Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Runtime: 117 minutes
Synopsis: 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.
Performances: 4/5
Screenplay: 3/5
Costumes/Makeup: 5/5
Editing: 3/5
Cinematography: 3/5
Score/Soundtrack: 4/5
Verdict: Even though I don't really consider myself an expert of the Blaxploitation phenomenon, I've always found that genre to be a fascinating one. "Dolemite Is My Name" is a very interesting look at one of its founders, Rudy Ray Moore, played by the returning and still talented Eddie Murphy in what is only his third feature film in 7 years.
The movie, directed by Craig Brewer, is certainly flawed, but also unique in its own way. Yes, its first act went on for a little too long, the dialogue wasn't always great, and the progression felt a little rushed at times, but it emits so much heart that you can't help but keep on a smile throughout its 2 hour runtime. Aside from Murphy, I'd say that most of the performances were pretty good, with Wesley Snipe's probably being my favorite of the supporting cast.
"Dolemite Is My Name" takes place in the mid-1970s, and you can truly see it thanks to its style, definitely inspired by the Blaxploitation era, as well as Ruth Carter's magnificently designed costumes, which honestly feel like characters of their own. The music was for the most part well-handled and even funny at times, and the cinematography, while being pretty basic, did its job just fine.
In short, the Netflix original is not perfect, but it's fun and quite interesting. Eddie Murphy and Ruth Carter are easily the standouts, but I can't say that I genuinely disliked any of the film's technical aspects.
The movie, directed by Craig Brewer, is certainly flawed, but also unique in its own way. Yes, its first act went on for a little too long, the dialogue wasn't always great, and the progression felt a little rushed at times, but it emits so much heart that you can't help but keep on a smile throughout its 2 hour runtime. Aside from Murphy, I'd say that most of the performances were pretty good, with Wesley Snipe's probably being my favorite of the supporting cast.
"Dolemite Is My Name" takes place in the mid-1970s, and you can truly see it thanks to its style, definitely inspired by the Blaxploitation era, as well as Ruth Carter's magnificently designed costumes, which honestly feel like characters of their own. The music was for the most part well-handled and even funny at times, and the cinematography, while being pretty basic, did its job just fine.
In short, the Netflix original is not perfect, but it's fun and quite interesting. Eddie Murphy and Ruth Carter are easily the standouts, but I can't say that I genuinely disliked any of the film's technical aspects.
FINAL GRADE: 7/10
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