Another 48 Hrs. is the louder, rougher, and more explosive sequel to the 1982 buddy-cop classic 48 Hrs. Reuniting Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, the film doubles down on profanity, gunfire, and mismatched chemistry. If the first film was a gritty experiment, this one is a full-blown action-comedy riot.
Detailed Summary
The Setup: Old Wounds, New Chaos
Six years after their first reluctant partnership, Inspector Jack Cates is still working homicide in San Francisco, and still doing things his own stubborn way. His career is stagnating, his temper is intact, and his patience is nonexistent. Meanwhile, Reggie Hammond is about to be released from prison, counting down the days until freedom.
A mysterious criminal mastermind known only as the Iceman begins assassinating cops, including officers connected to Jack. One murder hits particularly close to home, making the case personal rather than procedural.
The Reluctant Reunion
Jack quickly realizes he needs Reggie’s street knowledge and instincts. Using the same legal loophole as before, Jack temporarily releases Reggie from prison custody. Reggie is not thrilled—he remembers exactly how the last 48 hours went and has zero interest in being bait again.
Their reunion is tense, loud, and frequently hilarious, with both men older, angrier, and far less tolerant of each other’s nonsense.
On the Trail of the Iceman
The investigation leads them through gun dealers, redneck criminals, biker gangs, and corrupt middlemen. The Iceman is revealed to be a calculating and disciplined criminal who believes killing police officers is a strategic necessity, not revenge.
Unlike typical villains, the Iceman operates quietly, efficiently, and without flair, which makes him far more dangerous. Jack’s obsession grows, blinding him to protocol and putting both himself and Reggie at risk.
Everything Goes Wrong
The case spirals out of control. Deals fall apart. Allies die. Jack is suspended and effectively becomes a rogue cop. Reggie, who just wanted to finish his sentence and walk free, is once again dragged into lethal territory.
The tension between them shifts from sarcastic hostility to something closer to mutual respect—earned the hard way, through bullets and bad decisions.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Jack and Reggie track the Iceman to a remote compound. By this point, Jack has lost his badge, his career, and nearly his life. He has nothing left except the need to end this.
A violent shootout erupts. The Iceman is revealed not as a flashy criminal genius, but as a cold professional who believes chaos is a tool. Jack confronts him directly, and after a brutal exchange, Jack kills the Iceman, finally avenging his fallen colleagues.
With the threat eliminated, the system quietly resets. Jack’s career is effectively over, but he accepts it—justice mattered more than the job. Reggie, having survived another nightmare partnership, is returned to prison custody, but this time with his release imminent and his dignity intact.
The film ends on a familiar note: Jack and Reggie part ways with sarcastic affection, knowing they’ll probably never see each other again—but if they do, it’ll be trouble.
This ending reinforces the film’s central idea: some partnerships only work under extreme pressure, and freedom always comes at a cost.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Another 48 Hrs. ends definitively with no mid-credits or post-credits scenes. Once the story concludes, that’s it—no sequel teases, no hidden jokes.
Type of Movie
Another 48 Hrs. is a hard-edged action-comedy crime film that leans more heavily into violence and profanity than its predecessor, while still relying on sharp dialogue and clashing personalities to drive the humor.
Cast
- Eddie Murphy as Reggie Hammond
- Nick Nolte as Inspector Jack Cates
- Brion James as Ben Kehoe
- Kevin Tighe as Blake Wilson
- Ed O’Ross as The Iceman
- Andrew Divoff as Cherry Ganz
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by James Horner, delivering a tougher, more percussive soundtrack than the first film. The music emphasizes tension and urgency rather than comedy, reflecting the sequel’s darker tone.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily shot in San Francisco, California, using real streets, industrial zones, and waterfront areas. These locations reinforce the film’s gritty realism and give the action a grounded, urban feel rather than a stylized Hollywood gloss.
Awards and Nominations
Another 48 Hrs. did not receive major awards or nominations. Its legacy is tied more to box-office success and pop-culture impact than critical recognition.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Eddie Murphy reportedly had more creative control than in the first film, influencing Reggie’s sharper dialogue.
- Nick Nolte and Murphy improvised many insults, increasing the film’s raw energy.
- Walter Hill intentionally made the sequel darker and louder to separate it from the original.
- The production faced criticism for its extreme violence compared to the first movie.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from classic 1970s police thrillers, particularly movies like Dirty Harry and The French Connection, blending them with 1980s buddy-comedy dynamics.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several character-building scenes involving Reggie’s life after prison were cut for pacing. No fully alternate ending has been released, but early scripts reportedly gave Jack a more explicit moral reckoning at the end.
Book Adaptations and Differences
This film is not based on a book. It is an original screenplay and a direct sequel to 48 Hrs. (1982).
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Jack pulling Reggie out of prison—again—with mutual disbelief
- The redneck bar confrontation that escalates instantly
- The final compound shootout with the Iceman
Iconic Quotes
- Reggie Hammond: “I am not your partner. I am your hostage.”
- Jack Cates: “I don’t need backup. I need results.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Reggie references events from the first film in throwaway insults.
- Several background cops are named after characters from Walter Hill’s earlier films.
- The Iceman’s calm demeanor is a deliberate contrast to typical loud 80s villains.
Trivia
- Eddie Murphy was paid significantly more for the sequel than the original.
- The film was one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies of 1990.
- Many critics felt the sequel was harsher but less emotionally balanced than 48 Hrs.
Why Watch?
Watch Another 48 Hrs. if you enjoy raw buddy-cop chemistry, relentless pacing, and dialogue that doesn’t pull punches. It’s louder, meaner, and less charming than the original—but deliberately so.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- 48 Hrs. (1982)
- The Warriors (1979)
- Southern Comfort (1981)
- Red Heat (1988)
- Last Man Standing (1996)
Recommended Films for Fans
- 48 Hrs. (1982)
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
- Lethal Weapon (1987)
- Running Scared (1986)
- Bad Boys (1995)
