Marcus got entrapped in the cult-of-image. It's an interesting comment on how image is a double-edged sword for both sexes, while more of a burden for women.

The 'feet' aftermath is discussed with his two buddies Gerald (David Alan Grier) and Tyler (Martin Lawrence). They're outsiders who don't understand his reaction but then again he's the Alpha-male while Gerald pushes the platonic button so hard it always propels him into friend-zone and Tyler didn't have sex in the 90s (the film is from 1992). They're too admirative of Marcus to see the problem: being as much a sexual object as the women he objectifies. Later, he spends a night with the president of the agency Lady Eloise (Eartha Kitt) counting on a casting couch promotion. Kitt, 65, gives herself totally to the role and clap to turn off the lights before the rodeo starts, Marcus asks if it can be darker, the line isn't serious but reveals how seriously willing he is.

But the promotion is given to Jacqueline, played by the breathtakingly sexy Robin Givens. What Marcus realizes, besides having been used as a sex toy, is that she's his boss, and she's out of the fooling-around zone. It's interesting to see that man whose reputation as a sex-collector makes mail guys bet on his next performances, becomes the subject of his own shenanigans. But Marcus smartly dodges the woman/man issue by inviting Jacqueline for dinner (after all, male colleagues would do that), the result is literally the sprinkler sprinkled. After all his efforts to cook a sumptuous dinner, all she wants is watching the Knicks. The scene is intercut with a cute dinner between Gerald and the new art-director Barbara (Halle Berry) and their interactions and clumsy, cute, genuine but somewhat authentic. The parallel between the two scenes highlights the position of Marcus, awkward only by the standards of usual rom-coms.

That's how inventive and innovative the film is, showing a confident men getting a taste of his own medicine, which is the antidote to his toxic relationship with women. He's hit by the boomerang that puts his idea in the right place. And there's something about Murphy's performance: he doesn't overplay his laugh, when he's upset, he asks for the kind of respect women usually demand. The film is so effective in its comment on intersex relationships that the scene with the racist store owner feels too forced and could have been cut without hurting the rest.

But there's more in "Boomerang". This is an adult movie that doesn't hide behind its comedic premise, there are soft-core elements making the relationships feel real. In your average rom-com, it's a passionate kiss and before you know it, the L-shaped bed, in "Boomerang" even the sex position or a climax become a grammar that verbalizes the statuses. And sexiness is also the source of hilarity, besides Eartha Kitt, there's Geoffrey Holder as Nelson the goofy video-maker, and there's Grace Jones as Strangé the French mascot for a new perfume, her scenes are so outrageous and over-the-top that I burst out laughing, from the 'stink so good' clip to the infamous restaurant scene, she takes movies to places you wouldn't suspect.

Halle Berry brings such a sweet and lovable presence that it's a foregone conclusion she and Murphy will end together, though it's a little unfair for poor Gerald, but otherwise "Boomerang" hits everything right, it uses Murphy's usual persona for a story arc that ends up displaying more respect toward women and accepting that they too can have sexual appetites, in many aspects, the film is avant-guardist, bold and straightforward, and should have a higher reputation, because of its uniqueness.

Indeed, I don't recall a movie like "Boomerang" before and after it, that's the mark of great films.

Excellent cast /solid humor

[phawley-251-115921 · 7/10 · 7 August 2022]

You can't go wrong with this cast. David Alan Grier and Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence at his quirkiest delivery and Chris Rock. Edie does a sold hub acting here and his comedic timing is right on.

The lot is a it one note, mostly about a womanizer who eventually turns to true love. For that to occur, we didn't have Enough time built with his real love, to believe it. It's till good that it happened, the womanizer turning to his real love, we just needed to see that authenticity is more scenes. Too much time as spent in the womanizing (with Robin Givens (well played)), and raunchy sex that wasn't necessary. A warning for current day users that the workplace romance could never occur today with Eddie's character bedding the owner, his boss and his subordinate all in a few weeks. We have so much transparency and openness required in work relationships today.

A sold comedy. Great cast. Great comedic timing. Eddie Murphy is a solid, great character. And the supoortoncast with an always excellent David Alan Grier, Lawrence, Rock and Eartha Kitt allow it to lynch with their great cameos.

The worst movie EVER

[Altern8guy · 1/10 · 7 February 2000]

This was the WORST movie I have ever sat through. We were supposed to laugh at how sexist Eddie Murphy and his sidekick found women to be nothing more than sex objects. Whatever formula they used for this did not work. On the contrary, it was incredibly offensive. I almost walked out of the theater!

