Film Review: Boomerang (1992)

Eddie Murphy has spent large part of his career trying to transcend the image of motor-mouth street persona that had built his stardom in 1980s. One of his aims was to establish himself as romantic lead. Most of those efforts left much to be desired and that included even some relatively successful films, like Boomerang, 1992 romantic comedy directed by Reginald Hudlin.

In the film Murphy plays Marcus Graham, New York advertising executive who uses his charm and position to indulge in womanising lifestyle. The plot begins when his firm gets bought by Lady Eloise (played by Eartha Kitt), cosmetics mogul, which forces Marcus to take some extreme measures to maintain his position, including spending night with elderly new owner. This fails and the new head of his department is Jacqueline Broyer (played by Robin Givens), beautiful woman with whom he immediately falls in love. Two of them have a brief fling in New Orleans, but it becomes apparent that she is willing to treat him the same way he had treated women. Marcus begins to feel miserable and this affect his work, but things improve when he befriends Angela Lewis (played by Halle Berry), art director who happens to have relationship with Marcus’ friend Gerard (played by David Alan Grier).

Boomerang was based on the original idea by Murphy, but the script by Barry W. Blauestein and David Sheffield is in its essence very much like sex comedies that used to be made in Hollywood decades earlier. What makes it different is the use of almost exclusively black cast as well as foul language, with some sex scenes (although without much nudity) thrown to good measure. Boomerang nevertheless features a gentler, kindler and definitely more romantic Murphy, with some contemporary critics going as far as comparing his new suave image to Cary Grant. That doesn’t mean that film isn’t entertaining or funny. Lack of Murphy’s rawness is compensated with introduction of at least two over-the-top characters like Lady Eloise and eccentric fashion diva Helen Strangé, played by Grace Jones who obviously had great fun parodying her own image. Director Reginald Hudlin went a little bit overboard with that, creating outrageousness that would make the rest of the film look bland in comparison. That includes rather predictable character arc for Marcus who would ultimately learn the errors of his way, embrace monogamy and find a way to maintain shaken with Gerard. Experienced audience knows what would happen, but Hudlin doesn’t throw any red herring nor he is particularly concerned with the pace, resulting in Boomerang being overlong. What makes this film watchable is formidable and very talented cast. Murphy plays his role well, and same can be said for Robin Givens (for whom this was zenith of her acting career) as well as very charming Halle Berry (who would later become true star). Martin Lawrence is good as Marcus’ race-obsessed friend, just as John Witherspoon is great as Gerard’s father. Film is further enhanced by impressive soundtrack featuring some of the biggest R&B hits at the time and which also helped with the box office, due to promotion on MTV. Boomerang didn’t win many critics, but it was commercial success. However, unlike Murphy’s previous hits, this success didn’t create lasting legacy and it is now considered to be one of the more obscure titles in his filmography.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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