Will Eddie Murphy make a good Oscar host?

There is rarely a day when I am with my friends on the golf course that at least one of us doesn’t quote a line from one of Eddie Murphy’s stand-up routines or classic movies. So why then am I not more excited that my favorite comedian ever has been chosen to host the Oscars in February?

I guess there are a couple of reasons, the first being that I can’t remember the last time he was funny outside of voicing the donkey in the Shrek movies. After brilliant performances in films like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America and several other hit films, it seems like he sold out just to get any movie made. That eventually led to a lull and then kiddie fare like Daddy Day Care.

He bounced back in 2006 with an Oscar-nominated performance in Dreamgirls, but even that was based more on his singing and acting ability. I’m not saying performers can’t reinvent themselves, but the only Eddie Murphy I want is a funny Eddie Murphy, and I honestly can’t remember the last time he made me laugh.

So that’s what shocked me about this announcement. Brett Ratner and Don Mischer, who are producing the telecast, released a statement explaining the decision.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” Ratner said. “With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances – especially on stage – I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February.”

And Murphy, as you would expect, is saying all the right things about the chance to host.

“I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others,” said Murphy. “I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre.”

My hope is that we get the sharp, irreverent, potty-mouthed Murphy from the 1980s. Let them bleep him out if he crosses the line, but allow him to cross the line. Anybody who has seen his stand-up films Raw and Delirious knows that Murphy is at his best when he’s not trying to be PC.

If Ratner and Mischer are determined to put on a great show, then give Eddie the platform to stir things up and really be funny. And nothing would please me more than seeing the return of my favorite comedian.