Eddie Muphy’s return to adult comedy is a grand and glorious romp into a slice of his comedic career. All while reminding his audience of the exorbitant heights Rudy Ray Moore’s launched his career from his perseverance and should be celebrated for. Murphy’s audience will receive an education to Rudy Ray Moore and his historic spirit. Every independent filmmaker should see this film as a guide of how to overcome and sometimes cut corners.
Murphy (Coming To America, Dreamgirls) portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and spoken word pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his humorous, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter-ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.
Beginning the story near Moore’s first steps the industry running a record store selling his explicit albums anyway he could assist by the bookkeeper Theodore portrayed by Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).
After seeing a movie in celebration with his boys; Jimmy portrayed by Mike Epps (Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Hangover) and Ben portrayed by Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot-tub Time Machine) where Moore determines his next step for his career should be filmed.
Presented with the knowledge he knew very little about the filmmaking process he approached theater and playwright Jerry Jones portrayed by Keegan-Michael Key (The Predator, Keanu) to write the script for Dolemite.
The project takes on professional quality when the crew adds Wesley Snipes (Blade, Chi-Raq) as the film’s director. Snipes portrays D’Urville Martin, a character who was the only professional actor, who when approached at the strip club turns the offer to be in the film only to reconsider after being asked to direct.
Completing the crew is Lady Reed portrayed by Broadway name-sake Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Tony Nominee, Office Christmas Party).
The feature is aptly backed with appearances by Chris Rock (The Longest Yard) Snoop Dogg (Training Day) Luenell (The Rock) and T.I. (Ant-Man).
This is a film that will show you the lies but speak the truth about the man that was Dolomite. In the voice of Moore, the film cheers for the human spirit from deep in your guts. The way Moore felt that he had to scream, ‘I will be something in this life!.
Following the struggles of Moore, you see the perseverance required to succeed as an independent filmmaker.
Belief could be built in the mind of Moore but moves forward with the beating of a heart, the will to carry forward and if you must work in the guise of a pimp to chase the dream you sold your true self. Let this film show you the way, the truth and the pimp life, like never, before.
All are encouraged to SEE this encyclopedia of understanding Blaxploitation films