Not sharp – but funny and quite sexy

[bob the moo · 25 July 2002]

Marcus is a player who woos and beds women with great ease – but never settles down with any. When a company merger sees him working for the glamorous Jacqueline, he finds himself being played but still falling for her. However a relationship with the more stable Angela beckons if he can change his ways – but will Jackie allow him to leave her?

Part of the Eddie Murphy come back after the years of Harlem Nights, Golden Child, Another 48 hours, BHC 2 and other weak films. This and the Distinguished Gentleman saw him try to come back with a fresh approach. Boomerang is a good film – it uses Murphy's playa persona and turns it on it's head to good effect. True some of it is plain silly and it is quite predictable but it is pretty enjoyable and quite sexy too!

Murphy is good simply because he is the butt of many of the jokes via his playa image – plus it's good to see him be outdone after so many big-headed films. Givens is very good as the man-eating boss but I found Berry to be too sweet to be believed – but though she was the better looking. Lawrence and Rock are well used in small roles but Kitt and Grace are pointless and stupid cameos. Witherspoon is very funny and I personally love to see Lela Rochon in anything (and those aren't her feet).

Overall it may not win any awards or being shockingly innovative but it's fun, sexy and has a good bagfull of laughs in there.

The worst movie Eddie have played in - try too hard and don't deliver

[bent-mathiesen · 3/10 · 10 May 2015]

A man have a high class life style, chases women, have sex with them and check their feet _after_ sex to see if she is the perfect one...

Do yourself a favor - so not waste time to watch this movie. Watch another of Eddies movie - or a newer with Hally Berry.

• It tries to hard to be funny, and is not. - The sex scenes are boring, don't deliver. - The romance played just have no substance.

All the classic personalities are there, the man who uses women for sex, the woman who uses men for sex, power play at the C-level, the parents, the friends, the best friends who like same girl, the beautiful sweet girl, etc. It has all, but no real story and fails to put substance into anything.

It tries too hard to be funny, sexy and romantic - and is not. After ca 1.5 hour of misplaced racial humor, bad jokes on sex and romance we get to the end, Thanks....

Skip 1.5 hour into the movie and just watch the last part. Here the beautiful girl get captured by the main actor who finally realize that he loves her - and that while having sex with another girl.

However, I feel sorry for the sweet innocent girl, to get the man who only have been using women for sex until then - and only judging them based on the toes on their feet.

The plot of the film is interesting

[rahes-69807 · 6/10 · 19 January 2022]

The foreman Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy) meets his pair, when his workplace redeems Lady Eloz (Erta Kitt). In fact, the true queen on the throne is Jacqueline (Robin Hivens). He discovers that the table turned over against him, as the dynamics of power changed. Dorry Angela (Halley Berry) - her impatient assistant. Outrageous Strings (Grace Jones) is a new representative of the brand. Gerard (David Alan Grier) and Tyler (Martin Lawrence) - His best friends. Bony Ti (Chris Rock) - boy from mail.

The plot of the film is interesting, although the Black Main Acting is perhaps the most attractive. Boomerang does not start until the middle of the film. Switching the dynamics of power should happen much earlier. When they first occur in the lobby, she should immediately begin to pursue him. Instead, she resists him like most women, thereby inciting his hunting instincts. In order for this to be a real Switcharoo, it should be a hunter, and he is a hunter. As soon as switching occurs, it becomes a funny turn. I like that the womanik Eddie Murphy received his retribution. The core of the film is actually very good. Khania, perhaps the most funny in the film.

Embarrassing

[bernardoarquivo · 1/10 · 5 March 2017]

By the time "Boomerang" was made, Murphy was completely out of his mind with fame and fortune. He thought he could do it all. He had written the story of "Coming to America", "Another 48 hours" and "Harlem Nights" (which he also directed), and even though these last two ones tanked miserably he probably thought he was Welles or Chaplin and continued writing, directing and producing his own stuff. On the side he was recording albums, acting in Michael Jackson' videos and whatnot.

"Boomerang" was officially directed by Reginald Hudlin but we know Eddie was obviously pulling the artistic strings. In his first major attempt at the romantic comedy genre, he wrote the screenplay, called his buddies, the best looking actresses in the business and starred in the movie.

The end result is exactly the same as "Harlem Nights": great production, wonderful cast, beautiful wardrobe, cool songs, OK direction, screenplay and dialogues... terrible.

The jokes - keep in mind at that time we had just gone through the 80's, a golden time for Eddie and his movies - go from mildly amusing to dumb, just bad and simply awful. Some of them are disgusting. Others are weird and wrong. There's a scene where it looks like Eddie is trying to be Spike Lee and shows him and his buddies ridiculing a snobbish white clerk.

