Money Talks (1997) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

Directed by Brett Ratner in his directorial debut, “Money Talks” blends action, comedy, and crime elements to tell a story full of humor, suspense, and unexpected alliances. Starring Chris Tucker and Charlie Sheen, the film navigates the unlikely partnership between a small-time hustler and a straight-laced journalist, both entangled in a complex web of crime, deceit, and ambition.

Talk to me about the movie

“Money Talks” follows Franklin Hatchett (Chris Tucker), a fast-talking ticket scalper who finds himself wrongly accused of a crime after a police bust goes awry. His path crosses with James Russell (Charlie Sheen), a television journalist looking for a big break. The ensuing chaos after Franklin escapes custody, taking James along for the ride, forms the crux of the film’s plot. The narrative weaves through various misadventures, including mistaken identities, the pursuit of a stash of stolen diamonds, and the duo’s efforts to clear their names, all while developing an unlikely friendship.

So this is what made Chris Tucker into a name

Chris Tucker’s performance as Franklin Hatchett is the heartbeat of “Money Talks,” showcasing Tucker’s unique comedic timing and energetic screen presence. Tucker’s Hatchett is charismatic, resourceful, and perpetually in motion, creating a dynamic and engaging protagonist. Charlie Sheen’s portrayal of James Russell provides a counterbalance to Tucker’s frenetic energy, offering a more subdued, straight-man foil to Tucker’s antics. The chemistry between Tucker and Sheen is central to the film’s success, providing both comedic moments and character development that enrich the narrative.

Brett Ratner begins!

At its core, “Money Talks” explores themes of identity, trust, and redemption. The film delves into how circumstances can thrust vastly different individuals together, forcing them to reassess their prejudices and assumptions about one another. Through the lens of an action-comedy, the movie examines the lengths to which individuals will go to clear their names and protect those they care about, even when it means forming alliances with unlikely partners.

While that sounds pretty basic, it’s not like “Money Talks” is reinventing the wheel here. While it’s not quite 48 Hours and not quite the later Rush Hour movies, the film manages to make two wild personalities play off each other to further the comedic action.

A Rush Hour before Rush Hour

“Money Talks” is distinguished by its seamless integration of comedy and action. Brett Ratner, in his directorial debut, demonstrates a keen ability to balance explosive action sequences with comedic interludes, never allowing one to overshadow the other. The film’s humor is derived both from situational comedy—often emerging from the protagonists’ desperate attempts to evade capture—and from the sharp, witty dialogue, much of which Tucker reportedly improvised. The action sequences are well-executed, providing the necessary adrenaline to propel the narrative forward and complement the film’s comedic backbone.

Money Talks doesn’t get talked about like Friday or Rush Hour

While “Money Talks” received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release, it has since been appreciated for its humor, action, and the dynamic pairing of Tucker and Sheen. The film contributed significantly to Chris Tucker’s rise as a leading comedic actor in Hollywood, showcasing his ability to carry a film with his unique brand of humor and charisma. For Brett Ratner, the film marked the beginning of a successful directorial career, leading to other high-profile projects.

Final thoughts about Money Talks

“Money Talks” stands as an entertaining blend of action, comedy, and crime, driven by strong performances from Chris Tucker and Charlie Sheen and marked by Brett Ratner’s confident direction. The film cleverly navigates its plot twists and character dynamics, offering audiences a mix of laughter, suspense, and heart. Despite its mixed critical reception, “Money Talks” has endured as a fun, engaging film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Its blend of humor and action remains appealing, making it a noteworthy entry in the careers of those involved and in the action-comedy genre.

Let’s talk about the Money Talks Warner Archive Blu-ray

Money Talks only comes with the trailer as the sole special feature. So, let’s talk about the A/V Quality. Warner Archive continues putting more effort into these 1080 transfers than most studios give it major releases. But, there was one big hitch.

Now, I thought I was going crazy for while, but I finally got something confirmed. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track on my copy was botched and there is a replacement campaign underway to sub out the disc for one with a corrected track. Hell, I still need to get my Rocky 4K traded out with their corrected audio mixes.

If you remember the movie from your youth, basic cable replays on TBS or some other touchpoint…check it out. I’m not the biggest fan of Brett Ratner, but I like seeing where directing talent begins. Check it out!

Money Talks is now available from the Warner Archive Collection. Purchase your own copy at MovieZyng!