TIFF 2019: "DOLEMITE IS MY NAME" quick review

Eddie Murphy's long-heralded returns arrives with Netflix's Dolemite is My Name, a surprisingly charming and in-depth look at the crazy life of real-life performer Rudy Rae Moore. 

He's back. In a role that parallels James Franco's upbeat look at Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist, Eddie Murphy breathes life into the true story of Rudy Rae Moore / Dolemite. This film looked like a cheap ensemble movie that Netflix is seemingly-accustomed to releasing on their infinite scroll platform. The truth is, however, that Dolemite is My Name possesses heart and goodwill from a talented cast.

The film follows down-on-his-luck musician Rudy Rae Moore, who decides to reinvent his career by adopting the persona of Dolemite, a kung-fu actor set on making his own movie. We see him early on as a thoughtful conniver, stealing jokes and mannerisms from comedians to use in his own routine and gain notoriety. His transformation into Dolemite mirrors his own personal journey to being a better person, which doesn't feel as stereotypical as it sounds, and Murphy is largely to credit for that. He embraces the mannerisms of Dolemite, filling them with caricatures and excitement seen in his other projects like The Nutty Professor. 

Eddie Murphy is not the only shining star here, as this ensemble is an Avengers-level blaxpoitation success. Wesley Snipes is nearly unrecognizable in some scenes as actor-director D'Urville Martin, delivering haughty attitude and comedy throughout the film. Keegan-Michael Key is a nice touch to this film, in a familiar but satisfying part mixed with satire and realism. Luenell shines as Moore's aunt, who he lives with and takes advice from as he slowly realizes his dream of being a film star. The film is surprisingly topical, covering themes such as celebrity, racism, and family to surprising effect. Dolemite was always a larger-than-life persona that even Moore couldn't live up to, and Murphy displays the fragility associated with such an act. Everything here from the period setting to the plot references feel alive and authentic, which is a welcome surprise from the Netflix machine, especially as we enter Oscars season. I regrettably almost passed on Dolemite is My Name—please don't do the same. 

Sean Kelso is the founder and editor-in-chief of Greyscale.