During the 1970s, black comedians such as Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor started becoming popular thanks to their crude humor. Around the same time, comedian Rudy Ray Moore, aka the Harlem Hillbilly, was starting to emerge onto the scene. Wanting to be an entertainer since childhood, Moore struggled to find his niche until eventually finding success in comedy. After recording and releasing three comedy albums in the early 70s, Moore decided the next step would be the movies. Released in 1975, Dolemite received mixed to negative reviews but was a massive commercial hit grossing close to $12 million. He followed that up with The Human Tornado, Petey Wheatstraw, and Disco Godfather, but his career tanked in the 80s. Sadly, Moore died in 2008, though his legacy is still celebrated by rappers like Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes. Eleven years following his death, the biopic Dolemite Is My Name is released.
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Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) is a struggling artist working at a record store in 1970s Los Angeles. He also works as an MC at a local club for his friend Ben Taylor (Craig Robinson) and his band. One day, a homeless man named Ricco (Ron Cephas Jones) comes in and starts telling stories that captivate the patrons. That night, Moore finds Ricco amongst other homeless people, paying them in cash and booze to tell stories and jokes. Moore then modifies the material, creates a new character, and performs the act at the club, becoming an instant hit. Seeing the potential, Moore decides to record a comedy album, which becomes so successful, he’s offered a recording contract. After finding success with his albums and tours, Moore sets his sights on Hollywood with a Dolemite movie. With a dedicated but inexperienced cast and crew, Moore is determined to be a star.
In terms of Netflix original movies, Dolemite Is My Name is by far the best one released so far. The film was written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, famous for Tim Burton’s Ed Wood, and you can tell. Much like what that film did for Ed Wood, this both pokes fun at and pays loving homage to Moore. Craig Brewer’s direction is phenomenal, as he perfectly captures the look and feel of 1970s Los Angeles. Performance-wise, everyone is on point, with Eddie Murphy giving one of his best performances in a long time. After years of being in drek like Pluto Nash, Daddy Daycare, Norbit, and Meet Dave, this is a major comeback. Not only is he giving it his all, but he perfectly captures Rudy Ray Moore’s mannerisms and body language. Murphy did his homework when it came to mimicking Rudy Ray Moore and making it his own.
Going back to the performances, Wesley Snipes is hilarious as actor/director D’Urville Martin, who doesn’t care about anything. He perfectly plays a character who thinks he’s all high and mighty but isn’t as big as he thinks. Craig Robinson and Mike Epps are fun as Moore’s friends, and Keegan Michael-Key has some great dry humor. Also, special mention has to go to Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Lady Reed, who gives an amazing performance here. There are some fun cameos from Snoop Dogg, Chris Rock, and Luenell that make Dolemite Is My Name extra fun. Also, going back to comparing this to Ed Wood, this film has an inspiring message behind about overcoming the odds. Much like the real-life story of Rudy Ray Moore, this film shows how drive and perseverance can pay off. Overall, Dolemite Is My Name, much like its source material, is bold, brash, and wildly entertaining.
