Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.
Pam says:
Eddie Murphy is back and the world of comedy is better for it. Starring in this film as Rudy Ray Moore, the actor/comedian/musician/emcee, who wouldn’t and couldn’t take “no” for an answer when it came to achieving his goals, Murphy gives us a thoughtful yet hilarious rendition of the founder of rap. Based on a true story, it’s an incredibly insightful portrayal of one man with a vision to make it big as he creates windows of opportunity when the doors are shut and locked. Murphy’s performance is balanced, nuanced, and thoughtful–a performance of a lifetime. With an all-star cast including Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Chris Rock, and Snoop Dogg, everyone shines, but Wesley Snipes is a total surprise with his comedic edge and Da’Vine Joy Randolph steals every scene she’s in with her natural strength, vulnerability, and grace. Now available on Netflix!
Chuck says:
Murphy gives his most mature and most satisfying performance as cult actor Rudy Ray Moore who finally finds his niche as the blaxploitation star Dolemite. Much like The Disaster Artist, this is a portrait of tenacity personified as the actor continued to pursue his dreams of stardom despite innumerable setbacks. Murphy is vulnerable, sympathetic and electric in the role, reminding us what a likable performer he is and how far he can rise when the material he’s tackling is worthy of his talent.
