Trading Places (1983)
Short description
Trading Places is a classic comedy from 1983 that still stands the test of time. It stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as two men from very different backgrounds who are forced to switch lives. The movie follows the two men as they try to adjust to their new lives and ultimately team up to take revenge on the people who orchestrated their switch.
The movie starts off with Aykroyd's character, Louis Winthorpe III, a wealthy commodities broker living in Philadelphia. He is framed for a crime he didn't commit and loses his job, his home, and all of his possessions. Meanwhile, Murphy's character, Billy Ray Valentine, is a street hustler who is taken off the streets by two wealthy brothers (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) who are conducting an experiment to see if nature or nurture has more influence on success. They switch the two men's lives and watch as they struggle to adjust to their new circumstances.
The movie is full of hilarious moments as both men try to navigate their new lives. From Louis trying to fit in with the upper class society he was once part of, to Billy Ray trying to make it in the business world despite having no experience or education. The chemistry between Murphy and Aykroyd is great and they play off each other perfectly throughout the movie.
The supporting cast also does an excellent job in bringing out the humor in this classic comedy. Jamie Lee Curtis plays Ophelia, Louis' love interest who helps him adjust to his new life while Denholm Elliott plays Coleman, Billy Ray's mentor who helps him learn how to be successful in business. The two brothers (Bellamy and Ameche) also provide some great comic relief throughout the film as they watch from afar as their experiment unfolds.
Overall Trading Places is an excellent comedy that still holds up today thanks to its timeless humor and great performances from its cast. It's definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it yet!