It used to be said that every movie, no matter how badly it did at the box office or critically, went to heaven. Heaven, of course, meant physical media. First, it was VHS, then it was Laserdisc, then DVD, Blu-ray, and now 4K Blu-rays; every movie would get some kind of physical media release. After all, rentals and sales were important to a film’s profitability. In fact, some movies that tanked theatrically did so well on DVD that they became perennials, such as Donnie Darko or The Transporter, with the DVD sales of that movie directly influencing the studio to greenlight a sequel and give Jason Statham a legit career as an action star. Yet, despite physical media making a comeback, it’s worth noting that some of the most popular movies in recent memory have never gotten a physical media release. And we’re not only talking about...
- 4/27/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The heat is back on. Eddie Murphy has been on the comeback trail after starring in Dolemite is My Name for Netflix. The iconic 80s comedian aimed to reclaim some glory, for better or for worse, in the aftermath of his Dolemite acclaim. Murphy would revisit Zamunda with the sequel to one of his most beloved comedies in Coming 2 America. Murphy has also added a couple of new titles to his current resume with You People and the upcoming Prime Video Christmas comedy, Candy Cane Lane.
The big title Murphy will be returning to is Beverly Hills Cop. After years of being in development limbo, Axel Foley is set to drive in the hills of Beverly with the Netflix original Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, which curiously took its title cue from another recent Jerry Bruckheimer legacy sequel, Tom Gun: Maverick. ComicBook.com has just passed along the first look...
The big title Murphy will be returning to is Beverly Hills Cop. After years of being in development limbo, Axel Foley is set to drive in the hills of Beverly with the Netflix original Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, which curiously took its title cue from another recent Jerry Bruckheimer legacy sequel, Tom Gun: Maverick. ComicBook.com has just passed along the first look...
- 11/20/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Plot: At an elite prep school in 1970, the students prepare to leave for their Christmas holidays, but a handful cannot be with their families. To their dismay, they’re left in charge of the much-disliked teacher, Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti). When all of the boys are given a last-minute reprieve by one of their fathers and are whisked away on a ski trip, Hunham is left behind for the holidays with the one kid, Angus (Dominic Sessa), who can’t get permission to go, along with the school’s cook, Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
Review: Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is a very welcome return to form for the director. Playing out like a lost film from the early seventies, complete with a simulated 35mm feel to the lensing (with the wear and team of a film print), it’s a low-key but deeply moving character drama with some hilariously profane dialogue.
Review: Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is a very welcome return to form for the director. Playing out like a lost film from the early seventies, complete with a simulated 35mm feel to the lensing (with the wear and team of a film print), it’s a low-key but deeply moving character drama with some hilariously profane dialogue.
- 11/3/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Eddie Murphy made a big comeback with his acclaimed performance in Dolemite Is My Name from Netflix. He followed it up with Coming 2 America, which reunited him with his Dolemite director, Craig Brewer. Murphy would appear in Netflix’s You People, and he’s got a new sequel to one of his most beloved films on the way with the upcoming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. While it may seem like he’s attempting to recapture his edge, it looks as if Eddie hasn’t exactly put the family films behind him. He will reunite with his director of the 1992 film Boomerang, Reginald Hudlin, for a Christmas comedy for Prime Video titled Candy Cane Lane.
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The Oscar race for Best Supporting Actress was upended when it was announced that front-runner Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) would be competing as a lead actress instead. After much shuffling, though, Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”) has taken the lead in our odds. Scroll down to see the graph illustrating her trajectory in the race. Click on the graph for more prediction stats.
Set in the early 1970s, “The Holdovers” is about a prep school teacher (Paul Giamatti) who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with a student (Dominic Sessa). Randolph plays the school’s head cook who recently lost a son in the Vietnam War. The film premiered on August 31 at the Telluride Film Festival and has since earned an 83 score on MetaCritic and 96% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Randolph’s performance has been singled out as “sensational.” She “gives her best performance...
Set in the early 1970s, “The Holdovers” is about a prep school teacher (Paul Giamatti) who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with a student (Dominic Sessa). Randolph plays the school’s head cook who recently lost a son in the Vietnam War. The film premiered on August 31 at the Telluride Film Festival and has since earned an 83 score on MetaCritic and 96% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Randolph’s performance has been singled out as “sensational.” She “gives her best performance...
- 9/29/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
What would Hollywood be without a good ole Blaxploitation film? And now that “They Cloned Tyrone” has hit Netflix screens, conversations about the Blaxploitation movies that crawled so that “They Cloned Tyrone” could pimp walk have come to the forefront.
Juel Taylor’s film welcomes watchers to The Glen, a normal, everyday neighborhood where its predominately Black residents live out their lives shopping, going to church and enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, beneath the surface, but right in front of their eyes, the government is executing a plot to keep the community in an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior that ultimately blocks them from mental and financial wellness.
Like many Blaxploitation films, “They Cloned Tyrone” creatively calls out and highlights the systemic issues Black community faces while also celebrating Black culture and Black people’s perseverance.
When “They Cloned Tyrone” hit Netflix, people online began discussing the films that influenced it,...
Juel Taylor’s film welcomes watchers to The Glen, a normal, everyday neighborhood where its predominately Black residents live out their lives shopping, going to church and enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, beneath the surface, but right in front of their eyes, the government is executing a plot to keep the community in an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior that ultimately blocks them from mental and financial wellness.
Like many Blaxploitation films, “They Cloned Tyrone” creatively calls out and highlights the systemic issues Black community faces while also celebrating Black culture and Black people’s perseverance.
When “They Cloned Tyrone” hit Netflix, people online began discussing the films that influenced it,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
[This story contains spoilers from The Idol finale.]
After five episodes, Sam Levinson’s latest drama The Idol has come to an end. But the controversy surrounding the hotly debated Max series created with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim continues. After four episodes of building a narrative that appeared to be about a young pop artist falling victim to the abuse of a cult leader and producer, Sunday night’s season finale exposed Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as the orchestrator of the very circumstances she was thought to be a victim of following her entrance into Tedros’ (Tesfaye) crude world of music and masochism.
The unexpected shift has caused many viewers to double down on early critiques that the series was “torture porn.” But Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s manager Destiny on The Idol, says the season one ending isn’t misogynistic, as some have argued. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
After five episodes, Sam Levinson’s latest drama The Idol has come to an end. But the controversy surrounding the hotly debated Max series created with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim continues. After four episodes of building a narrative that appeared to be about a young pop artist falling victim to the abuse of a cult leader and producer, Sunday night’s season finale exposed Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as the orchestrator of the very circumstances she was thought to be a victim of following her entrance into Tedros’ (Tesfaye) crude world of music and masochism.
The unexpected shift has caused many viewers to double down on early critiques that the series was “torture porn.” But Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s manager Destiny on The Idol, says the season one ending isn’t misogynistic, as some have argued. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
- 7/5/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There have been many classic movie comedies over the years featuring Black stars, ranging from Eddie Murphy's Coming to America to Whoopi Goldberg's Sister Act. Those films are among the many that resonated with Black audiences even though they were directed by white filmmakers. Despite that, Hollywood has also had a long tradition of Black directors creating movies aimed specifically at Black audiences; trailblazer Oscar Micheaux, in fact, is regarded as the first major Black filmmaker, directing and producing more than 40 so-called "race films" between 1919 and 1948.