The sex scenes are ghastly and the romance part is particularly embarrassing because we know Eddie wrote it. How insanely cocky and conceited do you have to be to write dialogues where women will talk about your charm, your beauty and your sexual prowess? Also, his dialogues with (the absolutely stunning and perfect) Halle Berry are beyond pathetic.

Eddie nearly destroyed his career trying to be an actor, writer and director. He was saved, four years later, by Jerry Lewis' "Nutty Professor". He never directed again. Years later he wrote "Norbit". Another flop. Eddie is a comedic genius. I've been his fan for 35 years. But he should know by now he can't write or direct.

On the positive side: best performance by Robin Givens ever. It's a shame she was never given a proper chance to act. She's excellent.

On the Offense(iv)

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 9 February 2021]

Yes I know it doesn't quite fit, but I think it's worth the wordplay - also I'm certain anyone understands this and how it is meant. It was quite a while since I saw this the first time ... and I only had seen the dubbed version of this. Considering the comedy talent at hand here or how they would develop ... the decline of Eddit Murphy (at least comercially speaking), would bring the Rise of Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence.

This romantic comedy might not have dated well in a more PC culture that we live in now. There are quite a few cringeworthy moments, most involving humor against homosexuals. One thing is for sure, if you are easily offended, this will not do anything for you. One may argue that since the characters are flawed they have certain backwards thinking antics ... Having said all that, if you can go through that all, the movie is quite funny. Not to mention it was my first actual experience of Halle Berry. Where I really noticed her ... but like Eddies character it wasn't apparent from the start ... I got fooled too. Sometimes you don't see the thing that is in front of you ... maybe others were aware of it more than I was back then. They surely are aware of her now ...

Bad!

[Scott_Mercer · 1/10 · 13 March 2007]

One of only two movies I have ever walked out on. Not even close to the worst film I've ever seen, but definitely one of the worst films I've ever seen in a theater.

Honestly, I don't remember much about it, just that it annoyed me so much that I had to leave immediately. I certainly have nothing against Eddie Murphy. He's been in some of the funniest movies ever made. He's even made some good movies not too long ago, and was nominated for an Oscar just this year. The cast, as well, is made up of talented people. Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence, et. al. Should have been a good movie. But they blew it.

Stay away.

Surprisingly good, Eddie Murphy at his peak!

[kergillian · 7/10 · 24 March 2001]

This film surprised me. I wouldn't expect a film starring Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, David Alan Grier, Halle Berry and Robin Givens to be an amusing, quirky, and well-acted film. Each of them have talent in their own right, but are normally type-cast actors who are predictable in terms of what to expect. Well Grier, Givens and Berry gave no surprises. And Martin Lawrence, though he played his role to a tee, was pretty much Martin Lawrence. The real surprise was Murphy. This is the true Eddie Murphy charisma. A character that is beyond what I would normally expect from him, this film proves that he has talent, and was pretty much the peak of his career. If for no other reason than because it's not simply another goofy comedy a la Golden Child or Coming to America. Those films are really funny, but here, Murphy proves that he can act, too...and I don't think he's ever done it again. The problems with this film were few. The supporting cast were fairly strong...even though some were quite predictable in terms of character, they still worked out well. Robin Givens was a bit one-dimensional, but she served her purpose well. David Alan Grier was a weakness; he went overboard in this role; he played the same role in a much stronger manner (also opposite Halle Berry) in Strictly Business. And the smaller roles were all amusing: Grace Jones was hilarious, especially the restaurant scene! Leonard Jackson's facial expressions were priceless, John Witherspoon was great (as was the whole Thanksgiving dinner!!) and Geoffrey Holder was funny and charismatic as the quirky commercial designer, Nelson. So what were the problems? Well the length was an issue. This film could've been 20-30 minutes shorter; two hours is just too much. Start by cutting out the sex scenes, they were yawnable and pretty much useless. Look It's Robin Givens in her panties. Look it's Robin Givens in her panties again. And guess what? Yup, three time's the charm, Robin Givens in her panties once again...granted, Robin Givens is quite the looker, but not on top of Eddie Murphy. And this film really didn't need it. While we're at it, you can take out the whole Eartha Kitt-Eddie Murphy seduction scene. Could have been done in a quarter of the time, and frankly the whole scene still makes me shudder;) As well, the cinematography was poor, with generic shots an choppy cuts (and worse fades). Now, I don't expect art-school experimentation, nor do I expect Coen Brothers quality, but they could've at least made it look pretty. The scenes are nice, but they do nothing with them. This is textbook film-making. All in all, the film is a fun watch. The scenes that are on are *really* on; absolutely hilarious. As it is the film's quite good. Cut out even fifteen minutes and the film would be so much better! 7/10

I get the movie. It's just boring.

