Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

By: Mike Ward on Saturday, January 04

R Running Time: 117 mins

SHOULD I SEE IT?

YES

  • Eddie Murphy is as alive on screen as he has been in years. His energy, surrounded by an outstanding cast, makes Dolemite is My Name one of 2019’s most entertaining films.

  • Dolemite, the alter-ego of comedian/singer/songwriter/actor Rudy Ray Moore, was a significant figure in 1970s pop culture, and the film retains an authenticity to time and place in that regard.

  • Though raunchy at times, Dolemite is My Name has amazing spirit and a winning heart that makes it impossible to not root for Dolemite’s success.

NO

  • Does not shy away from R-rated dialogue and content, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

  • With near universal acclaim, Dolemite is My Name is hard to steer people away from. Maybe the premise just isn’t of interest to you?

  • You enjoy rooting against underdogs in every walk of life.


OUR REVIEW

Based on true events, Dolemite is My Name takes us through the meteoric rise of Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy), a down-on-his-luck comedian in 1970 Los Angeles. Managing a record store, and something of a shameless self-promoter, he wants a taste of the fame he sees around him every day. When a visit from a homeless man, ranting and raving about a hustler known as Dolemite, sparks Moore’s interests, he decides to develop the character of “Dolemite,” a persona he can portray on stage in a local comedy club that only books him as an emcee.

Rudy Ray bombs continuously whenever he takes the stage. However, once he adopts the hustler’s persona of Dolemite, he transforms into a ribald, raunchy comedic persona whose sexually charged one-liners, punchlines, and poetic cadence, shocks as many people as it makes them laugh.

Directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), the film runs at breakneck speed, matching Rudy Ray/Dolemite’s passion and hustler attitude. Once Dolemite begins to catch on, Moore sees opportunities. He records a comedy record with nude women (and a nude Rudy Ray) on the cover. He works his connections. He is tireless and fearless - as if he is playing with house money on pursuing his dreams.

In nearly every moment of Dolemite is My Name, those on screen seem to be having the times of their lives. At the top of card, a resurgent Murphy, with enthusiasm and energy we haven’t seen in years. In supporting roles, Wesley Snipes gives a hilarious, comedic turn as Blaxploitation actor/director D’Urville Martin. Snoop Dogg offers a great cameo as a radio disc jockey, Tituss Burgess and Keegan-Michael Key become part of Dolemite’s inner circle, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph shines as the leading lady in Dolemite’s eventual leap into feature filmmaking.

Moore’s ambition did not stop with the stage. His previous efforts to become a soul/R&B singer may have failed, but his comedy records would begin to take off, under the Dolemite brand. Soon, they begin landing on the Billboard album charts. Dreaming bigger, he decides to jump into the world of filmmaking, bringing Dolemite to the big screen, combining his stage persona, with action sequences, sex, nudity, and, naturally, kung fu.

Brewer’s film has all the energy you might anticipate and only becomes funnier and more endearing the longer it goes. Though it has a bit of a slow-roll beginning, from the opening bell Murphy is exceptional, capturing the essence of Moore’s alter ego and dissolving into the role. We are reminded just how terrific an actor he really can be - making us root for Moore’s successes, while appreciating the lengths he will go to realize his ultimate dreams.

Unshakable is the lived-in authenticity which makes this film work so exceedingly well. The costumes of Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther) almost steal the show in and of themselves, but Brewer, working within the 1970’s haze of cinematographer Eric Steelberg, places us in a world where unbridled creativity has a reward. Moore’s manifestation into Dolemite is galvanizing to those he trusts and has around him, Soon, he creates a cadre of actors and performers who would seemingly do anything and everything Moore asks of them.

The screenplay by veteran screenwriting tandem Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski speaks to the risk, challenges, and ultimate payoffs in succeeding as an entertainer. Say what you will about Moore’s material, but what Dolemite is My Name showcases is the unfettered joy that can come with performing, finding your voice, and the tireless, never-say-die attitude Moore employed to achieve the fame he always knew he would find for himself.

Endearing, hilarious, and featuring an outstanding ensemble cast and Eddie Murphy firing on all cylinders, Dolemite is My Name is one of 2019’s most entertaining and enjoyable films.

CAST & CREW

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Snoop Dogg, Ron Cephas Jones, Barry Shabaka Henley, Luenell, Chris Rock.

Director: Craig Brewer
Written by: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Netflix