DOLEMITE IS MY NAME REVIEW
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Keegan Michael-Key
Directed By: Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow)
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes
The original Dolemite is a classic film from the 70s about a pimp who busts out of prison and gets revenge on the crime boss that framed him.It starred Rudy Ray Moore.A comedian who had a number of successful albums, but wanted to make the leap onto the big screen.No one would allow him to make the movie HE wanted.He frequently went to movies and lamented that black people wanted nudity, kung fu, and car chases in movies and so few movies had all three in excess.So he set out to make his own movie.
Dolemite was a cult success.It has influenced everything from hip hop music to cartoons and video games.It spawned three sequels.Netflix has released the story of how that 1975 movie was made.Moore paid for the movie himself, even though he had no idea how to make and/or distribute a movie.Dolemite is my Name stars Eddie Murphy has Rudy Ray Moore, an actual idol of the comedian’s.
The movie is a heartfelt story of a rag tag crew that makes a movie that becomes a hit.It isn’t revolutionary.It doesn’t transcend the genre.It is what it is.It does what it does very well.It’s funny.It’s got more than enough heart.It’s vulgar, it’s silly.It’s a terribly undescriptive word, but this movie is nice.It’s very nice.It puts a smile on your face.You feel good watching it.
It’s probably a little long in the first act.It takes far too long explaining to us that Rudy Ray Moore was a down on his luck comedian who was desperate for a hit.Yearning to hit the big time.Whether that be nationwide or just in the neighborhood is unclear.
Eddie Murphy is a pitch perfect choice for Rudy Ray Moore.Murphy said he knew every word, every cadence, every syllable to the Dolemite bits before accepting the role, so you can see how easy it is for him to slip into that character.You’re very aware you’re watching Eddie Murphy, but it doesn’t feel like an impression.
I say this time and time again; the key to any great comedy is a well-rounded supporting cast that also gets to be funny.Dolemite is my Name delivers that and then some.Arsenio Hall as Dolemite’s director.Keegan Michael Key as the stuck up writer.Mike Epps, Tituss Burgess, and Craig Robinson round out the supporting players.
A lot of people are writing articles wondering if this is the movie that will land Eddie Murphy an Oscar.It isn’t.The movie isn’t THAT good.The performance isn’t THAT good.Pump the brakes.Maybe he can get nominated for a Golden Globe, because there is a specific Comedy category.But that’s the ceiling on a movie like this.Eddie Murphy should HOST The Oscars, not sit in the crowd.
This is the start to the long awaited Eddie Murphy comeback tour.Next month, he will host SNL for the first time since leaving the show 35 years ago.He will go on a stand up tour next year.That will produce a Netflix comedy special.In August, Eddie Murphy will take up the role of Akeem again alongside Arsenio Hall in Coming 2 America.That’s a number two.Cause it’s a sequel to Coming to America.The next 365 days will see Eddie Murphy barreling down on us like a freight train.Expect him to be everywhere.This is a great thing.
The best part of Dolemite is my Name is we get to see Eddie be Eddie again.This is his first movie in three years.His first comedy in eight years.His first R-rated comedy in 20 years.We get glimpses of that comedian we adored back in the 80s.That quick wit and rapid fire delivery.That million dollar smile.He’s shaking the rust off in this movie. He’s warming the engine up.Get Eddie Murphy out on the open road next year and let’s see what he’s got left in the tank.
On a scale of “See It/Stream It/Skip It” – Stream It – Fans of Eddie and fans of Dolemite this is required viewing.For casual movie watchers.If there’s nothing on TV one night, you could do a heck of a lot worse than this Netflix original.
If you liked The Disaster Artist, Dolemite, or Bowfinger you might like Dolemite is my Name
3 out of 5 stars for Dolemite is my Name.