These days, as Hollywood executives increasingly come to realize the importance of Black directors telling Black stories, there's been an ever-growing number of Black directors engaging in big-screen filmmaking, a trend that has been evident not just in dramas but in comedies as well. In fact, some of the most beloved comedies with predominantly Black casts featured Black directors at the helm. For the full picture,...
These days, as Hollywood executives increasingly come to realize the importance of Black directors telling Black stories, there's been an ever-growing number of Black directors engaging in big-screen filmmaking, a trend that has been evident not just in dramas but in comedies as well. In fact, some of the most beloved comedies with predominantly Black casts featured Black directors at the helm. For the full picture,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- Slash Film
by Nathaniel R
Anne Hathaway presents Joaquin Phoenix with Best Actor
We didn't have a budget for a quick trip to Los Angeles this weekend for the Critics Choice Awards but if you watched from home, what did you think? As per usual the movie awards went to the status quo with all but one of the directly parallel categories going to the recent Globe winners. The only difference was Dolemite is My Name winning Best Comedy but the Globe winner, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood wasn't nominated in that category since the CCMAs strangely don't make a distinction between drama and comedy... but then also have a comedy category. It's all very confusing. Most of the other prizes, most of which they give out off-air, went to expected Oscar frontrunners. The strangest outcome, though, was surely a tie in Best Director (Parasite/1917) with neither of those films taking...
Anne Hathaway presents Joaquin Phoenix with Best Actor
We didn't have a budget for a quick trip to Los Angeles this weekend for the Critics Choice Awards but if you watched from home, what did you think? As per usual the movie awards went to the status quo with all but one of the directly parallel categories going to the recent Globe winners. The only difference was Dolemite is My Name winning Best Comedy but the Globe winner, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood wasn't nominated in that category since the CCMAs strangely don't make a distinction between drama and comedy... but then also have a comedy category. It's all very confusing. Most of the other prizes, most of which they give out off-air, went to expected Oscar frontrunners. The strangest outcome, though, was surely a tie in Best Director (Parasite/1917) with neither of those films taking...
- 1/13/2020
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The Irishman may have gone into the 2020 Golden Globes with the second-highest number of film nominations, tied with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with five nods, but Martin Scorsese's highly anticipated mob epic for Netflix was completely shut out on Sunday night.
Indeed, after landing the most film nominations of any company with 17 mentions, Netflix only won one award (best supporting actress for Marriage Story's Laura Dern) in a disappointing showing. Netflix's fellow nominated films Dolemite Is My Name and The Two Popes, which was tied with Joker with four mentions each, also failed to win any awards.
Dolemite star Eddie Murphy,...
Indeed, after landing the most film nominations of any company with 17 mentions, Netflix only won one award (best supporting actress for Marriage Story's Laura Dern) in a disappointing showing. Netflix's fellow nominated films Dolemite Is My Name and The Two Popes, which was tied with Joker with four mentions each, also failed to win any awards.
Dolemite star Eddie Murphy,...
The Irishman may have gone into the 2020 Golden Globes with the second-highest number of film nominations, tied with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with five nods, but Martin Scorsese's highly anticipated mob epic for Netflix was completely shut out on Sunday night.
Indeed, after landing the most film nominations of any company with 17 mentions, Netflix only won one award (best supporting actress for Marriage Story's Laura Dern) in a disappointing showing. Netflix's fellow nominated films Dolemite Is My Name and The Two Popes, which was tied with Joker with four mentions each, also failed to win any awards.
Dolemite star Eddie Murphy,...
Indeed, after landing the most film nominations of any company with 17 mentions, Netflix only won one award (best supporting actress for Marriage Story's Laura Dern) in a disappointing showing. Netflix's fellow nominated films Dolemite Is My Name and The Two Popes, which was tied with Joker with four mentions each, also failed to win any awards.
Dolemite star Eddie Murphy,...
The winners of the HFPA's 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, the precursor to the Academy Awards, have been announced tonight at a ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton hotel in La, hosted by Ricky Gervais. Who's taking home a Globe this year? Here's hoping the HFPA makes some good picks. Our list below will be updated with all film-related winners as they're revealed during the broadcast. The nominees for 2019 are solid this year - way better than last year, with many worthy films being highlighted. Even though these awards don't matter too much in the end, we're still curious to see what ends up winning. Let's find out who is taking home a Golden Globe award this year. The 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards are held at The Beverly Hilton, being hosted by comedian Ricky Gervais, airing live on NBC. See the full list of 2019 film winners below. Winners highlighted...
- 1/6/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The year 2019 was notable for many ups and downs, but one of the more pleasant surprises was the return of comic actor Eddie Murphy back into our lives thanks to his performance as scrappy underground filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore in the Netflix comedic biopic “Dolomite Is My Name.” Even better was enjoying Murphy’s recent hosting stint on the TV variety show that launched his career, “Saturday Night Live,” as he revived such beloved characters as Gumby, Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson and Velvet Jones.
Discuss All the Critics’ Choice contenders with Hollywood insiders in our notorious forums
Apparently, the folks behind the Critics’ Choice Awards took note of his rather successful showbiz comeback — including nominating Murphy for his “Dolemite” performance — and have decided to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th edition of their ceremony. The event will air live on the CW Television Network on Sunday, January 12, 7 to 10 p.
Discuss All the Critics’ Choice contenders with Hollywood insiders in our notorious forums
Apparently, the folks behind the Critics’ Choice Awards took note of his rather successful showbiz comeback — including nominating Murphy for his “Dolemite” performance — and have decided to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th edition of their ceremony. The event will air live on the CW Television Network on Sunday, January 12, 7 to 10 p.
- 1/2/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Our Year in Review continues...
by Kyndall Cunningham
It’s hard to summarize the past year in Black American film as smoothly as I could if I was doing so at the end of 2018. It wasn’t just that this year’s most notable critical darlings failed to strike an emotional chord with Black audiences in comparison to recent years. There was also a lot of intense, misguided discourse online about the year’s most highly anticipated studio films like Harriet and Queen & Slim. The best of this year's crop - Fast Color, Luce and Little Woods - flew under the radar due to limited distribution and marketing. Even Jordan Peele’s ambitious Get Out follow-up Us, which was a huge hit, left a lot of people confused about its meaning. Needless to say, it was an interesting way to cap off a decade that slowly gave a new...
by Kyndall Cunningham
It’s hard to summarize the past year in Black American film as smoothly as I could if I was doing so at the end of 2018. It wasn’t just that this year’s most notable critical darlings failed to strike an emotional chord with Black audiences in comparison to recent years. There was also a lot of intense, misguided discourse online about the year’s most highly anticipated studio films like Harriet and Queen & Slim. The best of this year's crop - Fast Color, Luce and Little Woods - flew under the radar due to limited distribution and marketing. Even Jordan Peele’s ambitious Get Out follow-up Us, which was a huge hit, left a lot of people confused about its meaning. Needless to say, it was an interesting way to cap off a decade that slowly gave a new...
- 12/31/2019
- by Kyndall Cunningham
- FilmExperience
Eddie Murphy teased during an interview earlier this week that he may bring back his Bill Cosby impersonation in his return as Saturday Night Live host after 35 years, and he did during his monologue.
