In The 1970’s, stand-up comedian, singer and actor Rudy Ray Moore, became a cult figure for a character he created known as Dolemite. A sharp-tongued kung-fu-fighting womanizing nightclub owner who tells off color material influenced by late comedians Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Rudy’s career imploded selling comedy records, touring nationwide and a film based on Dolemite became a cult classic in the blaxploitation genre.
Decades Later, Eddie Murphy wanted to make a biopic about Rudy. The latter comedian who inspired Eddie to become a comedian and actor. His pet project commenced in 2003. He hired screenwriting duo Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, American Crime Story) to help him research Rudy’s early years of his personal and professional life. Eddie managed to interview Rudy before he died in 2008 to gather every piece of information.
In 2018, the biopic under, “Dolemite Is My Name” officially began filming with Eddie portraying Rudy. After a year long development of production, editing and finishing additional stuff, Dolemite Is My Name was officially distributed on Netflix.
Dolemite Is My Name is available for streaming on Netflix. It earned critical acclaim from critics and viewers alike. The film went on to earn Golden Globe nominations for “Best Actor In A Musical Or Comedy,” (Eddie Murphy)
“The 77th Golden Globe Awards” will air on January 5th. Before the upcoming ceremony commences, I’d like to share what’s good or bad about Eddie Murphy’s recent comeback.
Today’s review doesn’t contain potential SPOILERS whatsoever. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Good & Bad Qualities
Good: Eddie Murphy did an amazing job for his performance as Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite. In addition to portraying the titular role, Eddie also co-produced the film.
Other Cast Members such as Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Keegan-Michael Key, T.I. Kodi Smit-McPhee and Wesley Snipes all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Chris Rock, Bob Odenkirk and Snoop Dogg have minor roles. They all did a good job for their respective performances.
Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan) did a stable job directing the biopic.
Screenwriting duo Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski wrote the script together. They both did a good job bringing elements to Rudy’s life story.
Cinematography never had any technical problems.
Humor retains Rudy’s sharp-tongued comedy material reflecting Dolemite’s personality.
The time period recreates The 1970’s. Costume Designs, Set Pieces, props among a few other details were added to reflect the period’s atmosphere.
The film explores Rudy‘s rise to fame as a stand-up comedian, singer and actor with the help of his close friends/colleagues. They also make a movie about Dolemite as a blaxploitation action-crime-comedy.
The title of the movie is taken from Rudy’s catchphrase as Dolemite.
The film dedicates Rudy Ray Moore & Charlie Murphy’s (Eddie’s older brother) memories.
Bad: To be honest with ya fellas, I couldn’t find nothing wrong with this biopic. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a film as flawless as they can.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Dolemite Is My Name is one of the best films of 2019 and also ranked as one of my favorite movies of 2019. Eddie Murphy did a terrific job staying true to Rudy Ray Moore’s life story alongside the rest of The Cast & Crew. If you’re curious to see Dolemite Is My Name, I strongly recommend it before The 77th Golden Globes air on January 5th. If you’re interested in the real Rudy Ray Moore’s movie, “Dolemite,” feel free to give it a watch.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 