The Golden Child

About This Movie

The Golden Child is an odd blend of action, adventure, and comedy that feels like a product of the '80s in the best and weirdest ways. Eddie Murphy is Chandler Jarrell, a social worker who gets swept into a mystical quest involving a kidnapped Tibetan boy. It's surprisingly light on the action for a film about saving humanity, but the humor is sharp, and Murphy's charisma carries it through some awkward pacing. The practical effects, especially the villain Sardo Numspa's powers, give it a unique, almost kitschy charm. You can tell they were trying to mix cultures and tropes, which doesn’t always land, but it feels ambitious. The film's vibe is totally '80s and worth checking out for those quirks alone.

Released by Paramount Pictures on Dec 12, 1986Directed by Michael Ritchie, known for dark comediesFeatures practical effects and unique cultural elementsEddie Murphy's performance is a standout for the era