“If you told me 30 years ago that I’d be this boring stay-at-home house dad and Bill Cosby would be in jail, even I wouldn’t have took that bet,” Murphy said, adding in the voice of the disgraced comedian, “Who is America’s dad now?”
There is a history between the two comedians. In Murphy’s 1987 standup film Eddie Murphy Raw, he talked about getting a call from Cosby in which Cosby berated him for cursing on stage, blasted his parenting skills and labeled him a bad role model to his kids.
Murphy got a very warm SNL welcome, with the audience chanting his name when he took the stage in Studio 8H.
“It’s good to be here,...
“If you told me 30 years ago that I’d be this boring stay-at-home house dad and Bill Cosby would be in jail, even I wouldn’t have took that bet,” Murphy said, adding in the voice of the disgraced comedian, “Who is America’s dad now?”
There is a history between the two comedians. In Murphy’s 1987 standup film Eddie Murphy Raw, he talked about getting a call from Cosby in which Cosby berated him for cursing on stage, blasted his parenting skills and labeled him a bad role model to his kids.
Murphy got a very warm SNL welcome, with the audience chanting his name when he took the stage in Studio 8H.
“It’s good to be here,...
- 12/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Eddie Murphy took the stage on Saturday Night Live for his highly anticipated opening monologue, the show kicked things off with a cold open spoofing Thursday night’s PBS NewsHour/Politico Democratic debate. Watch the clip above.
The sketch made fun of the debate’s lack of diversity with celebrity cameos; a rapping and dancing Sen. Kamala Harris played by Maya Rudolph; and Alec Baldwin’s Donald Trump venting about being impeached.
Heidi Gardner starting things off as PBS anchor Judy Woodruff. As for the Democratic contenders, Colin Jost brought back his impression of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and warned he would be in “attack mode.” While Larry David reprised his impression of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
With Sen. Cory Booker, former Hud Secretary Julian Castro, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard failing to qualify for the debate, David’s Sanders seemingly apologized for being a white male.
“I’m Bernie Sanders.
The sketch made fun of the debate’s lack of diversity with celebrity cameos; a rapping and dancing Sen. Kamala Harris played by Maya Rudolph; and Alec Baldwin’s Donald Trump venting about being impeached.
Heidi Gardner starting things off as PBS anchor Judy Woodruff. As for the Democratic contenders, Colin Jost brought back his impression of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and warned he would be in “attack mode.” While Larry David reprised his impression of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
With Sen. Cory Booker, former Hud Secretary Julian Castro, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard failing to qualify for the debate, David’s Sanders seemingly apologized for being a white male.
“I’m Bernie Sanders.
- 12/22/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
by Murtada Elfadl
“Make That Shit Swing, Put Your Weight On It”
Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore says that to his musical accompanist the first time he takes the stage as Dolemite. He wanted more oomph, more swagger, just more to complement his stage appearance. And that’s also what Murphy does is his riotously funny and mesmerising performance in Dolemite is My Name.
He’s fully committed to the character. A comedian playing a comedian so of course he’s funny. He lands every joke from the stand up bits which are of course laugh out funny, to the silly aside jokes. For example watch him as plays off Luenell who plays his aunt in one scene, as he tries to cajole her out of money. It’s a full body performance with many physical jokes, karate chops, singing and dancing. Every minute he’s on screen you...
“Make That Shit Swing, Put Your Weight On It”
Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore says that to his musical accompanist the first time he takes the stage as Dolemite. He wanted more oomph, more swagger, just more to complement his stage appearance. And that’s also what Murphy does is his riotously funny and mesmerising performance in Dolemite is My Name.
He’s fully committed to the character. A comedian playing a comedian so of course he’s funny. He lands every joke from the stand up bits which are of course laugh out funny, to the silly aside jokes. For example watch him as plays off Luenell who plays his aunt in one scene, as he tries to cajole her out of money. It’s a full body performance with many physical jokes, karate chops, singing and dancing. Every minute he’s on screen you...
- 12/20/2019
- by Murtada Elfadl
- FilmExperience
Exclusive: Eddie Murphy’s return to the screen in Dolemite Is My Name has put him in the awards mix, and he seems poised to regain his position atop the comedy heap starting with tomorrow’s historic return to Saturday Night Live for the first time in 35 years, and with a stand-up comedy special and reprises in Coming to America and Beverly Hills Cop. The latter will be at Netflix, which turned the long-gestating Dolemite project into a hit viewed by more than 40 million in its first two weeks. It’s the fifth movie collaboration between Murphy and producer John Davis — along with Doctor Dolittle and its sequel, Daddy Day Care, and the outrageous Norbit, in which Murphy played dual roles. Here, they talk about a long collaborative relationship.
Deadline: Eddie, what is the biggest thing John Davis has done to endear himself to you that you have now made five movies with him,...
Deadline: Eddie, what is the biggest thing John Davis has done to endear himself to you that you have now made five movies with him,...
- 12/20/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“Everybody was really professional, very friendly and very happy to be working together,” reveals Eddie Murphy about the cast of “Dolemite is My Name.” Like him, everyone else in the ensemble “were fans of Rudy Ray Moore,” and their passion shines through in the finished film. Murphy spoke about the casting for his biographical drama in a new behind the scenes featurette. Watch the exclusive video above.
See Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski Interview: ‘Dolemite is My Name’ screenwriters
The Netflix release tells the true story of Moore (Murphy), an iconic comedian who decided to take his standup act to the big screen with the self-financed blaxploitation classic “Dolemite.” Of course, he needed a little bit of help from his friends, and as director Craig Brewer puts it, Moore “was just this cheerleader for this band of misfits.”
According to screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, finding actors to fill...
See Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski Interview: ‘Dolemite is My Name’ screenwriters
The Netflix release tells the true story of Moore (Murphy), an iconic comedian who decided to take his standup act to the big screen with the self-financed blaxploitation classic “Dolemite.” Of course, he needed a little bit of help from his friends, and as director Craig Brewer puts it, Moore “was just this cheerleader for this band of misfits.”
According to screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, finding actors to fill...
- 12/19/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Don’t call it a comeback! Eddie Murphy has been around for years, and he never left, despite headlines that suggest the contrary. His latest is “Dolemite Is My Name,” a new original feature from Netflix, based on the life and work of blaxploitation hero Rudy Ray Moore. Starring Murphy and directed by Craig Brewer, the film tells the story of how Moore, a larger than life comedian, singer, actor, and film producer, launched a movie career in the 1970s, with one of the most well-known Blaxploitation films of all time, “Dolemite.”
Murphy’s performance in the film has drawn much acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, and putting him among contenders for the 2020 Best Actor Oscar, and the film for Best Picture.
Remarkably, despite a career that spans 40 years, and is chock-full of memorable...
Murphy’s performance in the film has drawn much acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, and putting him among contenders for the 2020 Best Actor Oscar, and the film for Best Picture.
Remarkably, despite a career that spans 40 years, and is chock-full of memorable...
- 12/13/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The Craig Brewer-directed Dolemite Is My Name stars Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, the unsung filmmaking hero who would eventually help define the Blaxploitation era of cinema.
Written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, Dolemite is essentially a story about the American Dream and a sense of community for those in the margins in Hollywood. Moore was a comedian who had more failures than successes until he assumed the persona of Dolemite. Many saw the alter ego as crude, and his blatantly explicit album covers and songs were too racy for radio, so they began selling bootlegs of his albums.
