Dynamite and out of sight! Look out world! Eddie Murphy is “Dolemite!” Netflix has outdone itself once again with surprisingly great biopic of Rudy Ray Moore, the comedian behind the character of Dolemite, a fan favorite of the seventies when Blaxploitation ruled Black Cinema and being fly with an even flier rap game was the way to gather the crowds. The dramatic comedy, Dolemite Is My Name, is so much more than that. In fact its a true story of how Rudy ever gave up on his dreams no matter what anyone said or did. To many, Rudy was too corny, to poor, too Black, too fat, or not charming enough. However, what he was, was FUNNY and relatable.
Eddie Murphy has starred in a number of films, but very few have used his natural comedic talent to tell a real story. Seeing him star as Dolemite takes us back to when he was “Jimmy Early'” in “Dreamgirls” (2006). Both characters are charismatic and hungry for fame and success, but only one of them–Rudy–was a real person. When you watch the film you will get a real sense of who he was and not simply a hustler, but a dreamer. Someone most of us millennials can identify with. Also, Rudy did not just make it on his own. He used the technique Issa Rae coined so famously last year of “reaching across the table,” using his family, friends, and cohorts (hilariously portrayed by the likes of Wesley Snipes, Mike Epps, Keegan-Michael Key, Tituss Burgess, Luenell, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph) to create his own film, get the funding, and amass a following.
We may catch some heat for this, but Eddie deserves some kind of reward for his portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore. He did an amazing job, showing his acting skills are nothing to shrug at. You can catch Dolemite Is My Name in limited theatrical release October 4th, and streaming on Netflix beginning October 25th! Happy Viewing!
