So yeah, I was 8 when my parents took me to the movie theater to see this comedy classic when it was first released. In today's society, it might seem scary or irresponsible for parents to allow an 8-year old to see an R-rated film, but 1) I firmly believe that there has been a huge shift in the ratings system (and the output from studios - not nearly as many R-rated films since PG-13 came on the scene...) in my lifetime and 2) this film is rated R for nudity and some mature subject matter (drugs), not violence. I wish that our country was more liberal with showing the human body on TV and in movies (so that sex is not so taboo), like many other countries, and less liberal with the violence (I do believe that kids today are desensitized to violence because it surrounds them in all forms of media); I am proud that my parents felt that it was okay to let me see these types of films with them (and ask questions) from such a young age.
Back to my blog about this film specifically: Eddie Murphy was around the peak of his popularity and still a sharp comedic talent at this time, Dan Akroyd was still in his prime, Jamie Lee Curtis was superb (and part of the aforementioned nudity includes her breasts), and veteran thespians Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy rounded out the main characters in this perfectly-casted film as insanely rich brothers who decide to experiment with 2 peoples lives for a $1 bet (the supporting cast of this film is top-notch also). To this day, I still make $1 bets with my loved ones because of the impact this film had on me. I try to avoid giving spoilers in my blogs, so no more about the plot. What I will say is this: this movie has stood the test of time. From the first time I saw it 23 years ago to the last time I saw it (about a month ago), it has always remained as fresh and funny. I think it will stand as a career highlight for all involved in the making of this film.