🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Stephen Herek
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 1998
- Runtime (length): 1h 54min
- IMDb rating: 5.0/10 (22k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 12%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Eddie Murphy plays a wandering guru who accidentally becomes a home shopping superstar, teaching America that the real bargains are inner peace and limited-time offers on enlightenment.
🍿 Holy Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Trouble at the Good Buy Shopping Network
Ricky Hayman (Jeff Goldblum) is struggling to keep the Good Buy Shopping Network afloat, facing an ultimatum from his boss to increase sales or lose his job. Enter Kate Newell (Kelly Preston), a marketing consultant hired to shake things up, creating initial friction between her and Ricky.

The Serendipitous Arrival of ‘G’
While dealing with a flat tire, Ricky and Kate encounter ‘G’ (Eddie Murphy), a charismatic and enigmatic spiritual wanderer. After almost hitting him with their car, they take him to the hospital and back to the studio, leading to unexpected consequences.

G’s Unconventional Sales Tactics
G’s authentic and philosophical approach to selling products on the shopping network unexpectedly boosts sales. He wanders onto infomercial sets, offering simple, thought-provoking messages that resonate with viewers, contrasting sharply with traditional marketing tactics. This leads to G getting his own spot on the network.

Fame and Complications
As G’s popularity soars, Ricky becomes increasingly focused on exploiting his success for profit, leading to marketing ventures and a scheduled premiere for G’s own show. However, the pressures of fame begin to take their toll on G, and Kate grows uncomfortable with the exploitation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- G (Eddie Murphy): A wandering, enigmatic spiritual man who unexpectedly revitalizes a home shopping network with his unconventional approach.
- Ricky Hayman (Jeff Goldblum): A struggling and materialistic television executive who finds his career and values challenged by ‘G’.
- Kate Newell (Kelly Preston): A marketing consultant who is initially skeptical but eventually becomes a moral compass and love interest for Ricky.
- John McBainbridge (Robert Loggia): The profit-driven owner of the Good Buy Shopping Network who is willing to exploit ‘G’ for financial gain.
- Scott Hawkes (Eric McCormack): An ambitious and underhanded marketing executive who tries to undermine Ricky and capitalize on ‘G’s popularity.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- G: “Seventy-five years. That’s how much time you get if you’re lucky. Seventy-five Winters. Seventy-five Springtimes. Seventy-five Summers. And Seventy-five Autumns. When you look at it like that, it’s not a lot of time, is it? Don’t waste them.” – G delivers this speech, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and not getting caught up in superficial matters.
- G: “Get your head out of the rat race and forget about the superficial things that pre-occupy your existence and get back to what’s important now. Right Now. This very second.” – G encourages people to focus on what truly matters, challenging the consumerist mindset.
- G: “You could become a seeker. You could be loving more. You could be taking some chances. You could be living more. You could be spending more time with your family.” – G suggests ways people can enrich their lives by focusing on love, family, and personal growth.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $60,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $12,069,719
- Worldwide Gross: $12,069,719
💥 Holy Man Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this as a kid and thinking Eddie Murphy was hilarious as ‘G.’ Re-watching it now, I appreciate the movie’s message about finding happiness beyond material possessions. The scene where ‘G’ messes with Morgan Fairchild’s facial device always cracks me up! It’s a feel-good movie.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Eddie Murphy”
- “Viewers interested in films about spirituality and commercialism”
- “Those seeking a lighthearted, feel-good movie with a positive message”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Holy Man’s premise shows promise, but ultimately it feels more like an extended SNL sketch than a fully realized movie. Eddie Murphy delivers a charming performance, but the script lacks the depth to make the spiritual themes truly resonate.
- The New York Times: “The movie tries to be funny while offering profound insights. Holy Man is neither hilarious nor thought-provoking enough to work as a satire of commercialism. Goldblum does great, while Murphy’s charm only goes so far. Preston gives us a warm and believable performance.
Audience Reactions
Eddie Murphy’s subtle and charming performance was a highlight for many viewers.: The film’s message about anti-materialism resonated with audiences looking for something beyond typical comedies.
Overall Consensus: Holy Man is a feel-good movie to make you think about life.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie was originally conceived in 1993 with John Candy in the role of G, but it was shelved after Candy’s death.”
- “Many real-life celebrities, including Betty White, Florence Henderson, James Brown, and Morgan Fairchild, made cameo appearances as themselves, highlighting the film’s satire of celebrity culture.”
- “The film satirizes the commercialism of television shopping networks, exaggerating the often absurd products and sales pitches.”
🖥️ How to Watch Holy Man?
As of today, ‘Holy Man’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Holy Man, you might like these similar films:
- What About Bob? (1991): Features a character with a unique worldview disrupting the life of a successful professional, leading to comedic and self-discovery moments.
- Being There (1979): Shares the theme of a simple-minded character unexpectedly gaining fame and influence due to their naive wisdom.
- Bruce Almighty (2003): A modern comedy where the protagonist receives divine abilities and learns about the true meaning of responsibility and compassion.
- Oh, God! (1977): Features an ordinary man chosen by God to spread a message, exploring themes of faith and modern society with a comedic approach.
🛒 Holy Man Related Products
- Eddie Murphy: The Essential Collection: Stream or download a compilation of Eddie Murphy’s best comedy films. Get ready for hours of laughter.
- Mindfulness Meditation Starter Kit: A beginner-friendly kit including a meditation cushion, guided audio meditations, and an aromatherapy diffuser to help promote inner peace and mindfulness.
- The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment: A transformative book that explores the path to spiritual enlightenment and living in the present moment.
- Home Shopping Network Trivia Game: A board game that lets you test your knowledge of the home shopping world. Compete with friends and family to see who knows the most about the products and personalities.
🎧 Soundtrack
Holy Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Holy Man’ explores the themes of materialism versus spirituality, the importance of genuine human connection, and finding happiness through integrity rather than material wealth.
While marketed as a comedy, ‘Holy Man’ blends comedic elements with a more serious exploration of values and relationships. Many viewers and critics found the comedic aspects lacking, while appreciating the film’s message.
According to IMDb, ‘Holy Man’ was filmed in Florida, USA.
Some critics and viewers felt ‘Holy Man’ was poorly executed and didn’t fully deliver on its comedic promise. Additionally, the film’s message felt muddled. Despite these reviews, some viewers appreciated the film’s message and intentions.
🔥 Bonus Content
Precious Plum: A Holy Man
Okay, so this might be a *little* out there, but imagine if one of the movie’s ‘spiritual’ characters ended up in a ridiculously awkward situation? This sketch kinda does that! It’s hilarious, and maybe it’ll help you see the movie in a new, funny light. Check it out!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.