Money Talks (1997)

16% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(37,678 ratings)

A low-level criminal and a struggling newsman become unlikely partners in this comedy. Franklin Hatchett (Chris Tucker) is a fast-talking hustler who runs a small time ticket-scalping business. A TV news story by reporter James Russell (Charlie Sheen) brings Franklin's business to the attention of… More A low-level criminal and a struggling newsman become unlikely partners in this comedy. Franklin Hatchett (Chris Tucker) is a fast-talking hustler who runs a small time ticket-scalping business. A TV news story by reporter James Russell (Charlie Sheen) brings Franklin's business to the attention of the police, and he finds himself under arrest. While being transported by police bus from one lock-up to another, Franklin is handcuffed to Raymond Villard (Gerard Ismael), a high-level jewel thief from Europe. Villard's henchmen stage a raid in which they explode the vehicle, killing most of the passengers (including two cops), but freeing their partner. Franklin is able to escape but learns that he's now wanted as a cop killer. Hoping to clear his name, Franklin approaches Russell with a deal -- if he'll hide him from the police and help him prove that he had nothing to do with the deadly explosion, he'll give the reporter an exclusive story, which could help Russell boost his sagging career. Money Talks also features Heather Locklear as Russell's fiancée Grace, and Paul Sorvino as Grace's father, who is quite impressed by Franklin's story that he's related to Vic Damone. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Brett Ratner
Written By: Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 22, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jan 13, 1998
Studio: New Line Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today
Tucker and his profanely funny verbal bullets ... are about the only reason to put up with this gratuitously violent, race-baiting, jumbled ripoff.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Tucker's manic energy is the only thing keeping the audience from dozing off like the rest of the cast.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Mildly funny prototype for Ratners later Rush Hour franchise
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
...as does Chris Tucker. Incessantly.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
serves up a crude blend of flip comedy and jarring violence... Tucker squeals loud and long. Here's hoping he gets the Ned Beatty part when 'Deliverance' is finally remade.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Phil H

Fast talking Tucker is the star in this fast paced comedy that despite doing badly upon release and being a rather bog standard action flick, I quite like it. Nothing new in the slightest with more of resemblance to 'Lethal Weapon' and 'Beverly Hills Cop' than… More
Fast talking Tucker is the star in this fast paced comedy that despite doing badly upon release and being a rather bog standard action flick, I quite like it. Nothing new in the slightest with more of resemblance to 'Lethal Weapon' and 'Beverly Hills Cop' than anything, but the quips and ramblings of Tucker are amusing and highly energetic which play well against Sheens stuck up richboy. Clearly Ratner likes Tucker as he went on to use him for the 'Rush Hour' trilogy which is pretty much more of the same, this feels like a pilot for those films but is actually probably better, just about. Had it been made back in the 80's I'm sure this would have been looked upon more favourably but with an overloaded genre when it was released it fades into obscurity fast.
Jason R

One of my favorite movies of all time. Yeah, it's not great, but Chris Tucker delivers some of the funniest lines I've heard. Great movie for a mindless comedy with some decent action scenes.
Mike S

Good action-comedies is a rare thing to come by these days. But during the 90's they came in the plenty, and this is an excellent example of that. Chris Tucker (being as loud-mouthed as he is) isn't always easy on the ears, but he's still a great and really funny actor,… More
Good action-comedies is a rare thing to come by these days. But during the 90's they came in the plenty, and this is an excellent example of that. Chris Tucker (being as loud-mouthed as he is) isn't always easy on the ears, but he's still a great and really funny actor, and always brings a lot of energy to the screen. The stuff that goes on story-wise may not be very believable, but it is, undeniably, highly entertaining. A perfect pick when you feel like just kicking back and watching something that doesn't require too much thinking.
Aaron N

James Russell: I want some answers! Franklin Hatchett: Hey man, me and Guy just down here, checkin' out some fly rides, and mackin' some hos and chillin'. James Russell: Imagine that. It's like a G-Dog on a fly tip. Flossin' wit da posse. Cuttin' in da… More
James Russell: I want some answers! Franklin Hatchett: Hey man, me and Guy just down here, checkin' out some fly rides, and mackin' some hos and chillin'. James Russell: Imagine that. It's like a G-Dog on a fly tip. Flossin' wit da posse. Cuttin' in da crib. WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT MEAN? This movie just fits right into my guilty pleasures list. Its an enjoyable action/comedy that features Chris Tucker buddying up to everybody. Charlie Sheen also stars, but he pretty much just gets to react to Tucker's antics. Franklin Hatchett: You know guns don't kill people, stupid motherfuckers with guns kill people! The story involves a local street hustler, Tucker, getting mixed up in some sordid affairs involving some French bad guys. Long story short, Tucker is on the run after being positioned as an accomplice in a prison break and cop murders. He was partially put in this position by a local news reporter, Sheen, and must now hideout with him for the weekend. Some action ensues, as Tucker gets involved in a scheme involving the recovery of 15 million dollars worth of diamonds. Money will eventually talk as Tucker must con his way into getting rid of everyone who is after him. James Russell: I need this for sweeps week! Franklin Hatchett: Sweeps week? Man fuck sweeps week, my life's on the line and you're talking about a damn broom! People give director Bret Ratner a lot of flack for his party boy attitude and the fact that he's made four Chris Tucker movies and is essentially blamed for X3, but dammit if he doesn't deliver a movie that is quick paced and a lot of fun. The plot is silly but it delivers a lot of laughs, makes good use of Tucker and his interactions with the supporting cast, which includes Paul Sorvino, and has a good amount of 90s R rated violence. Fun stuff. James Russell: You fuck up the suit, we've got a problem. Franklin Hatchett: Fuck the suit, we've already got a problem!
Al S

An endlessly hilarious and gut-busting action-comedy that you will head over heels laugh for the entire ride. Delivering a full-clip of explosive action. A wild and exhilerating classic. Chris Tucker has such energy not seen since Eddie Murphey. Tucker and Sheen play each other off… More
An endlessly hilarious and gut-busting action-comedy that you will head over heels laugh for the entire ride. Delivering a full-clip of explosive action. A wild and exhilerating classic. Chris Tucker has such energy not seen since Eddie Murphey. Tucker and Sheen play each other off perfectly.
danny d

had some funny moments, not bad
James A

Why did I see this?
Sam C

No matter how many times I see this I still laugh just as hard as the first time I saw it...