Bowfinger (1999)

Bowfinger is an unassuming but nonetheless rib-tickling comedy that continually serves up reversals and surprises. Consistent with Steve Martin's past plays and screenplays, Bowfinger is built upon an imaginative premise and always manages to keep a gentle and good-natured tone during the madcap narrative. However, this film truly comes to life each time Eddie Murphy steps onto the screen as either Kit Ramsey or his nerdy brother Jiff. Aside from The Nutty Professor, this is certainly the most notable Eddie Murphy performance since his slick Axle Foley. While the movie doesn't always pull off its mixture of low farce and sharp Hollywood satire, it does serve up a smorgasbord of side-splitting moments, most notably the scene in which a geeky Eddie Murphy is forced to sprint through oncoming traffic shrieking "Heavenly God!" Above all, Bowfinger illustrates Steve Martin's talent as both a comic writer and performer. In an artfully warmhearted way, this satire of la-la land is as edgy and truthful as The Player. It not only targets the Hollywood system, but it gives new meaning to the words "guerrilla filmmaking." To many, Bowfinger may seem like the typical slapstick comedy; however, those who have a greater understanding and appreciation of Tinseltown will recognize this as a loving homage to moviemaking and the hopeless hacks that dwell within. ~ Adam Goldberg, All Movie Guide