June 29, 2008
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What in the hell was I thinking?Director Brian Robbins -- also known as tough guy Eric Mardian from ABC's underrated sitcom Head of the Class -- seemingly has cheesy filmmaking down to an exact science. And despite what anyone says to the contrary, Good Burger is a gold-encrusted kid-friendly classic worthy of deep collegiate study. However, on the other end of this goofy spectrum lies the much-loathed 2007 Eddie Murphy vehicle Norbit, a movie which, for reasons unknown, I felt strongly compelled to investigate. Though extremely colorful and a blast to look at, the picture is littered with cheap racial stereotypes, horrible dialogue, laughable logic, and quite possibly the most random, outrageously moronic finales in recent memory, The Matrix Revolutions included. As always, Murphy relishes the opportunity to play no less than three vastly different characters, each with their own unique set of highly annoying quirks and ticks. Problem is, none of them are the least bit sympathetic, in particular the film's titular character. Unlike Napoleon Dynamite, there's nothing remotely interesting about Norbit as a person, a fact which prevents you from making any sort of emotional connection with the guy and his lovelorn plight. His savagely cruel wife Rasputia, meanwhile, wears out her welcome as soon as those heaving, matronly breasts start leaning on the car horn. Kazuhiro Tsuji and Rick Baker's effects work is top notch, to be sure, and they certainly deserved the Academy Award nomination. It's just a shame their talents are showcased in a feature that is, at the end of a very long day, completely worthless. With no redeeming qualities whatsoever to speak of, Norbit should be avoided by anyone who truly values the well-being of their mental health. I feel dumber already.
Recipe For Disaster: Eddie Murphy's Ego + Several Failed Attempts At Humor + Katt Williams Is Still The Man
Another Stain On Cuba: The Boyz N The Hood star is certainly a long, long way from Compton.
Somewhere, Ricky is still crying.
1 Spasms:
I rented NORBIT for the same reason, thinking that it can't be all bad. And I was wrong. Very wrong.
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