[ThunderKing6 · 3/10 · 4 April 2020]

I look to see how much time left in the movie and guess what?

I have another hour to endure.

I spent more time investing in researching actors of the movie than watching this simp hash of a movie.

Something Strangé

[amashlee · 9/10 · 19 January 2019]

A few things seems weird about the IMDb reviews of this movie, to bring it down to a 5.4 ratings. 1. It's funny how a lot of reviewers remember walking out of the theaters, when they wrote their reviews 12...15...17 years after the movie was released. Like it was a personal vendetta against Eddie Murphy and the Hudlin brothers. 2. The movie, in 1992, was actually quite popular and didn't get panned by critics. So, it's funny to see so many 1 ratings, and people reviewing it as if it were the worst movie ever made. 3. I've always heard the rumors (and witnessed it myself) that IMDb reviewers don't seem to like popular black movies or TV shows. Seems like trolls, from entities other than those that make black productions, want to discourage potential viewers from seeing something other than their own creations.

My review: A very good rom-com with a great cast of old favorites and legends.

Boomerang's a Romantic Comedy Classic

[tbills2 · 6/10 · 31 July 2013]

Boomerang is one of the best examples of a movie that while watching it, it's to some extent ultimately unsatisfying, though nearly intentionally so for bettering the viewing, as it never fully fulfills your desirability towards the story or toward the characters, but it keeps you invested, and the movie ultimately sticks with you, leaving you yearning for more, kinda like, the characters themselves know that they're on the very verge of something greater in their lives and right now they're just messing around having some fun in the moment and you're there enjoying their experiences with them but you want to head to that better place too.

Boomerang remains really appealing for its stylish, sophisticated, sexy, down-to-earth, kick-back vibe. It has just enough comedy with just enough romance. It's hip, it's smart, it's sweet, it's funny, it's freaky, and it's an original piece of film.

Boomerang teaches you the way of a gentleman player, and as you enjoy it, it really pushes you to fantasize about your own love life. There's no pressing plot line, there's just a strong emotional attachment to the characters who all kinda kick it through the whole movie, making it very relatable. Eddie Murphy knew the vision he had in mind. Eddie came up with the story, saying he'd wanted to do that type of character; Murphy played a similar role in The Distinguished Gentlemen that same year, 1992. Murphy makes the movie as Marcus. In playing Marcus, Murphy tones down his comedic talents and timing in an interpret understanding that the character, Marcus, isn't as funny as he is. This is brilliant for the movie. If Murphy had went out on a high note on all of his funnier moments, which he could have easily done, Boomerang would have had a too cheesy comedic element, and it would have lost its smooth and suave attractiveness. Robin Givens is great, really great for the viewing. Do you understand that Givens is great for the viewing? David Alan Grier and Martin Lawrence are both so hilarious, if you don't know, and their characters are a lot of funny too. Halle Berry is amazing, so really sweet. She seems most at ease as Angela, a fine part for her, as Angela may be Halle's one character closest to her real live self. Halle Berry is the finest woman ever. Chris Rock and Tisha Campbell are good and funny and strengthen the movie with their small supporting parts.

Boomerang is a good movie to just let go and enjoy it. It's sexy and it's real. Boomerang has a strong cultural click. Boomerang, Boomerang, Boomerang, Boom-Boomerang, Boomerang, Boomerang, I really love this movie. Can't you tell?

One Boomerang you don't want come back to you

[Rocketeer_Raccoon · 1/10 · 25 May 2015]

For a long time I've always knew and remembered about this film because it features the hit song "End Of The Road" by Boyz II Men but never really watched the film itself. Well, at one night I decided to dive into this movie to see what this Rom-Com film is like. Oh...well after watching the entire film I can honestly tell you now that this movie is actually bad, it's as bad as Steve Irwin getting a stingray barb up the life force. It just baffles me that such a classic song would be featured in a train wreck of a film like this.

The story is as boring as a soup opera and the film is severely lacking in the comedy side of things, the things that are supposed to be funny are just not. Sadly the funniest thing in the movie was this strange disturbing advert they show mid way through the film to promote the company. The worst character in the whole film is Strangé (Grace Jones), she dresses up like a freak and all she ever talked and shouted about was dirty sexual things and rudely calling out different people in an restaurant "gay" after Marcus (Eddie Murphy) declined her ridiculous offer of sex.

Bottom-line, Boomerang has too much romance, is plain boring due to the lack of comedy and the story just wasn't very interesting.

One last thing, why is the movie called Boomerang? There's no Australians, kangaroos and boomerangs in this. If the movie were a boomerang, I would throw it away into a bin.