Violent criminal Ganz escapes from prison, and is looking for a money stash. He leaves a trail of dead people. Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) survives the shootout. He grabs Ganz acquaintance Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from prison for 48 hours leave to help track down the killer.

This is gritty rough movie from Walter Hill. The language is rough. It's not simply swearing. It is viciously vile. Nick Nolte calls Eddie Murphy a lot of racist language without batting an eye. The people are all good and proper low lifes. Even the gun shoots sound meaner. This movie runs on the combustible chemistry between Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. Eddie Murphy has a bit of fun once in awhile, and Nolte is at his growling best. This is also notable for Eddie Murphy's movie debut.

I was not expecting to enjoy 48 Hours as much as I did. It is hugely enjoyable, and has fun chemistry and no wasted scene. In fact it is for me one of the best buddy cop thrillers ever made. Eddie Murphy gives a heck of a debut in this film, all smoothness, charm and wisecracks, and this is one of his best films and roles along with Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places. He is perfectly paired with Nick Nolte, who is also every bit as good as the rough, gruff straight man. The story is fun and doesn't fall into the trap of being predictable, and has many great scenes especially Murphy's taming of a redneck bar. The script is witty and funny, while the direction is solid and the film has some very beautifully orchestrated action sequences, shoot-ups and chases.

In conclusion, 48 Hours is great fun and worth watching for the two leads, especially Murphy who gives one of his best performances by far here. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Nick Nolte is a tough and out of control cop who springs a con (Eddie Murphy) to help him locate two serial killers who have already killed at least five guys. These two are mismatched buddies in a buddy film.

Back in 1982, "48 Hours" made a ton of money and was a surprise hit--and helped make Eddie Murphy a big star. However, when I see it today, I sure wonder what folks saw in it. It just comes off as a VERY nasty film--full of racial epithets, nudity, f-bombs (FYI--IMDB won't let me or anyone use this word in a review) and violence. And, to me, it seemed like most of this was put in the film just to offend--as if it somehow made the film edgy and hip. Well, to me it just seems nasty and unappealing. To make it worse, much of the film consists of really, really bad dialog, ridiculous police behaviors (with Nolte's character, the Bill of Rights simply don't exist),guns that NEVER need reloading and so much macho posturing that I felt like puking.