Dolemite Is My Name

THE GIST: Rudy always had high hopes of making it big as a stand-up comedian and entertainer, but his moment never seems to arrive. One day, he has the idea of reinventing himself as Dolemite: he dons over-the-top costumes and starts rhyming his lines and delivering them in a pioneering new style that eventually will evolve into modern-day rap. It's an instant success, but is it enough for Rudy?

Dolemite Is My Name earned Best Motion Picture and Best Lead Actor Golden Globe nominations, and they're definitely well deserved.

The movie is funny but also poignant, because it tells the story of a real man, who poured his soul into entertaining people only to see his efforts fizzle time and time again. And then, a genial idea finally propelled him into the stratosphere, regardless of what the critics or the larger audience might have thought of his productions.

Eddie Murphy is really, really good at playing Rudy, perhaps precisely because he also has been struggling for the past several years to get some real recognition in the film industry, after playing countless comedic roles early in his career that led to him being viewed as a lightweight.

It's the well-known curse of the comedic theme or role that rarely get the recognition they deserve, perennially outshined by the dramatic themes or roles that always bring home the best awards.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Well written, with great performances from the whole cast, funny, and a true story to boot. Definitely recommended.

Grade: 8