Wanting to elevate and expand the character, Moore went to socially minded playwright Jerry Jones (played in the film by Keegan-Michael Key) to make a film, helped by his new comedic partner in crime Lady Reed (Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
Written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, Dolemite is essentially a story about the American Dream and a sense of community for those in the margins in Hollywood. Moore was a comedian who had more failures than successes until he assumed the persona of Dolemite. Many saw the alter ego as crude, and his blatantly explicit album covers and songs were too racy for radio, so they began selling bootlegs of his albums.
Wanting to elevate and expand the character, Moore went to socially minded playwright Jerry Jones (played in the film by Keegan-Michael Key) to make a film, helped by his new comedic partner in crime Lady Reed (Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
- 12/12/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“First things first, congratulations to Netflix for completely taking over the awards race,” jokes Kevin Jacobsen about this years Golden Globe nominations. He’s not exactly kidding. The streamer dominated the movie categories, amassing 17 total bids including four in top film categories: “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes” in Drama, “Dolemite Is My Name” in Comedy. So the company has come a long way since its days as a home delivery video rental service, to say the least.
See 2020 Golden Globes film nominations forums reactions: Cheers for ‘Joker,’ jeers for Robert De Niro and Lupita Nyong’o snubs
Jacobsen recently joined fellow Gold Derby contributors Charlie Bright, Riley Chow, Luca Giliberti, Tony Ruiz and myself for a lengthy discussion about how awards season is shaping up now that the Hollywood Foreign Press has chimed in. Watch the full 34 minute slugfest above.
Noah Baumbach‘s domestic drama “Marriage Story” led...
See 2020 Golden Globes film nominations forums reactions: Cheers for ‘Joker,’ jeers for Robert De Niro and Lupita Nyong’o snubs
Jacobsen recently joined fellow Gold Derby contributors Charlie Bright, Riley Chow, Luca Giliberti, Tony Ruiz and myself for a lengthy discussion about how awards season is shaping up now that the Hollywood Foreign Press has chimed in. Watch the full 34 minute slugfest above.
Noah Baumbach‘s domestic drama “Marriage Story” led...
- 12/10/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
“The Irishman” and “Marriage Story” will be the top nominees for film at the 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards, according to the combined predictions of thousands of users who have given us their forecasts here in our predictions center. They’re expected to earn four nominations each, more than any other film. But how many (if any) will they win? Scroll down to see our nominations predictions by film, with our projected winners highlighted in gold.
We’re betting on “Irishman” to earn nominations for its ensemble cast and for the individual performances by lead actor Robert De Niro and supporting stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. But the Netflix mob epic isn’t currently predicted to win any of those nominations. Meanwhile, “Marriage Story” is favored for a nomination for its cast, leads Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, and supporting actress Laura Dern. But the only winner we’re expecting for that film is Dern.
We’re betting on “Irishman” to earn nominations for its ensemble cast and for the individual performances by lead actor Robert De Niro and supporting stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. But the Netflix mob epic isn’t currently predicted to win any of those nominations. Meanwhile, “Marriage Story” is favored for a nomination for its cast, leads Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, and supporting actress Laura Dern. But the only winner we’re expecting for that film is Dern.
- 12/10/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The costume designers responsible for the eye-catching outfits worn by Jennifer Lopez in “Hustlers,” Taron Egerton in “Rocketman” and Eddie Murphy in “Dolemite Is My Name” have been nominated for the 22nd annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, the Cdg announced on Tuesday.
The “Hustlers” costumes will be competing against “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Knives Out,” “The Laundromat” and “Queen and Slim” in the Cdg’s contemporary film category, while “Dolemite” and “Rocketman” will go up against “Downton Abbey,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” in the period film category.
In the sci-fi/fantasy category, the nominees are “Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Captain Marvel,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Also Read: 2020 Golden Globes Nominees React: From 'Beyond Excited' to 'Truly Blessed'
Nominees include Ruth E. Carter, the reigning Oscar champ for “Black Panther,” who is up for “Dolemite,” and Ellen Mirojnick,...
The “Hustlers” costumes will be competing against “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Knives Out,” “The Laundromat” and “Queen and Slim” in the Cdg’s contemporary film category, while “Dolemite” and “Rocketman” will go up against “Downton Abbey,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” in the period film category.
In the sci-fi/fantasy category, the nominees are “Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Captain Marvel,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Also Read: 2020 Golden Globes Nominees React: From 'Beyond Excited' to 'Truly Blessed'
Nominees include Ruth E. Carter, the reigning Oscar champ for “Black Panther,” who is up for “Dolemite,” and Ellen Mirojnick,...
- 12/10/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Netflix and the luck of the Irish were one Monday.
Making awards history yet again, Netflix secured its first-ever Golden Globes best picture nominations for not one but four of its films — Martin Scorsese's sprawling mob pic The Irishman, Noah Baumbach’s divorce drama Marriage Story, Fernando Meirelles' biographical drama The Two Popes in the drama category, and Craig Brewer's Eddie Murphy-starrer Dolemite Is My Name in the comedy or musical category.
All told, Netflix landed a total of 17 Globe nominations, more than double that of its nearest rival (last year's Globe nom tally was ...
Making awards history yet again, Netflix secured its first-ever Golden Globes best picture nominations for not one but four of its films — Martin Scorsese's sprawling mob pic The Irishman, Noah Baumbach’s divorce drama Marriage Story, Fernando Meirelles' biographical drama The Two Popes in the drama category, and Craig Brewer's Eddie Murphy-starrer Dolemite Is My Name in the comedy or musical category.
All told, Netflix landed a total of 17 Globe nominations, more than double that of its nearest rival (last year's Globe nom tally was ...
- 12/9/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix explored complex relationships and gave a nod to the 1970s at Deadline’s Contenders New York on Saturday with a look at The Two Popes, Marriage Story and Dolomite is My Name. Actor Jonathan Pryce said he so resembles Pope Francis, “That the day he was named Pope, the Internet was full of images of Pope Francis and me, and Pope Francis and the High Sparrow. My son even called to ask, ‘Dad, are you the Pope?’” (Pryce was referring to his role as the morally bankrupt cult leader in Game of Thrones.) The Two Popes imagines what might have been said behind closed doors during encounters between liberal Cardinal Bergoglio, the soon-to-be, and current, Pope Francis, and conservative Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) before he abdicated from the papacy. It was the first time in 700 years that there were two popes living at the same time. “They met a couple of times.
- 12/7/2019
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A version of this story about “Dolemite Is My Name” writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski first appeared in the Actors/Directors/Screenwriters issue of TheWrap’s Oscar magazine.
Over the last 25 years, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have become known for writing a string of artful and entertaining films about unusual people: hapless B-movie director Ed Wood (“Ed Wood”), porn publisher-turned-First Amendment-crusader Larry Flynt, (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”), comedian Andy Kaufman (“Man on the Moon”) and artists Walter and Margaret Keane (“Big Eyes”) among them.
(After those, they also did the award-winning “The People v. O.J. Simpson” miniseries.)
Their latest is “Dolemite Is My Name,” the outrageous chronicle of pioneering African-American comic and blaxploitation legend Rudy Ray Moore, whose ragged but successful attempt to turn himself into a movie star seems unbelievable but isn’t.
Also Read: 'Dolemite Is My Name' Film Review: Eddie Murphy...
