Directed by Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps
Rated R for pervasive language, crude sexual content, and graphic nudity
The life and career of Rudy Ray Moore is a fascinating one. Moore was a comedian and movie star that was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After serving in the US Army, Moore moved to Los Angeles to achieve his dreams. “Dolemite is my Name” highlights Moore’s career from a record shop employee to a comedian and movie star in the black community.
“Dolemite is my Name” stars Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, a man who is wanting his break in life. He finally achieves this break when he creates a character, Dolemite, for his stand up comedy. His comedy is successful, he eventually wants to become a film star as well. Eddie Murphy is also joined by an A list cast with the likes of Keegan- Michael Key, Mike Epps, and Wesley Snipes, just to name a few.
“Dolemite is my Name” is surprisingly a great film with a message almost everyone can relate to. Moore has always been rejected when trying to get his comedy records sold. But Moore moved on and eventually got his records sold and played because he worked so hard to do so. And when he did sell his records, he tackled a film. Moore produced a film almost for cheap and was once again rejected by major film studios when trying to sell the films. Eventually Moore achieved his dream of making a film and he made a successful one. The theme is what sticks out the most after the film is over. I loved the film because of the message it does display. “Dolemite is my Name” displays how Moore sold his apartment and become indebted just to get his name out there. And this is not expected when coming into the film. I expected the film to be Eddie Murphy doing his comedy bit, but I was so surprised how inspirational this film is.
But the reason why this message works in the film is because star Eddie Murphy sells it so well. For the past several years, it was embarrassing to see Eddie Murphy go to new lows. The most notable thing Eddie Murphy as done in the past ten years was the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” series. But “Dolemite is my Name” is a triumph return of Murphy to his comedic roots. Murphy is not only quite hilarious as the role of Moore, but also a sympathetic character. The entire time I was rooting for Moore to succeed in his goals. Murphy delivers his best roles in years and this proves that Murphy can deliver a strong performance when given the right material.
As mentioned before, “Dolemite is my Name” has an A list cast from Snoop Dogg to Craig Robinson. The supporting cast also deliver a strong performance, in particular Wesley Snipes who plays D’Urville Martin. Martin was a veteran actor who agrees to direct the Dolemite film. Snipes plays Martin as the director who has little enthusiasm for the film for he is directing. Although Snipes’ role is brief, it was a joy to see Snipes back on the screen.
“Dolemite is my Name” is a fantastic film with a message everyone can relate. This is done well by the spectacular job of star Eddie Murphy. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new leaf for Murphy and continues this momentum. Also, while it may be slim, I genuinely think Murphy should get an Oscar nod as Rudy Ray Moore. Coming into this film, I had no idea of Moore, but now after watching “Dolemite is my Name”, I am edger to learn more about him.
3.5/4
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