They say that persistence is key; that in order to achieve one’s dream you must be relentless in the face of odds that are constantly urging you to quit. Such is the moxie displayed by Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) in Dolemite is My Name, a biopic documenting the rise of the influential 1970s comedian and actor.
The story of Moore’s rise is marked by audacity in the face of doubt and the constant need for reinvention. When we first meet him, Moore is a struggling musician and comedian, opening for performers at a local club for a pittance, struggling to find his niche that will allow him to reach the big time. Moore is unable to find a hit song or comedic material that resonates, but in the face of people and circumstances that urge him to quit, the aspiring star just comes up with new ideas and strategies that will help propel him to stardom. Moore’s penchant for reinvention provides a good lesson for us all in what it takes to reach the level of success that we all wish to reach one day.
Dolemite is My Name features a star studded cast of some of the best comedians of the past 40 years. Murphy shines as the film’s protagonist, combining his trademark comedic wit and timing with the portrait of a man who desperately wants to make something of himself not just to prove his detractors and abusive stepfather wrong, but to prove to himself that he has what it takes. Da’Vine Joy Randolph also offers a good performance as Lady Reed bringing the funny but also a tenderness and emotional element as an everyday single mother who didn’t recognize the potential she had until Moore let her in on the secret. Their mentor-mentee relationship brings a little levity to the comedy. The standout actor onscreen however is not Murphy and his anticipated return to comedy, but Wesley Snipes as established actor D’Urville Martin. Snipes is electric as Martin, displaying his comedic chops and stealing each scene in which he appears.
Dolemite is My Name features a star-studded cast that showcase just how hard it is to get a film off the ground, but provide a heartwarming tale about believing in oneself even when no one else does. The film’s depiction of four wall distribution is also a valuable history lesson that I was pleased to learn about and is definitely inspirational for the entrepreneur in all of us. Eddie Murphy has a chance to show off not only his natural comedic skill, but also his skills as a serious dramatic actor when scenes call for it. Murphy isn’t the only triumphant return however, Wesley Snipes offers a fantastic performance that reminds the audience of his past glory and all that he still has to offer the screen. While Dolemite is My Name isn’t exactly a game changing comedy, it is worthy of a watch just to see masters return to work.
Image: Netflix
