★★★★
Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer proves naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, becomes a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.
Classification: 15
I would follow Rudy Ray Moore into hell itself.
Eddie Murphy's comeback in this biopic about the legendary comedian, musician, filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore is nothing short of an incredible tribute to the man himself and the spirit that inspired so many. With a dynamite screenplay from Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the same writers of Ed Wood and Man on the Moon the film undoubtedly captures the same journey of perseverance into stardom. Moore's story is an inverse to Wood's however as Dolemite does become a success but the film shows how he built his success piece by piece, conquering every medium put his way through sheer will. That's the most endearing element to Murphy's performance while very funny and charismatic, Moore never becomes egotistical and vain. The film begins with him at his lowest but even when he's finally making money and headlining shows he never believes himself to be better than his compatriots. His achievements inspired him to help others, to give people the chance no one gave him, especially through Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Lady Reed, a female comedian who worked with Moore.
It's a true rag to riches story that exemplifies hard work as at no point is Moore handed the keys to the kingdom, as Moore states "if one door doesn't open I just find another door" which he does many a time. He is constantly investing in himself and the Dolemite character beyond where people believe it can go, from risking his job for his first performance as Dolemite, selling his comedy record out of his car trunk after the label rejected him, and even investing all of his future royalties into the film. Director Craig Brewer makes Dolemite Is My Name more than just Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes recreating famous scenes from the Dolemite film and has these scenes show the sincerity of Moore's vision. While Dolemite was a blaxploitation film that exaggerated stereotypes and gimmicks such as explosions and kung-fu, Brewer, Alexander, Karaszewski, and Murphy show a hidden side to Moore's motivations.
In the more serious moments to the story, Murphy captures repressed anger to the character's history with his resentment for his origins in Arkansas and his desire to escape and reinvent himself in Los Angeles. Learning the Dolemite name and other African American folklore through recording sessions with homeless men, it almost Moore's subconscious desire to redefine how African American's were seen. Dolemite isn't a racist stereotype but instead, he's vulgar, cool, knows kung fu and seduces women with intense room-shaking sexual prowess. He's a fantasy hero for his audience, an African American figure not defined by race or struggle, he's not a harsh reminder for the issues but an escape from it. Dolemite Is My Name seizes the enthusiasm that audiences had for the character over forty years ago through Eddie Murphy displaying the humanity that inspired him.
Murphy is the main draw to the film and his passion and respect for Rudy Ray Moore are palpable in every scene as he gleefully dances, struts and laughs to Moore's unique rhythm. Just about every character is drawn into the Dolemite vision through Moore's sheer passion and charisma. Murphy is that passion defined but also honours Moore's selfless spirit as he allows his supporting cast plenty of opportunity in the film. Da'Vine Joy Randolph is a standout as Lady Reed, capturing strength and humility, both her and Murphy's characters being support systems for each other, believing in one another when no one else would. Snipes as Dolemite director and villain D'Urville Martin is fantastic playing against Murphy's comic timing and even upstaging him in ridiculous behaviour. Martin is the antithesis of Rudy Ray Moore, an egocentric actor who believes himself better and deserving of Hollywood fame and sees Dolemite as an easy gig for a directing credit.
There is no ego to Rudy Ray Moore who will do whatever it takes to make it but that doesn't mean he's not going to do it in style. While the star of the show is Eddie Murphy, his performance wouldn't be half as good if not for costume designer Ruth E. Carter who brings Ray Moore's signature Dolemite style to life. Almost every scene has Murphy in some new apparel that is both outrageous and stylish, brightly coloured, ruffled and accompanied by Moore's signature pimp cane, Rudy Ray Moore was elegant as hell. Brewer in tandem with Carter and production designer Clay A. Griffith have the 70s glamour thrive in the comedy clubs, record stores and theatres that Moore spreads his message through. A visual extravaganza of nostalgia and style pumps through Dolemite Is My Name's veins.
It follows a traditional path of a biopic but that doesn't mean Brewer and co. don't defy Moore's tradition-breaking attitude. Heart-warming, riotous and crowd pleading, Dolemite Is My Name is an inspiring film for any struggling artist and for anyone who grew up with Dolemite's outlandish message. With a lead performance that shoots Murphy back to his well-deserved stardom, Rudy Ray Moore is honoured by the care and respect of the filmmakers to bring his story and character to a new audience.
Director: #CraigBrewer
Cast: #EddieMurphy, #KeeganMichaelKey, #MikeEpps, #CraigRobinson, #TitusBurgess, #DaVineJoyRandolph, #KodiSmitMcPhee, #WesleySnipes
Release Date: October 25th 2019
Available exclusively on Netflix
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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