‘Dolemite Is My Name’ is directed by Craig Brewer and stars Eddie Murphy as real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian, musician, turned movie star all by his sheer stubbornness and willpower to be a success. His iconic crude, hilarious comedy led him to star and making one of the biggest blacksploitation films of the 1970s. Eddie Murphy has been slowly making his way back into the Hollywood spotlight and staging his comeback and with ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ I believe the ‘Eddie-sance’ has officially begun!
Eddie Murphy. Like him or hate him, you cannot deny his comedic genius. From Standup to The Nutty Professor to Donkey, Murphy has been consistently funny and to all ages in his career. I absolutely loved Murphy in this role. I don’t have any other way to explain it other than it was like watching a classic Murphy role created before my eyes, but so warm and familiar It is by far one of if not his best performance of his career. He completely embodies Rudy Ray Moor and much like the character, Eddie’s comedic sensibilities and influence enhances this film to be one in contention for awards this year. If there is anyone thing this film deserves, it’s the best actor nomination for Murphy.
I really loved the message of this film in choosing to focus on Moores’s determination and willpower to be successful. It is an inspiring story that absolutely needs to be told and I am so glad it was told through this lens and with Murphy embodying the legend. If you knew nothing about Rudy Ray Moore before going into this film, I think after you’ll be wanting to look up and watch his old stuff because of how well they can showcase how great he was. The music the cinematography are all top quality and properly sets you in the ’70s. The wardrobe design and sets were really cool to just look at, you can get distracted by just how cool everyone looks in this movie!
The supporting cast includes Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and my standout performance by Wesley Snipes, as real actor ‘D’Urville’. His comedic timing alongside Murphy’s was incredible and I loved every scene he was in. There are a lot more actors involved that have small parts but when your film is so stacked with incredible talent like ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ is; even big names have to sometimes get just cameos that they still knock out of the park.
Sometimes in the second act, it can feel a little slower paced, and maybe the movie runs a little longer than they needed, but I felt myself enjoying the slowed-down moments that showcase Murphys acting abilities, as well as his iconic ‘Eddie Murphy’ comedic sense. This is one of the few films from Netflix where it didn’t feel like I was watching a tv show, and honestly, it’s kind of a shame this isn’t out on the big screen for us to go and watch on the largest format possible. If you get a chance to see this in theaters (if Netflix decides to run it for awards consideration) I will be there delighted to pay to see it again.
Overall, ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ is funny, inspiring, charming, and a return to form for Eddie Murphy. With a star-studded supporting cast and kick-ass comedy, I would go as far as to say this is in the top 3 best comedies of the past couple years and by far Eddie Murphies best in some time.
I’m giving ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ a 9/10