Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

I've never been much of an Eddie Murphy fan. But every now and then he moves away from his wheelhouse and finds a role that shows us just what else he can do. Dolemite Is My Name is one of those times but unlike Dreamgirls or Mr. Church, the film doesn't make Murphy unrecognizable. His portrait of blaxploitation star/film maker Rudy Ray Moore is one of those films built around its star to showcase just what a talent they are. But he is playing a showman, a comedian, and seeing Murphy in that role is easy enough for audiences. And Murphy doesn't disappoint delivering the comedy or the more dramatic parts.

Murphy doesn't overplay it at all, finding a remarkable and astute balance making Moore feel fully real. There is a wonderful scene in the middle where Moore is preparing for his film role and as he rehearses he works through some of his personal issues. It's powerful without being overwrought. It is a gripping scene. And when the humour hits it isn't what we're used to from Murphy. It's organic in the scenes, coming naturally from the story.

Hustle & Flow director Craig Brewer plays it pretty safe with Dolemite, telling Moore's story in a linear, classic way while instilling it with a loving nostalgia for LA in the 70s, as well as a healthy dose of nostalgia for blaxploitation in general, makes this film easily watchable and entertaining. His rose coloured glasses take is delightful while also giving us a taste of the tragedy in the story as well. Yes it is an adult movie, finding the comedy and beauty in Moore's exploration of adult comedy.

Murphy and Brewer put the whole package together. Audiences love these stories of men who make the most of the hand their dealt to them. They also approach the race issues which shape Moore's story in an accessible way. As Moore faces racist America the film never makes it too uncomfortable for its audience yet still shows him as an overcoming if somewhat unrecognized hero. And maybe Murphy is just the crossover star to get that story out there to the audience which has ignored Dolemite all this time. Look at this amazing cast. Put them all into an entertaining film like this and Dolemite is ripe for a renaissance.

Dolemite Is My Name
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Titus Burgess, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Leunell, Snoop Dogg, Wesley Snipes, Chris Rock, Ron Cephas Jones, Kodi-Smit-McPhee
Director: Craig Brewer
Writers: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski