You know, I remember a time when Eddie Murphy was a funny guy. I was totally into his SNL gig, his first concert film, and at least the first “Beverly Hills Cop” movie. During that funny period, we were treated to “Trading Places” and “48 Hours”, which were both really funny films. Then something strange happened. Eddie started to transform. He became ‘angry‘ Eddie, whose 2nd concert film, “Raw” where nothing was even remotely humorous. It was all just Eddie yelling about all the injustices in his life. Then he became ‘full of himself’ Eddie who had this weird notion that he could sing and proceeded to put out an album. Then there was a span of a few years, where Eddie had pretty much fallen off the radar, so he decided to go through one more transformation and become “Bill Cosby” Eddie. This was also due, in part I understand, becasue he had kids and wanted to make films that would appeal to them. This is all well and fine the only problem was that he still wasn’t as funny as he used to be.

Some of the movies were relatively amusing, and some of the makeup was amazing, but it all just kind of fell flat for me.

In spite of this, I noticed there was one place that Eddie could still make me laugh. In the animated world. That’s right, ‘animated’ Eddie. His vocal performances in “Mulan” and “Shrek” were hysterical beyond compare. The lightning fast delivery hit home runs with every line. That was when I had a revelation. Eddie should just stick to this arena. He is funnier heard, but not seen.

I hesitantly sat down to watch the newest Bill Cosb.. I mean Eddie Murphy movie “Daddy Day Care”, totally unsure if I should. Knowing full well that it wasn’t animated I went ahead with it. Thankfully, I was prepared. Though not a terrible movie by any means, “Daddy Day Care” languishes in adolescent potty humor and ‘kick in the crotch’ gags. It’s one of those films that is really, really cute, and even mildly amusing, but cries out to be so much more.

The one plus to having the DVD is checking out some of the extra features, some of which are actually a bit better than the movie. Most of the extras feature the kids from the film as they talk about everything from working with Eddie Murphy to what a director does. These kids are extremely cute, but after the first two features the ‘grinch’ side of me started seeing it as less saccharine induced sweetness and becoming more like overblown child exploitation.

The one feature I enjoyed the most, however was the animated short, “Early Bloomers.” It’s a computer animated tadpole ‘coming of age story’ that is cute (there’s that word again) and funny and runs just long enough to not wear out it’s welcome. And the trailer section includes the upcoming live action “Peter Pan” that I just know is going to be great.

I certainly don’t mean to sound so down about “Daddy Day Care”, but I know that Murphy is capable of so much more and a part of me yearns to see the old Eddie in action. I guess until that next transformation comes, I’ll just have to settle for Eddie Cosby.

Directed by: Steve Carr
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, Regina King, Anjelica Huston
Extras: “Meet the Daddy Day Care Kids”, “Quiet on the Set” Featurette, “Good Morning Eddie Murphy” Featurette, “What Did that Kid Say?” Featurette, Name the Noise Maker Game, Kid Card Match Up Game, Odd One Out Game, Blooper Reel, All new animated short “Early Bloomers”
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1) and Full Screen (1.33), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 9/23/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG (Language)
Website

We'll give Daddy Day Care a C.