Dolemite Is My Name Review

Led by a searing performance from Eddie Murphy, the entertaining Rudy Ray Moore biographical film Dolemite Is My Name from director Craig Brewer is as fittingly crude and brash as it is wholesome, following the typical biopic structure while injecting a wonderful amount of both humor and flair throughout. While the film adheres to the same formula that many other biopics follow, the creative jokes, beautiful costume design, and incredibly energetic cast rarely falter, resulting in a hilarious and thoughtful film that captures the aspirations and hysterical originality of Moore wonderfully.

Dolemite Is My Name chronicles the rise of comedian Rudy Ray Moore and his impact on early Blaxploitation films of the era. Taking place in the early 1970s, a defeated Rudy Ray Moore struggles to find his footing in a constantly changing Hollywood, working at a record store in a neighborhood full of hustlers, pimps, and characters of all kinds. Rudy becomes intrigued by the repertoire of harsh and salacious insults that the groups of hustlers share, a fascination that causes him to have a creative epiphany that leads him to the creation of a stage character named Dolemite, whose profane and hilarious humor rockets him to becoming a recognized name within the community. But the goals and dreams that Rudy has for his character soon take him into places unknown, as he and a team of fellow creatives attempt to make one of the best action comedies ever conceived.

It’s no secret that biopics always hinge on the performance of its star, and it’s too often that cinematic inspections of a specific person's life are squandered by a poor choice in lead. Fortunately, the endearing execution from Eddie Murphy easily creates the film's biggest strength, injecting an immensely entertaining enthusiasm and care into his portrayal of Moore. Fortified by an amazing cast that harnesses and projects the same energy as Murphy, Dolemite Is My Name is thoughtfully executed both behind and in front of the camera.

However, Dolemite Is My Name follows the exact anatomy of many other biopics, constructing a three-act structure that emulates the expected character arcs and conflicts that unfortunately makes key scenes play out predictably. The film tries it’s best to distract you from this by pouring layers of jokes and passion into any element that it can, but it doesn’t prevent the formulaic approach to storytelling from making parts feel shallow or oversimplified.

Despite this, the level of detail and adoration for the legacy of Rudy Ray Moore that’s exemplified by the cast and crew easily elevates the film far past its generic problems. Empowering, hilarious, and surprisingly affectionate, Dolemite Is My Name is an endearing love letter to Moore and his impact on comedy that also marks a wonderful return to form for Eddie Murphy.

The passion and hilarity embedded within Dolemite Is My Name lifts the film past its few issues and creates an eccentric and hilarious experience.

Produced By: Netflix
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rating: R