The Golden Child (1986) Review in 2025
The Golden Child is a 1986 American fantasy adventure film about a private investigator who is hired to find a young boy who is the reincarnation of a 2,000-year-old spiritual leader.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families with older children, as it contains some mild violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you're a fan of Eddie Murphy or enjoy fantasy adventure films. However, it's not particularly memorable or impactful, and it's not suitable for younger children.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Chandler Jarrell, a cynical private investigator who is hired by a wealthy client to find a young boy named Sardo Numspa, who is believed to be the reincarnation of a 2,000-year-old spiritual leader. As Chandler delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that Sardo is indeed the reincarnation, and that he has the power to heal and bring balance to the world. However, Chandler soon realizes that he is not the only one searching for Sardo, and that a dark force is also seeking to capture the young boy.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging, but it's not particularly original or well-developed. The plot is predictable, and the pacing is a bit slow at times.
acting7.00/10
The acting is generally good, with Eddie Murphy standing out as the standout performer. The supporting cast is also solid, but they don't get much to do in terms of character development.
characters6.00/10
The characters are somewhat one-dimensional, and the development of the characters is lacking. However, Eddie Murphy's performance is enjoyable, and he brings some much-needed energy to the film.
direction5.00/10
The direction is decent, but it's not particularly memorable or impactful. The film's tone is inconsistent, veering wildly from comedy to drama to action.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful and vibrant colors that bring the film's fantasy world to life. The special effects are also impressive, especially considering the film's budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's visuals are stunning, and Eddie Murphy's performance is enjoyable. The story is engaging, but it's not particularly original or well-developed.
Cons
The plot is predictable, and the pacing is a bit slow at times. The characters are somewhat one-dimensional, and the development of the characters is lacking.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a Buddhist, I'm a private investigator."
"You're a real golden child, all right. You're a golden child of a different kind."
