Eddie Murphy is one of the greatest comedians to ever pick up a microphone. He has inspired countless other comedians that have come to prominence in recent decades such as Kevin Hart and Tracy Morgan, and he even helped lay the groundwork for several film genres, including the buddy cop with "48 Hrs."
But, in recent years, Eddie Murphy has been releasing far more misses than the usual hits of his heyday. No one stays on top forever. But, every once in a while, there will be a film that comes along and reminds everyone why Eddie Murphy is truly a force to be reckoned with in the art of comedy.
Murphy has with his latest film, "Dolemite Is My Name." It added a unique story to his wheelhouse that still retains the charm and humor of classic Murphy. Murphy has been a king, a cop, a vampire, and even an animated talking donkey, but he has never done a film like this before.
In "Dolemite Is My Name", Murphy portrays aspiring comedian and filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, which is not the most animated and intense Eddie Murphy performance that most fans have come to expect over the years. The role is more restrained yet still amusing throughout.
The film puts on display the perseverance and motivations that were ultimately driving Rudy Ray Moore to where he ends up at the end of the film. Rudy didn't have the good looks of a Hollywood actor like Richard Roundtree or the experience behind the camera, but he had vision and passion. Anyone can do anything with those two ingredients. But actually getting a film to work with all of its moving parts and expenses, as well as having individuals onboard with little experience in the industry, can be easier said than done.
Rudy Ray Moore was a true visionary. Rudy saw the potential his influence had on people and began thinking on a larger terrain. There are always going to be certain people in our lives that tell us no and try to bring us down, but those are simply momentary roadblocks used to steer us from our goals.
The road to success is not easy; it takes time and perseverance to truly make it. Starring in Hollywood films played across the country will likely cement your status in the echelons of pop culture forever long after you're dead and gone. If there is such a thing as immortality, it is through films.
"Dolemite is My Name" is Eddie Murphy's first R-rated film since 2001's "Life," and it is great to see Murphy in a setting where he can just let loose and go all out with his comedic chops again. Murphy made his name with his controversial and unapologetic humor as opposed to the family-friendly ventures of "Meet Dave" and "Mr. Church."
"Dolemite Is My Name" encapsulates everything that makes Eddie Murphy a great comedian as well as an actor, which is heart, humor, and perseverance that any individual of any ethnicity can look at and find inspiration in. With "Coming 2 America", "Beverly Hills Cop 4", and multiple stand-up specials on the way, there seems to be no end in sight for the "King of Comedy" anytime soon.
