"The Films of Eddie Murphy" Episode f/ Author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi

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What makes an Eddie Murphy film truly great? Is it the unforgettable characters, the quotable one-liners, or something more profound? Author Mat Bradley Tschirgi joins us to explore these questions through the lens of his fascinating new book, "The Films of Eddie Murphy: An Unofficial Look at America's Favorite Comedian from 48 Hours to Beverly Hills Cop Axel F."

Mat takes us on a journey through Eddie Murphy's remarkable 40-year career, uncovering little-known facts and reshaping our understanding of Murphy's contributions to cinema. From discovering that Murphy was briefly in foster care as a child to learning he earned more for the forgotten flop "Best Defense" than for his iconic hits, this conversation is filled with revelations that even dedicated fans might not know.

The heart of our discussion centers around Mat's unique approach to categorizing Murphy's extensive filmography. Rather than chronological order, he groups films as "Franchise Gems," "Hidden Gems," "So-So Gems," and "Not-So Gems." This thoughtful classification sparks a lively debate about underappreciated works like "Distinguished Gentleman" and "Mr. Church," which Mat surprisingly includes in his personal top five Murphy films. We also examine why comedies age so differently than dramas and how context matters when revisiting films from earlier decades.

Whether you're a casual viewer who knows Murphy from family films like "Shrek" or a longtime fan who can quote every line from "Raw," this episode offers fresh perspectives on an American comedy icon whose career deserves deeper analysis. Mat's passion for Murphy's work shines through as he makes a compelling case for why we should look beyond box office numbers or critical consensus to appreciate the full breadth of this remarkable performer's legacy.

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