Trading Places – Budget of $15 million – 1 hours and 56 minutes

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Louis Winthorpe III was born into a wealthy family with the best schools and best connections. Billy Ray Valentine grew up in the inner city in a broken home and gained a criminal record. When Louis’s bosses Mr. Randolph Duke and Mr. Mortimer Duke argue over nature versus nurture, Louis and Billy Ray have a run in. After seeing the two, the Dukes decide to make a small bet. Randolph believes in nurture. He believes that if Louis lost his job, his friends, his money, his fiance’, and his good standing, he will turn to crime. And on the other side, if Billy was given a job, clothes, house, and money, he would thrive. Mortimer believes in nature. He believes that Louis’s breeding will allow him to pick himself up and thrive. However, Billy Ray will continue his life of crime. So, they set both men up. Billy Ray will get everything (clothes, house, car, money) and a job with the Dukes. Louis will lose everything. So, who wins? It will take a party, a gorilla, a train ride, and orange juice to answer that question.

This is a classic 80s movie with the jokes, breasts, and drugs to match. This time period was Eddie and Dan at their comedic prime. Their comedic timing and delivery ran like a well-oiled engine. Also, the director and cinematographer used the backdrop of the city to make the city its own character. 85% of the movie is getting to know Louis and Billy. Even though both don’t start as the protagonists, you cheer for both of them to win. But what you may not notice is how this movie plays on socio-economic beliefs that plague the world today. With chants of “giving a helping hand” and “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”, this movie is still relevant. Although it does fell a little long, this movie is worth the wait.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

We just made another $386,000 – Mr. Randolph Duke

I have no money to give you – Mr. Mortimer Duke

It’s not luck Todd – Louis Winthorpe III

Is there a lawyer in the house – Billy Ray

You’re so hot tempered darling – Penelope

I’m just protecting my investment. Now shut up and go to sleep – Ophelia

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