Dolemite Is My Name 2019

Eddie Murphy digs up a cult classic, reviving Rudy Ray Moore's bombastic, smooth-talking '70s street hero in this tongue-in-cheek backstage fauxposé. Struggling to find a foothold in his mid-forties, Moore resuscitated his stand-up comedy act as Dolemite, the envelope-pushing pimp with a distinguished wardrobe, harsh vocabulary and volumes of off-color anecdotes. Murphy's career hasn't quite followed the same trajectory, but it's wound up in a similar place: listless and lost as father time steals meaningful glances at his wristwatch. The role is fitting, and he's good in it, if not blow-away good. It's no mail-in, but the performance isn't likely to remind anyone of his well-remembered, energetic early roles, and it had the potential to do just that. Eddie walks the walk and talks the talk, but there's a lack of sincerity in his eyes, a reluctance to really cut loose and go wild, that gives the impression this is just another role. At least, that's true when he's playing Moore as Dolemite. His less-frequent takes on the unguarded comedian himself are more subdued and vulnerable. There's an especially sweet chemistry in his platonic friendship with Lady Reed (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), a dynamite pairing on-stage and off, that brings out the best in both. That's where the good stuff lives, and though we get a fair amount of it, I still wanted more.

A funny movie, but essentially a rehash. As with The Disaster Artist a few years ago, I couldn't help noting that most of Dolemite's biggest laughs are just polished re-creations of classic bits that worked better in their original low-fi forms. Points for turning newer audiences on to the material, at any rate.

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Dir: Craig Brewer

Dolemite Is My Name is the story of the performer; Rudy Ray Moore, who assumed the role of an iconic pimp named Dolemite during the 1970s. It is a biographical comedy film which really highlights the hollywood attitudes towards the so called "little guy" who try to pursue their dreams, and in this case, prove people wrong.

This film was incredibly well crafted, which can't be said for the self-titled Dolemite film released by Rudy Ray Moore himself in 1975. This really is, as many are saying; Eddie Murphy's comeback film, in which he really did play an incredible role.

The film itself, and Rudy Ray Moore are being compared to recent releases such as the Disaster Artist and the works and character of Ed Wood, although I really feel like Dolemite Is My Name has so much more to offer than the latter. This film really does show the best and the worst parts of Rudy Ray Moore but in that, makes him feel more human than say Tommy Wiseau in the Disaster Artist, this is a man who wants to make it big, who has absolutely no means to do so, with no money and a very small amount of people who believe in him.

Dolemite Is My Name really was a pleasure to watch, plus it's always convenient when films are distributed by Netflix, so that you can watch the movie as soon as it's released.

Overall, I would probably recommend this film to anyone who did enjoy the premise of the Disaster Artist, or in general really anyone looking for a laugh, this is the film for you.

Imagine 'The Disaster Artist', but a little more personality.

'Dolemite Is My Name' is an entertaining and raw story of Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite. It's in the same vein as 'ED Wood'.

It's so great seeing Eddie Murphy back again and it's been awhile that I've seen him actually care for a project. This is finest performance in recent memory. He brings so much energy and charm to the role. While not a transformative performance since Eddie Murphy is basically playing himself, but it's clear to see that Murphy is paying a beautiful tribute Rudy Ray Moore than anything else, because he was a man who's lack of understanding and experience in movies still made him loved by many.

The rest of the cast were all fantastic and equally entertaining in their own roles. Particularly Wesley Snipes who's just as good as Murphy. He plays D'Urville Martin, an actor turned director to make Moore's passion project. Little dose he know the disaster awaits and he knows it through out the entire shoot. He's miserable and drinks heavily during filming until post production - with one takes being enough for him to stomach. Just like Murphy, it's great to see Snipes actually care for a project.

Even the soundtrack was great and fitted perfectly with the time period it's set in. It honestly made watching the movie more witty and encouraging.

My only complaint are some of the humor didn't quite land with me. Maybe it's how it was delivered, edited, or written, but not all of it landed with me. In terms of quality and look, it feels more like a TV movie or miniseries than an actual movie. I know it shouldn’t bug me, but it sadly dose.

Overall rating:

“And here's to the fools who dream
Crazy as they may seem
Here's to the hearts that break
Here's to the mess we make.”