The movie benefits from a stylish, high-gloss look, a hit-filled soundtrack and up-to-the-minute dialogue (there's even a Korean shop-owner joke) that feels winningly off the cuff.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The real surprise of the movie is Eddie Murphy, who finds his character and stays with him.
70
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
The general idea is to exploit a certain amount of role reversal, and Reginald Hudlin, who directed "House Party," does a fairly good job of making this fun.
63
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
More interesting than entertaining and too long by far.
60
Empire
Empire
This is cornily predictable stuff, but it raises itself on a number of counts, with Murphy's transformation from a self-assured cocksman to bewildered, lovesick drip being approached with greater gusto than might be expected.
The pace is a little too languid, and the vulgarity a little too frequent, for the movie to work as intended.
50
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
The funniest parts of this uneven, ostentatiously upscale comedy are those that find Mr. Murphy's Marcus adopting the behavior of a sexually insecure woman.
40
Variety
Variety
The film might have worked if the thoroughly selfish characters were striving after something.
25
Rolling StonePeter Travers
Rolling StonePeter Travers
What Murphy's doing isn't acting; it's masturbation.
0
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
It's not even funny. Nor does it contain half the wit or charm as the old Doris Day sex comedies it so resembles.