After voicing the fan-favorite character Donkey for a fourth time in 2010’s “Shrek Forever After,” actor and comedian Eddie Murphy seemed to have hit a slump in his almost 40 year career, appearing in only three lackluster, unmemorable films since then. With the release of “Dolemite Is My Name” a recent Netflix original film, the opportunity for Murphy to become relevant once more was presented, while some predicted that his performance could warrant award nominations in the near future. Though the film itself was not necessarily Oscar-worthy, it still succeeded in skillfully reintroducing Murphy into the public eye with a strong performance as the real life comedian Rudy Ray Moore.
The film depicts Moore as he and a group of friends attempt to produce a film based around his stage character “Dolemite,” a profane pimp. Also starring in the film are Wesley Snipes (“The Expendables 3”) as director D’Urville Martin, Keegan-Michael Key (“The Lion King”) as writer Jerry Jones, and Mike Epps (Uncle Drew), Craig Robinson (“Sausage Party”) and Tituss Burgess (“The Addams Family”) as friends of Moore. As a whole, the film’s ensemble cast certainly impresses, but as it should, it pales in comparison to Murphy who shines in the role of Moore and helps to elevate the film past a seemingly basic premise.
“Dolemite Is My Name” does have moments in which it submits to the tropes established by other biographical films. However, it also deviates itself from these films due to its heavy use of comedy, which is masterfully delivered by Murphy, a man who has been long known for his superior comedic talent. Also, given the contrasting personalities between Rudy Ray Moore and “Dolemite,” Murphy is also given a way to show off his skills as a dramatic actor in the process, thereby allowing for the audience to get a taste of Murphy’s range as an actor.
Though its premise certainly bears a resemblance to that of films such as “The Disaster Artist” and “Ed Wood,” it embraces these similarities and basks in its eccentricity as a result. Like these films, “Dolemite” depicts an unqualified hopeful as he attempts to create a film of his own. With this notion in mind, it may be recognized that some of the film’s comedic elements are derived purely from the situation of the characters as opposed to intentionally written humor. As such, the film has more of an authentic feel which supplements its biographical elements, thereby making the story as a whole feel more believable.
With the news that Eddie Murphy will continue to rise back into the mainstream through the release of the upcoming film “Coming 2 America” in mind, it is even more exciting to know that his return will follow his appearance in “Dolemite Is My Name.” Not only does Murphy have the potential to step back into the spotlight, but this time he can emerge as an even greater force to be reckoned with. He has now established himself as a double threat who can generate laughs just as easily as he may deliver a convincing, powerful performance in a dramatic role.
Image via Netflix via YouTube