Over the last 25 years, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have become known for writing a string of artful and entertaining films about unusual people: hapless B-movie director Ed Wood (“Ed Wood”), porn publisher-turned-First Amendment-crusader Larry Flynt, (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”), comedian Andy Kaufman (“Man on the Moon”) and artists Walter and Margaret Keane (“Big Eyes”) among them.
(After those, they also did the award-winning “The People v. O.J. Simpson” miniseries.)
Their latest is “Dolemite Is My Name,” the outrageous chronicle of pioneering African-American comic and blaxploitation legend Rudy Ray Moore, whose ragged but successful attempt to turn himself into a movie star seems unbelievable but isn’t.
Also Read: 'Dolemite Is My Name' Film Review: Eddie Murphy...
- 12/6/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“We concentrate on people that are extremely passionate about what they want to do,” explains “Dolemite is My Name” screenwriter Larry Karaszewski about the subjects he and writing partner Scott Alexander choose to tackle. “Usually their passion is in something that society in general thinks is wrongheaded,” but “they have a belief in themselves” that carries them through. Watch our exclusive video interview with Karaszewski and Alexander above.
That’s certainly the case with Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy), a struggling standup comedian who struck gold by throwing everything he had into a Z-grade blaxploitation movie that turned into a huge hit: “Dolemite” (1975). For the men who penned biopics on such offbeat American figures as Ed Wood (“Ed Wood”), Larry Flynt (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”), Andy Kaufman (“Man on the Moon”) and Margaret Keane (“Big Eyes“), Moore was the perfect protagonist.
See ‘Dolemite is My Name’ could bring writers...
That’s certainly the case with Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy), a struggling standup comedian who struck gold by throwing everything he had into a Z-grade blaxploitation movie that turned into a huge hit: “Dolemite” (1975). For the men who penned biopics on such offbeat American figures as Ed Wood (“Ed Wood”), Larry Flynt (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”), Andy Kaufman (“Man on the Moon”) and Margaret Keane (“Big Eyes“), Moore was the perfect protagonist.
See ‘Dolemite is My Name’ could bring writers...
- 12/4/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
by Nathaniel R
Given the release of Parasite this very weekend, and Judy, Pain and Glory, Hustlers, also in theaters with Oscar buzz in various categories, it's safe to say that Prestige Film Season is more than underway. So we thought we'd update that calendar now. Here's how the schedule is looking for awards hopefuls in terms of important dates so mark your calendars...
October
Right Now - Limited Release: Parasite (Bong Joon-ho's South Korean Oscar submission), The King (Shakepearian drama starring Timothée Chalamet), Missing Link (animated hopeful ) begins streaming on Hulu
Next Weekend - Limited Release: JoJo Rabbit (Taiki Waititi's Nazi satire), The Lighthouse, The Laundromat begins streaming on Netflix
25th -Dolemite is My Name begins streaming on Netflix... ...
Given the release of Parasite this very weekend, and Judy, Pain and Glory, Hustlers, also in theaters with Oscar buzz in various categories, it's safe to say that Prestige Film Season is more than underway. So we thought we'd update that calendar now. Here's how the schedule is looking for awards hopefuls in terms of important dates so mark your calendars...
October
Right Now - Limited Release: Parasite (Bong Joon-ho's South Korean Oscar submission), The King (Shakepearian drama starring Timothée Chalamet), Missing Link (animated hopeful ) begins streaming on Hulu
Next Weekend - Limited Release: JoJo Rabbit (Taiki Waititi's Nazi satire), The Lighthouse, The Laundromat begins streaming on Netflix
25th -Dolemite is My Name begins streaming on Netflix... ...
- 11/27/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Jennifer Lopez is one step closer to getting an Oscar nomination.
J.Lo received her second Film Independent Spirit Award nomination this morning for best supporting female for Stx’s “Hustlers.” Awards buzz began building for Lopez as soon as the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
While Regina King won both the Spirit Award and Oscar for supporting female last year for “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Lopez’s path isn’t as solid. Her Indie Spirit competition includes “The Farewell” favorite Zhao Shuzhen as well as newcomers Taylor Russell (“Waves”) and Lauren “LoLo” Spencer (“Give Me Liberty”). Rounding out the list is Oscar winner Octavia Spencer for “Luce.” The competition at the Oscars will be even tighter with Laura Dern a likely nominee for “Marriage Story.”
Here are nine more highlights and lowlights from this morning’s nominations announcement and how it could affect some key Oscar races…...
J.Lo received her second Film Independent Spirit Award nomination this morning for best supporting female for Stx’s “Hustlers.” Awards buzz began building for Lopez as soon as the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
While Regina King won both the Spirit Award and Oscar for supporting female last year for “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Lopez’s path isn’t as solid. Her Indie Spirit competition includes “The Farewell” favorite Zhao Shuzhen as well as newcomers Taylor Russell (“Waves”) and Lauren “LoLo” Spencer (“Give Me Liberty”). Rounding out the list is Oscar winner Octavia Spencer for “Luce.” The competition at the Oscars will be even tighter with Laura Dern a likely nominee for “Marriage Story.”
Here are nine more highlights and lowlights from this morning’s nominations announcement and how it could affect some key Oscar races…...
- 11/21/2019
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The 2019 AFI Fest may have lost its closing-night attraction on Wednesday when Apple pulled “The Banker” from its planned Thursday premiere, but one of the biggest attractions of this year’s lineup still took place on Wednesday, its penultimate night, with the world premiere of Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.”
And as with all big, previously unseen films that premiere this time of year — particularly if they premiere at an industry-heavy showcase like the AFI Fest — the question that hung in the air immediately after the credits rolled at the packed Tcl Chinese Theatre was, “Is it an awards movie?”
The answer, I suppose, depends on whom you ask. As soon as the film ended, a handful of pundits and fans hit Twitter to declare that “Richard Jewell” had stormed into the Oscar race, particularly with supporting performances by Sam Rockwell and Kathy Bates and the title role by lesser-known actor Paul Walter Hauser.
And as with all big, previously unseen films that premiere this time of year — particularly if they premiere at an industry-heavy showcase like the AFI Fest — the question that hung in the air immediately after the credits rolled at the packed Tcl Chinese Theatre was, “Is it an awards movie?”
The answer, I suppose, depends on whom you ask. As soon as the film ended, a handful of pundits and fans hit Twitter to declare that “Richard Jewell” had stormed into the Oscar race, particularly with supporting performances by Sam Rockwell and Kathy Bates and the title role by lesser-known actor Paul Walter Hauser.
- 11/21/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“I was excited about showing another side of the 70s,” exclaims Ruth E. Carter about designing the costumes in “Dolemite is My Name.” In our recent chat about the Netflix film, she adds, “I hadn’t really seen a film about the 70s that represented what I remembered about living as a young teenager at that time. I wanted to put out there the look during a time that I think was visually explosive in fashion.” Watch our exclusive video interview with Carter above.
“Dolemite” is a biographical comedy starring Eddie Murphy as the real life Rudy Ray Moore who created the entertaining, profane persona, Dolemite. Carter says, “This was an opportunity to help Eddie Murphy realize a dream of 16 years. As an artist Eddie is very serious and always produces something magical. We made clear distinctions between Moore, who was a simpler dresser, and Dolemite who was curated and tailored.
