Blu-Ray review by John Larkin
MONEY TALKS on blu-ray from Warner Archive can be purchased by clicking the image above.
It’s great that Warner Archive doesn’t discriminate when it comes to giving their catalog titles the proper Blu-ray treatment. With the cancellation of Brett Ratner during the Me-Too movement, and the inclusion of the seemingly permanently controversial Charlie Sheen, one might assume an older title like MONEY TALKS would be left abandoned by the arbiters of future restorations and releases.
Brett Ratner has always been a competent director, though some of his films have garnered more praise than others. His range is impressive, having proven he can handle everything from comedy (MONEY TALKS) to family drama (THE FAMILY MAN) and even psychological horror (RED DRAGON). The latter, a Hannibal Lecter film, is often unfairly criticized, despite boasting a stellar cast, crisp and full bodied cinematography by Dante Spinotti, and a level of tension that easily exceeds Michael Mann’s adaptation of the same story, MANHUNTER (1986).
In the case of MONEY TALKS, while it might not rank as Ratner's best work, it’s undeniably a precursor to what would come for both the director and star Chris Tucker. Franklin Hatchett, feels like a dry run for his iconic role as Detective James Carter in RUSH HOUR. Both characters share that same rapid-fire wit, high-energy personality, and knack for comedic timing that made Tucker a household name. The snappy dialogue, fast-paced action, and fish-out-of-water dynamic between Tucker’s hustling conman and Charlie Sheen’s more serious, straight-laced journalist mirror the unlikely buddy-cop dynamic that made RUSH HOUR such a hit.
Charlie Sheen, as the neurotic journalist James Russell, serves as a solid foil to Tucker’s loud-mouthed Hatchett. While the characters don’t exactly mirror the dynamic that would become famous with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, Sheen’s more grounded portrayal offers a good balance to Tucker’s zany antics, setting the stage for the high-energy, action-comedy partnership that would follow in RUSH HOUR. The two might not have the same level of rapport as Tucker and Chan, but their performances still manage to capture a certain bit magic — even if it pales to RUSH HOUR.
As for the Blu-ray itself, Warner Archive has done a usual fantastic job with this release. The 1080p transfer offers a crisp and vibrant picture that enhances the film’s vibrant colors and action sequences. The audio is just as impressive, with a dynamic soundtrack that keeps the energy up throughout the film. Special features are minimal, but the film’s restored presentation more than makes up for it, allowing fans to revisit MONEY TALKS in the best quality available.
While MONEY TALKS isn’t Ratner’s finest work, it remains a fun, lighthearted film that marks an important point in both Chris Tucker’s career and the evolution of Brett Ratner as a director. The film’s combination of sharp comedy and action makes it an enjoyable watch, and its ties to RUSH HOUR only add to the charm. For fans of Tucker, Sheen, or 90s action-comedies in general, this Blu-ray release from Warner Archive is a welcome addition to the collection.
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