5 reasons to watch Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix
By Keldine Hull
A list of five reasons you should watch the new Netflix movie Dolemite is My Name starring Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes.
Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name is pure comedy gold at its finest set in the 1970s. It follows the life and career of entertainer Rudy Ray Moore and his meteoric rise to stardom.
If you haven’t seen the Netflix Original yet, here are five reasons why you need to watch the new Netflix movie!
1. It’s based on a true story
Dolemite Is My Name is based on the true story of Rudy Ray Moore, the raunchy, over-the-top comedian, actor and singer who stuck his “finger in the ground and turned the whole world upside down.”
His persistence led to a career that heavily influenced icons like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and even Big Daddy Kane, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Moore is also recognized for his significance in the birth of rap, years before pioneers in the genre emerged, like DJ Kool Herc and Sugarhill Gang.
Moore passed away in 2008 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that includes films like 1975’s cult classic Dolemite, The Human Tornado and Disco Godfather. While Moore’s body of work was far from Oscar-worthy, it pushed the boundaries of comedy and resonated with fans.
2. It has an incredible cast and Eddie Murphy is brilliant
Eddie Murphy is back in what’s already being considered one of his best roles.
Murphy stars alongside Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps and an all-star cast that includes Craig Robinson, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Snoop Dogg, T.I., Luenell, Tasha Smith, Titus Burgess and Wesley Snipes.
Side note: Murphy and Snipes team up again in Coming 2 America, slated for release on December 18, 2020.
3. It’s brimming with historical and cultural references
Dolemite Is My Name tastefully tackles the duality of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, referencing black movies and stars that had a significant impact in entertainment like Sanford and Son’s Redd Foxx, Cornbread, Earl and Me, featuring a young Laurence Fishburne, and Pam Grier’s Coffy.
4. It somehow manages to be both raunchy and feel-good
One of the most touching moments from the film occurs when Lady Reed, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, thanks Murphy’s Rudy Ray Moore for taking her under his wing and allowing her voice to be heard.
Moore was no stranger to struggle, even more so than the movie portrays. His fight to be taken seriously as an actor and comedian extended to the people by his side, like Lady Reed AKA Queen Bee, and his success became their success.
5. Rudy’s story is inspirational
Rudy Ray Moore was a trailblazer, selling the comedy albums he recorded out of the back of his trunk and creating a name for himself within the black community before studios finally took notice.
The dishwasher turned comedic icon never forgot where he came from, using the stories from the community around him that he loved to lay the blueprint for a career that influenced others. He fought for his place in entertainment and didn’t stop until people finally knew his name.
Dolemite Is My Name is currently available on Netflix and in select theaters.