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Movies & TV

12th Aug 2019

Eddie Murphy’s new comedy on Netflix looks like a very strong return to form

Paul Moore

Dolemite Is My Name

Ever hear about the karate-chopping sex machine that became a cult hero?

During the ’80s, there wasn’t a comedy actor alive that could rival Eddie Murphy’s incredible run which featured the likes of 48 Hours, Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, The Golden Child, Coming to America, and more.

After leaving SNL and solidifying his stand up career with the likes of Delirious and Raw, Murphy was one of – if not THE – biggest star in Hollywood.

He’s also the same man that made Norbit, Meet Dave, A Thousand Words, and countless other duds but his new film looks like we’re getting a highlights package of Murphy’s best work?

How about a tongue-in-cheek look at how ludicrous Hollywood is, just like Bowfinger? Well, in the new film, 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.

What about those whip smart and flamboyant performances that defined the likes of Trading Places and Coming to America? Well, Dolemite describes himself as a karate-chopping sex machine that can rip a man’s organs out with one blow.

Can Murphy deliver a good performance, like his Oscar-nominated turn in Dreamgirls? Well, Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) is directing this one and it’s clear that both men enjoyed making the film because they’re teaming up again to make Coming to America 2.

Hell, even if Murphy can’t quite bring his A-game, we’ve also got the likes of Tituss Burgess, Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan-Michael Key, Snoop Dogg, and Wesley Snipes for company in Dolemite Is My Name.

Our verdict after seeing the trailer?

Dolemite Is My Name has serious potential when it’s released on Netflix and in select cinemas this autumn.

Take a look at what’s in store.

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