| Putting a thrilling new spin on the buddy film with this gritty and gripping crime drama, director Walter Hill hit paydirt, combining Nolte's bearish, no-BS mien with fiery comedic talent Murphy (still a "Saturday Night Live" cast member at the time). The result is a witty, well-acted, suspenseful thriller featuring a warring, hilariously mismatched duo. Great chemistry, intelligent writing, and wonderful set-ups (especially one tense howler in a racist redneck bar) boost "48 Hrs." to the top rank of '80s urban actioners. Exciting and full of attitude. |