*******Spoilers for Dolemite is My Name Below*******
Dolemite is My Name tells the oft-forgotten story of Rudy Ray Moore. Stuck in a dead-end job at an L.A. record store, Moore is desperate to become a star. After a stroke of genius, Moore creates a new on-stage persona: a fast-talking, foul-mouthed pimp named Dolemite. Moore’s new character takes off nearly immediately as he and his friends release the first record independently. Before long though he signs a record deal makes a ton. But, he still wants more and brings together a team of incredibly talented people to help put Dolemite on the big screen.
There’s no other way to put it: Dolemite is My Name is absolutely delightful. That may seem strange for a movie about a comedian who was made famous by a pimp who was literally too explicit to market. But, it’s the truth. The performances, music, cinematography is built to make you feel nothing but happiness while you watch it. And, if you walk away from this with anything less than a beaming smile, I’m convinced you have no heart.
It’s obvious from the first scene that the entire cast is having a blast making this film, Eddie Murphy most of all. Murphy lights up the screen from start to finish as he transforms into Moore. This isn’t ‘Eddie Murphy as…’ no. The seasoned comedian flexes his muscles and fully inhabits the role. That’s not to say the film is some deep character study because it’s not. But, it doesn’t try to be. And it’s all the better for it. Murphy gives us just enough depth to feel empathy towards Moore, but ultimately, we learn more about him through the way he treats those around him.
More comedy than anything, the film has traces of The Disaster Artist and Zach and Miri Make a Porno but keeps a style and soul that’s distinctly its own. Using Moore’s outlook on life as the inspiration for the film’s tone, Dolemite is My Name doesn’t bog itself down with insecurities or trying to attack themes bigger than its scope. At the end of the day, the film is about movie-making. And, while it does broach larger themes about representation and determination, it never becomes a preachy, overly sappy biopic treatment of Moore’s life.
Ultimately, it’s just a film about having fun, doing what you love with the people you love, and maybe making a little money while you do. It’s vulgar sure, but it’s surprisingly heartfelt considering that vulgarity. And Murphy’s performance is as electrifying as it is endearing. With his rumored return to stand-up and Coming to America 2 on the horizon, we could be on the brink of an Eddie Murphy renaissance. Honestly though, if you have Netflix, it should be a crime not to watch this movie at least once. I promise it’s the best 2 hours you’ll have all week.
Dolemite is My Name is available to stream right now on Netflix.