“Dolemite” is a biographical comedy starring Eddie Murphy as the real life Rudy Ray Moore who created the entertaining, profane persona, Dolemite. Carter says, “This was an opportunity to help Eddie Murphy realize a dream of 16 years. As an artist Eddie is very serious and always produces something magical. We made clear distinctions between Moore, who was a simpler dresser, and Dolemite who was curated and tailored.
- 11/20/2019
- by Matt Noble
- Gold Derby
Though most of the Oscar buzz for “Dolemite is My Name” is going to Eddie Murphy for his performance as real-life comedian Rudy Ray Moore, the Netflix biopic could also bring screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski their long overdue first nominations.
See Eddie Murphy (‘Dolemite is My Name’) is rising in our Oscar odds: Here’s why we mustn’t underestimate him
That’s right, the duo behind “Ed Wood” (1994), “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996), “Man on the Moon” (1999) and “Big Eyes” (2014) have never been invited to the Oscar ceremony as nominees. This despite winning the Golden Globe for penning “Flynt,” earning a WGA nomination for “Ed Wood” and picking up an Independent Spirit bid for “Big Eyes.” They’re also the team behind FX’s “American Crime Story” anthology, for which they won Emmys and PGA prizes for Best Limited Series in 2016 (“The People v. O.J. Simpson...
See Eddie Murphy (‘Dolemite is My Name’) is rising in our Oscar odds: Here’s why we mustn’t underestimate him
That’s right, the duo behind “Ed Wood” (1994), “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996), “Man on the Moon” (1999) and “Big Eyes” (2014) have never been invited to the Oscar ceremony as nominees. This despite winning the Golden Globe for penning “Flynt,” earning a WGA nomination for “Ed Wood” and picking up an Independent Spirit bid for “Big Eyes.” They’re also the team behind FX’s “American Crime Story” anthology, for which they won Emmys and PGA prizes for Best Limited Series in 2016 (“The People v. O.J. Simpson...
- 11/15/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio wasn’t sure for a long time how the people of Peru would embrace his film, “Retablo,” which tells the story of a teenage boy in a small town who discovers that his beloved father is secretly gay. But to his very pleasant surprise, he found out that upon release it drew sellout crowds across the country.
“This is a tale about the conflict between tradition and modernity,” the director said at TheWrap’s Awards Screening Series. “If you go beyond the capital, you go to towns that are very cut off from the rest of the world and are very set in their ways. There are a lot of paradigm shifts that have to be shifted.”
“Retablo” has been shown around the world over the last couple of years, starting with a premiere at the 2017 Festival de Cine De Lima and later going on festival tour that...
“This is a tale about the conflict between tradition and modernity,” the director said at TheWrap’s Awards Screening Series. “If you go beyond the capital, you go to towns that are very cut off from the rest of the world and are very set in their ways. There are a lot of paradigm shifts that have to be shifted.”
“Retablo” has been shown around the world over the last couple of years, starting with a premiere at the 2017 Festival de Cine De Lima and later going on festival tour that...
- 11/15/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Among the other things Eddie Murphy’s rapturously received new comedy has going for it, “Dolemite Is My Name” might be the movie musical of the year, in spirit, if not wholly in form. At least, there are a few sequences where its real-life protagonist, comedian/musician/actor Rudy Ray Moore, breaks into a kind of proto-hip-hop performance mode. The rest of the movie has nearly wall-to-wall music, whether it’s the ‘70s hits of Marvin Gaye and Sly & the Family Stone or an original score that harks back to the blaxploitation era’s funk-filled glory days.
Marrying music and movies comes naturally to director Craig Brewer, who offered a more contemporary take on hip-hop with “Hustle & Flow,” and his house composer, fellow Memphis native Scott Bomar, a founder of the neo-soul group the Bo-Keys. Plus, you’d be hard-pressed to find screenwriter-producers who know their ‘70s music better...
Marrying music and movies comes naturally to director Craig Brewer, who offered a more contemporary take on hip-hop with “Hustle & Flow,” and his house composer, fellow Memphis native Scott Bomar, a founder of the neo-soul group the Bo-Keys. Plus, you’d be hard-pressed to find screenwriter-producers who know their ‘70s music better...
- 11/10/2019
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
In the Netflix film, Dolemite Is My Name, actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph steps into the role of Lady Reed, a comedian, actress and a frequent collaborator of the comedy legend Rudy Ray Moore who made some of the most memorable cult classic Dolemite films from the ’70s. Everyone knew about Moore but as for Lady Reed, there has been little to no record of the mark that she left on the industry as a woman of color. Randolph visited the New Hollywood Podcast to talk about why it was important to bring Lady Reed’s narrative to the forefront and how it is crucial to put shine on narratives — primarily of people from marginalized communities — that are seldom overlooked.
A classically trained vocalist who also studied musical theater before she stepped into the world of television and film, Randolph has a long resume of stage productions, films and TV...
A classically trained vocalist who also studied musical theater before she stepped into the world of television and film, Randolph has a long resume of stage productions, films and TV...
- 11/5/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Da’Vine Joy Randolph did not know that she would be acting opposite Eddie Murphy in “Dolemite Is My Name” until her final audition for the film. At that point, she gave herself a time limit to fangirl out before ultimately nabbing the role.
“I said to myself, ‘This is what we’re going to do: You’ve got two hours to take in that it is Eddie Murphy,’” Randolph tells Variety.
Randolph plays Lady Reed to Murphy’s Rudy Ray Moore in the biopic, now streaming on Netflix. But while there’s plenty to draw from the real-life Moore — the comedian made famous for his blaxploitation films in the 1970s — Randolph had a harder time when researching Reed.
“I was shocked and really disheartened to find that there was little to nothing on her,” says Randolph, adding that she feels a sense of responsibility in portraying the so-called “godmother...
“I said to myself, ‘This is what we’re going to do: You’ve got two hours to take in that it is Eddie Murphy,’” Randolph tells Variety.
Randolph plays Lady Reed to Murphy’s Rudy Ray Moore in the biopic, now streaming on Netflix. But while there’s plenty to draw from the real-life Moore — the comedian made famous for his blaxploitation films in the 1970s — Randolph had a harder time when researching Reed.
“I was shocked and really disheartened to find that there was little to nothing on her,” says Randolph, adding that she feels a sense of responsibility in portraying the so-called “godmother...
- 11/5/2019
- by Audrey Cleo Yap
- Variety Film + TV
with Murtada Elfadl & Nathaniel R
Index (60 minutes)
00:01 Murtada's New Fest jury duty
03:00 Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and why it should have been called I Heard You Paint Houses. Thoughts on the running time, Thelma Schoonmaker's editing, the de-aging visuals, and the performances of Anna Paquin, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino. And a trend in 2019: directors revisiting their favourite themes reflectively this year: Scorsese, Almodóvar, and Tarantino
23:30 The Best Supporting Actor Oscar race: Pacino versus Brad Pitt? Plus tangents about Marriage Story, Ford V Ferrari, Dolemite is My Name, Just Mercy and Honey Boy
43:00 Best Actor and Best Director races and what The Irishman's true competition is
50:00 Terminator Dark Fate and Harriet
57:45 The Best Actress race - is Cynthia in?
Read: A thoughtful positive review of Harriet from K Austin Collins
Share: Two tweets we mention...
Harriet is not my...
