Perhaps in the 80s, such a movie was something fresh and interesting. And how could the idea seem like a failure? Before us is a cool detective with a black starring role and humor. Now the movie looks more like fiction. There is no content in the film in general. Heroes are patterned. With the same success, you can take pins and paste signs on them “main character”, “antagonist”, etc. The plot is unthinkable and incredible in many places. For example, the scene of throwing the main character through the glass made him breathe. It is memorable, but exists only for the sake of gag. In reality, no one would ruin their door that way. It was absolutely unnecessary for the setup. And how will a movie look, in which the scenes are written for the desired impression, and not for a coherent plot? Ridiculous. That's what he looks like.
The film attracts mainly the acting of Eddie Murphy. He probably created a unique image of a lively, energetic, cheerful, resourceful, rude, good black guy. The American public was happy to see this. This image will remain with the actor in most films. Both Journey to America and Golden Child, in which Murphy doesn't play a cop. But of course, one role will not always be interesting. Still, Murphy lasted a decade and a half, which is not small. Do you remember Eddie Murphy in 1984? I think not. He showed a similar character in the best films, and for viewing still chooses the film, not the actor. And the film is a meaningless entertainment of the 80s.