2007 had very few comedies. “Hot Fuzz” is my number one film of the year and also one of my all-time favorite films. “Superbad” became a modern classic. Disney’s “Enchanted” poked fun at Disney Princess movies subverting cliches. Will Ferrell & Jon Heder played rival ice skaters turned friends in “Blades of Glory.” 2007 was not a very good year for comedies. One in particular stars Eddie Murphy as a guy married to an ugly fat woman. The premise I’m referring to is none other than “Norbit.”
Norbit received was critically panned and was a box office hit. Eddie Murphy won three Razzies for “Worst Actor,” “Worst Actress” & “Worst Supporting Actor.” Anyway, Eddie will reprise his role as Donkey in a solo spin-off and “Shrek 5.” His most recent movie, “The Pickup” co-starring Keke Palmer & Pete Davidson is streaming on Amazon Prime
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. This isn’t a top-tier comedy.
Pretty & Ugly Aspects
Pretty: Eddie Murphy did a good job for his performances as Norbit & Mr. Wong.
Other Cast Members such as Terry Crews, Eddie Griffin, Katt Williams, Thandiwe Newton (formerly known as Thandie) & Cuba Gooding Jr. all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Rick Baker (An American Werewolf in London, The Nutty Professor, Men in Black Trilogy) applied Prosthetic Makeup and a Fatsuit on Eddie transforming him into Rasputia.
Jokes are hit and miss. Griffin, Kat & Terry were the only good characters.
Cinematography was shot in stable condition.
My favorite part is when Norbit’s pimp friends stall the wedding by performing a musical number.
A Fart Scene made me laugh.
Charlie Murphy has a brief voiceover role as a pug.
Marlon Wayans makes a brief appearance as a fitness instructor.
Kristen Schaal makes a tiny appearance.
The Latimore Brothers named their strip club joint, Nipplopolis. That was actually pretty funny.
Ugly: Brian Robbins didn’t do so well directing.
Murphy and his late brother, Charlie failed to write a spiritual antithesis to “The Nutty Professor.” I have nothing against Murphy and Charlie. Both talented and funny. In an interview with Complex 360, Eddie defends Norbit.
I know Rasputia’s intended to be a mix between a female version of Sherman Klump and Buddy Love, but she’s annoying as heck. Not on the same level as other comedy actors in a fatsuit including Martin Lawrence in “Big Mamma’s House” and Mike Myers as Fat Bastard from “Austin Powers.” Rasputia belongs in the same level as Tyler Perry’s Madea. Sorry Eddie, I have no choice but to Triple Down Points. My mom often quotes Rasputia’s catchphrase, “How you doin’?” As if it’s the best line in comedy history.
Again, jokes are hit and miss.
Norbit’s afro somehow manages to prevent him from getting killed by Rasputia who pushed a speaker on him. Oh, jeez. His hair isn’t made of steel like Colossus from “X-Men.”
Rasputia’s catchphrase, “How you doin?” It’s not funny. Joey from “Friends” did it first. It’s not playing tribute to Matt LaBlanc, this is downright theft. Raspuita’s catchphrase ruins a good joke like the waterslide scene.
A Plot Hole involving why Norbit didn’t tell Kate his marriage with Rasputia is a nightmare.
The cops never bother to arrest Rasputia when she went on a rampage looking for Norbit. Heck, the popo didn’t fire a gunshot warning. Could’ve worked from the get-go.
The Climax involves Norbit preventing Kate from marrying Denion who’s tied to The Latimore Brothers strip joint. I’ve seen better movies featuring a stop that wedding scene.
- Big Trouble in Little China
- Beetlejuice and its sequel
- Rugrats in Paris
- Shrek
- Wedding Crashers
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
After Mr. Wong throws a harpoon in Rasputia’s rear, she somehow acquires superspeed. Am I watching a fatsuit comedy or NBC’s “Heroes?” This movie doesn’t make any logical sense.
The last scene spoofs the chair scene from “Flashdance.” Puss in Boots did it better in “Shrek 2.”
The Final Verdict: D-
Norbit pales in comparison to fatsuit comedies, The Nutty Professor & Big Momma’s House. I was this close to giving it my lowest grade an F, FOR FAKER. Eddie Griffin, Terry Crews & Katt Williams stole the movie. Unfortunately, they did not save it. 2007 wasn’t a good year for Eddie Murphy. I consider Norbit as one of the worst movies of 2007. “Shrek the Third” couldn’t redeem Mr. Murphy. A huge disappointment. If you wanna see a very good comedy, check out Liam Neeson in “The Naked Gun.”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 