Review: Bowfinger

Blu-ray: Bowfinger (1999)

Has-been actor and now film producer Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) has $2,184 and a script; Chubby Rain. All he needs is a star, one particular star; Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) to be in his movie. With the aid of several friends; Kit’s look-alike brother Jiff (Eddie Murphy again) and an unsuspecting alien-fearing Kit, he begins shooting.

Remember when Steve Martin was funny? When he was King Tut and made films like The Jerk, All of Me and The Man with 2 Brains? Yeah me too, but all was not lost into the mire of Father of the Bride and Cheaper by the Dozen, there was the odd flash of funniness with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Three Amigos and Bowfinger.

Hey, remember when Eddie Murphy was funny? Yeah, it’s kind of the same deal with these 2, both hugely talented, genuinely funny fellas who have made some very bad money-orientated career choices over the last 30 years (The Pink Panther, Norbit).

However, Bowfinger is a delight and a true return to form for both it’s stars. It’s not only funny but it is also warm and sparky with some cracking funny lines in it. This is no surprise as the film’s director is Frank Oz (vocal talent extraordinaire as well as great director) who definitely brought the best out of Martin in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Here we have a great ensemble cast and two stars who are obviously enjoying themselves immensely.

This is a welcome re-release from the wonderful Fabulous Films and includes extras of a short (made during production) making of, trailer and fantastic commentary by The Great Oz himself.

Review by Tina (co-host of 60 Minutes With) from a disc kindly supplied by Fabulous Films.