Eddie Murphy to America: It's Time To Laugh Again

Eddie Murphy did it. In a watershed appearance, Eddie made comedy cool again. His new films, Coming to America and Beverly Hills Cop haven’t even been released yet and he’s not only extremely popular but has elevated comedy to a new level. In addition to significantly boosting Saturday Night Live’s forever lagging ratings, he reminded us all that it’s ok to laugh and graciously taught new comedians how it’s done.

“Come in late, get out early” is how my screenwriting instructor cautioned us would-be writers on how to write great scenes. Murphy apparently heard this lesson too. After a significant absence from film, tv, commercials and the tabloids, he is suddenly “back” crashing a dry party and making it lively once again. He’s that guest that comes an hour late, offers no excuses, and delights everyone with his spot on-make-you-pee-yourself jabs.

Amid a tough social climate, comedy films had become almost a 4-letter word being overshadowed by heavy dramas, epic superhero films and serious “based on true story” depictions. But now suddenly, refreshingly, comedians can feel safe to talk about “doing stand up” or finishing off that hilarious script – the one with all those zingers (ahem).

For comedians, his timely appearance is ushering in a golden age of comedy. It’s ok to point at the screen again, guffawing uncontrollably. Remember that “football in the groin” scene from the Simpsons? Yeah, it’s time to laugh like that again.

There have been a few attempt to keep stoking comedy films, mostly chic flic fare, i.e. Little, raunchy humor such as Girls Trip, and the odd remake like What Men Want. Even TV comedy has focused mostly on gender and race issues, making us wonder should we even be laughing. But Murphy, now a grandfather, smoothly re-upped a nearly dead comic form – the skit.

Frankly, it’s a long overdue and remiss action on the part of the Hollywood set to reach out to its comedic veterans. The last time I heard an audience laugh robustly was during the premiere of “Downton Abbey” because a servant bowed. But just like that period drama, 21st century comedy is about to have it’s day at last.

So to all you comedy script writers, now is your big chance to finish off that last eye-watering scene but hurry you may not have much time.