FilmSnobReviews

Title: Dolemite is my Name
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins

What It Is: Rudy Ray Moore (Murphy) is a struggling hustler in the 1970s in Los Angeles. When his music career finally takes off with his character named Dolemite. This character is a foul-mouthed “pimp” of sorts who’s cadence leads him to headline clubs across the United States. But Moore wants more. He dreams of being on the big screen. All across America all at one time. He enlists character actor D’Urville Martin (Snipes) to act in it and direct as well as starring in this film himself. But with their little to no experience with making films what will happen?

What We Think: A gold standard comedy for 2019 it is easy to say that Eddie Murphy is back like he never left. He is absolute dynamite in this…one might even say black dynamite, no? The plot here shows how the film was made and what a piece of cinema it is. A hallmark in the blaxploitation genre the characterization here is perfect. Murphy brings all the right moves. The swag and faux pomp of a confident man haunted by his failures. Likewise, the film is sharply put together by Brewer. Da’Vine Joy Randolph is an absolute powerhouse who probably won’t get any play for Supporting Actress but MIGHT have earned it from my point of view.

Our Grade: A-, I missed this one at Fantastic Fest but I am super excited Netflix had it! This is a film that, much like Randolph won’t get any Oscar play. Look for it to wreck the Golden Globes comedy categories though. If you haven’t seen the 1975 film this is based on do yourself a favor and do so. You will laugh at it’s lack of production quality while marveling at everything it nails from a comedic standpoint.