Taking a few days off work this week, so the plan is to catch up on the DVR and see some films I’ve been meaning to see. This one has been on the list for a while now, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to check out a performance and film that all of the critics have been raving about. I’s my turn to weigh in on this now Golden Globe-nominated performance. So, as always, thanks for reading. ~ Chris K.
Biography, Comedy, Drama (2019)
Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, Titus Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
I knew when this film started that I’d be assessing a performance that everybody has been talking about – Eddie Murphy. Murphy stars as real life comedian and singer Rudy Ray Moore who created a character Dolemite and blazed his own independent film trail, something the film covers as Murphy in the lead role. We watch Moore set out to make movies with absolutely no experience or filmmaking knowledge whatsoever.
So I knew there would be a lot of Murphy watching and evaluating ‘is he as good as everybody says he is in this film?’ Oh, and the short answer is ‘yes, very much so.’ What I did not expect was an ensemble film. This film has an amazing cast with a new surprise cameo popping up at every turn, and I won’t ruin them for you, but its core players are a group of talented comedians and writers who join Murphy as the crew that helps Moore carry out his mission in creating a new comedy presence in cinema. Key, Robinson, Epps and Burgess are terrific, and for me, Randolph kept stealing scene after scene. But one of the biggest highlights for me was Snipes in a comedic turn that took me by surprise.
Without question though, this is Murphy’s vehicle. We are reminded why we’ve missed seeing him — on film, on TV, anywhere we can get him. He has always demonstrated that he’s more than a funny standup. He gives a layered performance, and on many occasion, it is not so much the words coming out of his mouth but a particular look he offers the camera. With every scene of bravado, there’s a sense of fear and vulnerability Murphy is able to capture and embed in his depiction. I was entertained by the film, but I was also very impressed by the performances.
The film transports the filmgoer back to a very different time in the industry and in our culture, and visually, the team behind DOLEMITE does a great job in capturing that as well. I say this one is worth seeing and I wouldn’t be surprised if it earns more much-deserved praise at award shows to come.
Score: 88
Follow Chris!