The Golden Child

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The Golden Child

PG-13

1986

1h 31m

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

22%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

47%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

After a Tibetan boy, the mystical Golden Child (J.L. Reate), is kidnapped by the evil Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance), humankind's fate hangs in the balance. On the other side of the world in Los Angeles, the priestess Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis) seeks the Chosen One, who will save the boy from death. When Nang sees social worker Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy) on television discussing his ability to find missing children, she solicits his expertise, despite his skepticism over being "chosen."

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David Stratton

Sydney Morning Herald

A generally over-produced, over-cooked movie.

May 27, 2021

Full Review

Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

A half-baked comedy without a heart.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This film -- insignificant and lightweight and monumentally silly -- is entertaining from beginning to end.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

This movie is absolutely madness and the CGI doesn't hold up, but I still find this enjoyable. The 80's were a wild time.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 12, 2025

Full Review

Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

There some very intense, oddly gothic moments in this movie that don't match the comedic tone that Eddie Murphy was going for. Lots of things were apparently changed from the initial idea and this is evident in the final product.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 12, 2025

Full Review

Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

[Eddie] Murphy’s role as a wisecracking detective specialising in finding missing children may have been right up his alley. But his usual charismatic turn isn’t enough to offset the slapdash and clunky plot.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jul 4, 2024

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Chris W

Had to purchase this sweet film. A classic feel good action film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

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Peter V

Really liked this movie from Eddi Murphy was a fan of his movies that time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

Cecilia S

Currently watching it for the 50th time. Its a cult classic and deserves so much higher than it's current rating. They just don't make movies like this anymore and I wasn't even born yet when it came out. It's so entertaining, pulls at the heart strings a little, and just captures your attention the entire time, all while being a bit silly and quirky. Eddie Murphy is hilarious in it as well, and the interactions he has with the little boy lead is just too funny. Just give it a chance if you haven't seen it. Older movies just have something special newer movies don't. They're so genuine and made so well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/25

Full Review

ERICK M

goofy. but some great lines.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

Full Review

Yoosik Ethan O

Great memories of the 80’s watching this funny film. It’s a really silly plot full of demons trying to get a perfect child who will save the world. But you really don’t mind because Eddie Murphy saves this film. He’s pretty funny from start to finish and gets a lot of laughs overall.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

Full Review

Todd B

I think this was the first movie, after the '86 tour that he did, Eddie. Good movie classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/30/24

Full Review

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Michael Ritchie

Director

Eddie Murphy

Chandler Jarrell

Charles Dance

Sardo Numspa

Charlotte Lewis

Kee Nang

Victor Wong

The Old Man

Randall "Tex" Cobb

Til

The Golden Child: Official Clip - Chandler's Dream

2:13

The Golden Child: Official Clip - Dancing Pepsi Can

2:13

The Golden Child: Official Clip - Viva Nepal!

2:10

The Golden Child: Official Clip - There's No Ground Here

2:13

The Golden Child: Official Clip - Brother Numpsay!

2:12

The Golden Child: Official Clip - It's Your Destiny

2:13

The Golden Child: Official Clip - Let's Get Outta Here

2:12

The Golden Child: Official Clip - I Want the Knife

2:13

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Synopsis

After a Tibetan boy, the mystical Golden Child (J.L. Reate), is kidnapped by the evil Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance), humankind's fate hangs in the balance. On the other side of the world in Los Angeles, the priestess Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis) seeks the Chosen One, who will save the boy from death. When Nang sees social worker Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy) on television discussing his ability to find missing children, she solicits his expertise, despite his skepticism over being "chosen."

Director: Michael Ritchie
Producer: Dennis Feldman, Edward S. Feldman, Robert D. Wachs
Screenwriter: Dennis Feldman
Production Co: Paramount
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 6, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $78.1M
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Surround

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