Index (60 minutes)
00:01 Murtada's New Fest jury duty
03:00 Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and why it should have been called I Heard You Paint Houses. Thoughts on the running time, Thelma Schoonmaker's editing, the de-aging visuals, and the performances of Anna Paquin, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino. And a trend in 2019: directors revisiting their favourite themes reflectively this year: Scorsese, Almodóvar, and Tarantino
23:30 The Best Supporting Actor Oscar race: Pacino versus Brad Pitt? Plus tangents about Marriage Story, Ford V Ferrari, Dolemite is My Name, Just Mercy and Honey Boy
43:00 Best Actor and Best Director races and what The Irishman's true competition is
50:00 Terminator Dark Fate and Harriet
57:45 The Best Actress race - is Cynthia in?
Read: A thoughtful positive review of Harriet from K Austin Collins
Share: Two tweets we mention...
Harriet is not my...
- 11/4/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Rudy Ray Moore was “breezy and funny” in his standup comedy, Variety declared in a 1970 review at the California Sahara nightclub in South Central L.A. Five years later, a Variety film critic saw Moore’s “Dolemite” and sighed “Dull-emite is a more apt title.”
Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name” covers Moore’s career in those years, and the film is a total winner, yet a mass of contradictions.
First, the dialogue features a steady stream of raunch and vulgarities but audiences describe the film as sweet. Second, “For a movie that took 15 years to make, this one happened very fast,” says Larry Karaszewski, who wrote the socko script with Scott Alexander.
Third, while Netflix’s film is set in the 1970s, it’s really about today. Moore battled industry indifference and racism, and ended up starring in films, starting with the 1975 “Dolemite.” Alexander adds that the movie is...
Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name” covers Moore’s career in those years, and the film is a total winner, yet a mass of contradictions.
First, the dialogue features a steady stream of raunch and vulgarities but audiences describe the film as sweet. Second, “For a movie that took 15 years to make, this one happened very fast,” says Larry Karaszewski, who wrote the socko script with Scott Alexander.
Third, while Netflix’s film is set in the 1970s, it’s really about today. Moore battled industry indifference and racism, and ended up starring in films, starting with the 1975 “Dolemite.” Alexander adds that the movie is...
- 11/1/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
There’s a classic scene in the TV show Taxi in which a young, strait-laced Jim Ignatowski takes his first bite of a marijuana-laced brownie; we immediately see him begin his transformation into the hilariously loopy character he would become. After watching Dolemite Is My Name, I could picture a young Eddie Murphy listening to Rudy [...]
The post Eddie Murphy Gets It Right With ‘Dolemite’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Eddie Murphy Gets It Right With ‘Dolemite’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 10/30/2019
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Why is this film about a raunchy standup comedian being touted as Eddie Murphy's comeback? An outstanding comic talent such as he doesn't go away. And even if we are looking at dates, Murphy was in much finer form in his last release "Mr Church", where he brought to great use his penchant for wry social comment into play.
There is more foreplay in Murphy's portrayal of the foulmouthed stand-up comedian Rudy Ray More (a.k.a Dolemite) than any actual swipes at salaciousness. Sure, there is a lot of abusive language and cusswords in "Dolemite", Eddie Murphy's stand-up act that shocked America in the 1970s. But nothing that they back then, and we now, can't handle.
We've seen worse.
What really provides this film about a rebel with a clause with its share of heft is the theme of segregation and and racial discrimination, both placed on their...
There is more foreplay in Murphy's portrayal of the foulmouthed stand-up comedian Rudy Ray More (a.k.a Dolemite) than any actual swipes at salaciousness. Sure, there is a lot of abusive language and cusswords in "Dolemite", Eddie Murphy's stand-up act that shocked America in the 1970s. But nothing that they back then, and we now, can't handle.
We've seen worse.
What really provides this film about a rebel with a clause with its share of heft is the theme of segregation and and racial discrimination, both placed on their...
- 10/30/2019
- GlamSham
Eddie Murphy is working the room. Or trying to at least. A New York post-screening party for “Dolermite is My Name” has gathered a lot of famous fans. And they’re kind of mobbing him.
“Eddie is a genius,” marvels legendary casting director Bonnie Timmermann. “I think he’s back. And maybe he never left, but he’s so funny and breathtaking in this film. Once good, always good.” But is he an Oscar contender? “I will definitely vote for him. If I could hand it to him right now I would.”
“It was heartfelt. I think he deserves an Oscar,” says former “Saturday Night Live” impressionist Jay Pharoah. “He was captivating and inspirational.” When I point out that it’s possible “SNL’s” erstwhile Mr. Robinson could be up against Mr. Rogers, Pharoah laughs. “Quite the paradox. I’m waiting to see what Tom Hanks does, I think he’s gonna kill it.
“Eddie is a genius,” marvels legendary casting director Bonnie Timmermann. “I think he’s back. And maybe he never left, but he’s so funny and breathtaking in this film. Once good, always good.” But is he an Oscar contender? “I will definitely vote for him. If I could hand it to him right now I would.”
“It was heartfelt. I think he deserves an Oscar,” says former “Saturday Night Live” impressionist Jay Pharoah. “He was captivating and inspirational.” When I point out that it’s possible “SNL’s” erstwhile Mr. Robinson could be up against Mr. Rogers, Pharoah laughs. “Quite the paradox. I’m waiting to see what Tom Hanks does, I think he’s gonna kill it.
- 10/29/2019
- by Bill McCuddy
- Gold Derby
You will hear a lot in the coming days about Eddie Murphy’s return to form performance in Dolemite Is My Name. About how hilarious he is as Blaxploitation entrepreneur and star Rudy Ray Moore. A return to the Eddie Murphy of Raw, fans will exclaim. Murphy is funny as hell in this film, undeniably, but what should not be overlooked is that he is also refreshingly real. And that has been a long time coming.
Frustrated entertainer and record shop deputy manager Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) despairs of ever finding fame. His aunt’s flat is a storage facility for the towering piles of self-produced LPs the ageing wannabe has churned out. Vinyl which even the store’s resident DJ (Snoop Dogg) rejects for their cheesiness and lack of cool. The closest Rudy has come to the bigtime is a poorly received Mc set in a local club...
Frustrated entertainer and record shop deputy manager Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) despairs of ever finding fame. His aunt’s flat is a storage facility for the towering piles of self-produced LPs the ageing wannabe has churned out. Vinyl which even the store’s resident DJ (Snoop Dogg) rejects for their cheesiness and lack of cool. The closest Rudy has come to the bigtime is a poorly received Mc set in a local club...
- 10/25/2019
- by Emily Breen
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Almost 45 years after the original, a new look at the blaxploitation film “Dolemite” is making its way to Netflix. Featuring a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, and Chris Rock, “Dolemite is My Name” follows the story of the original “Dolemite” star Rudy Ray Moore, whose stagnant entertainment career suddenly skyrocketed into blaxploitation fame after he appeared in the film.
Directed by D’Urville Martin, the 1975 “Dolemite” tells the story of a one-time pimp who, after his release from jail, seeks revenge on the drug dealers and corrupt cops who framed him by using a team of martial arts-skilled prostitutes called Dolemite Girls.
The action-packed blaxploitation genre spawned a number of reboot films and parodies, such as the late John Singleton’s reimagined version of “Shaft” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Keenan Ivory Wayans Jr.’s “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” Much like Rudy Ray Moore’s Dolemite, characters like...
Directed by D’Urville Martin, the 1975 “Dolemite” tells the story of a one-time pimp who, after his release from jail, seeks revenge on the drug dealers and corrupt cops who framed him by using a team of martial arts-skilled prostitutes called Dolemite Girls.
The action-packed blaxploitation genre spawned a number of reboot films and parodies, such as the late John Singleton’s reimagined version of “Shaft” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Keenan Ivory Wayans Jr.’s “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” Much like Rudy Ray Moore’s Dolemite, characters like...
- 10/25/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Like the aroma of any home-cooked favorite wafting from a kitchen long unused, watching Eddie Murphy’s beautifully funny and exuberant performance in “Dolemite Is My Name” playing bootleg-to-blaxploitation entertainer Rudy Ray Moore — the reclusive megastar’s first worthy comedy lead in ages — amounts to a longing well and truly satisfied.
Murphy’s resplendent turn anchors a true if predictably told story of showbiz aspirations and can-do spirit, but in the great whoosh of majestically profane, beaming energy he provides from beginning to end, it’s clear that his brand of electrifying, in-the-moment comedy has sorely been missed.
The fit of This Legend playing That Legend (one comedy giant cosplaying his forebear) is so perfect that it lifts director Craig Brewer’s rudimentary handling of Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski’s affectionately raucous if predictable script into a joyful realm. (It’s a reminder of how great comedy stars always plugged...
Murphy’s resplendent turn anchors a true if predictably told story of showbiz aspirations and can-do spirit, but in the great whoosh of majestically profane, beaming energy he provides from beginning to end, it’s clear that his brand of electrifying, in-the-moment comedy has sorely been missed.
The fit of This Legend playing That Legend (one comedy giant cosplaying his forebear) is so perfect that it lifts director Craig Brewer’s rudimentary handling of Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski’s affectionately raucous if predictable script into a joyful realm. (It’s a reminder of how great comedy stars always plugged...
- 10/24/2019
- by Robert Abele
- The Wrap
Here’s the latest flick in the multiplex’s recent love affair with show biz of the last century. Well, really the last third of it. Sure there are lots of flicks set in the present day, but maybe filmmakers are more than a tad nostalgic for what they believe was a simpler time. At least the execs want to go back to those pre-internet days when they didn’t have to sweat about the newest releases “beaming’ into homes just as they hit the theatres. And that gives this new flick an ironic twist since it comes from the online streaming giant Netflix. Plus it fits right into the slot between two big movies of the past four months. Tarantino’s Tinseltown fantasy Once Upon A Time …In Hollywood was set in 1969, and the recent hit Joker takes place in 1981(established toward its big finale). So here comes the...
- 10/18/2019
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Netflix has disclosed its viewership figures for original films and television shows released over the past year.
The streaming juggernaut, which reportedly has more than 158 million subscribers worldwide, released its viewership data from October 2018 to September 2019 to shareholders on Wednesday, and the report was obtained by The New York Times and Deadline.
By Netflix’s data, a single viewership qualifies as someone having watched at least 70 percent of a movie or episode.
With 80 million views, Bird Box easily took the no. 1 spot for Netflix’s programming. The film, starring Sandra Bullock, was released in December to huge numbers from the start.
The streaming juggernaut, which reportedly has more than 158 million subscribers worldwide, released its viewership data from October 2018 to September 2019 to shareholders on Wednesday, and the report was obtained by The New York Times and Deadline.
By Netflix’s data, a single viewership qualifies as someone having watched at least 70 percent of a movie or episode.
With 80 million views, Bird Box easily took the no. 1 spot for Netflix’s programming. The film, starring Sandra Bullock, was released in December to huge numbers from the start.
- 10/17/2019
- by Eric Todisco
- PEOPLE.com
Eddie Murphy has been gradually rising in our Oscar odds for Best Actor for his performance in “Dolemite is My Name,” but he hasn’t yet cracked the top five in the combined predictions of the Gold Derby readers who have given us their picks here in our predictions center thus far. As of this writing he ranks seventh with 37/1 odds. However, the movie opens on October 4, and I think he may be a bigger threat than we’re giving him credit for.
The Oscar conversation for Best Actor has so far revolved around names like Robert De Niro (“The Irishman“), Adam Driver (“Marriage Story“) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood“). But De Niro and DiCaprio already have Oscars, so there may not be a rush to award them again, and Driver is still new to the film awards scene, having just earned his first nomination earlier this year for “BlacKkKlansman,...
The Oscar conversation for Best Actor has so far revolved around names like Robert De Niro (“The Irishman“), Adam Driver (“Marriage Story“) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood“). But De Niro and DiCaprio already have Oscars, so there may not be a rush to award them again, and Driver is still new to the film awards scene, having just earned his first nomination earlier this year for “BlacKkKlansman,...
- 10/13/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Ruth Carter, the Oscar-winning costume designer of “Black Panther,” took a deep dive into the life and times of Rudy Ray Moore for Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name,” starring Eddie Murphy as the ’70s blaxploitation comedian. It was not only fun but also insightful, creating 75 costume changes for Murphy, who switched back and forth between playing the performer and his outrageous alter ego, who became an underground sensation for his stand-up, his records, and his movies. Carter could be back in the Oscar race for designing a wide range of looks for this evocative period showbiz movie.
Carter classifies both Moore and Murphy as “transformationist” performers, creating their own characters along with distinctive looks. “The parallel, I think, is built in already to what Eddie’s been doing for some time,” she said. “He studied Rudy Ray Moore going all the way back to when he was on ‘Saturday Night Live.
Carter classifies both Moore and Murphy as “transformationist” performers, creating their own characters along with distinctive looks. “The parallel, I think, is built in already to what Eddie’s been doing for some time,” she said. “He studied Rudy Ray Moore going all the way back to when he was on ‘Saturday Night Live.
- 10/11/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Murphy is likable and big-hearted in this story of cult 70s blaxploitation star Rudy Ray Moore’s rise from nightclub standup to the movies
The question of whether Eddie Murphy has got his mojo back – or if it had ever gone away – is probably beside the point, considering his richly enjoyable starring role in this true showbiz story about the eternal excitement of putting on the show right here.
Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, the singer, nightclub comic and proto-rapper who in 1975 produced and starred in the cult blaxploitation comedy Dolemite, based on the outrageously obscene character he’d created for his standup act and bestselling LPs. The nearest Brit equivalent was probably Derek and Clive. With never-say-die attitude, Moore battles through his ailing career in its early days: the sometime singer and dancer has an epiphany on seeing a garrulous homeless guy reciting rhyming tales of a legendary character called Dolemite.
The question of whether Eddie Murphy has got his mojo back – or if it had ever gone away – is probably beside the point, considering his richly enjoyable starring role in this true showbiz story about the eternal excitement of putting on the show right here.
Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, the singer, nightclub comic and proto-rapper who in 1975 produced and starred in the cult blaxploitation comedy Dolemite, based on the outrageously obscene character he’d created for his standup act and bestselling LPs. The nearest Brit equivalent was probably Derek and Clive. With never-say-die attitude, Moore battles through his ailing career in its early days: the sometime singer and dancer has an epiphany on seeing a garrulous homeless guy reciting rhyming tales of a legendary character called Dolemite.
- 10/11/2019
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
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