Norbit, starring Eddie Murphy as Norbit the henpecked husband and Eddie Murphy as the overbearing, overwhelming, and overweight wife Rasputia, and Eddie Murphy as Mr. Wong, the Asian man who raised Norbit - is stunning… stunning because the make-up and special effects are state of the art, and stunning in how unfunny it actually is.
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With several decent actors in the cast including Thandie Newton, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terry Crews, and Anthony Russell, you would expect more, or at least a few good laughs. Since it was directed by actor/director Brian Robbins, who turned out such movies as The Shaggy Dog, Varsity Blues, and Good Burger, perhaps its lowbrow humor should come as no surprise.
However, the premise was entertaining enough and Murphy has the experience playing multiple roles in the same movie to have pulled it off. Unfortunately, if you’ve seen the trailer, you’ve already seen the best parts.
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Norbit (Eddie Murphy) has been picked on all his life. Raised by Mr. Wong (also played by Murphy) at an orphanage, Norbit’s true love and only real friend was Kate (Thandie Newton). They did everything together, and were extremely happy with each other. They went so far as to "get married" complete with ring pops for wedding rings.
When Kate is adopted, Norbit is left alone, and undefended… until Rasputia (also played by Murphy) enters the scene. Large and in charge, Rasputia appears to be Norbit’s salvation, until it becomes clear that she’s actually the new problem.
The movie follows a predictable pattern. Rasputia and Norbit marry, are very unhappy, and experience marital problems, all of which should have been comic opportunities and aren’t really. Then Kate comes back to town, providing Norbit the chance to win back the woman of his dreams. Again, predictably, she turns out to be engaged to a jerk (Cuba Gooding, Jr.).
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Murphy certainly establishes three very different characters in the three roles he plays and the make-up and special effects are stunning. You are able to suspend disbelief the many times he shares screentime with himself, and believe that there are really several different people there, not Murphy, a green screen, and a tennis ball.
However, none of the characters in the movie are likeable, particularly believable, or very funny. There are some scenes that make you cringe so much they might be entertaining, and a few scenes that are just downright disturbing.
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Please don’t take a child to see this movie, as there are some VERY inappropriate things for a younger audience including sexual situations, rude anatomical references, and crude racial humor.
Overall, Norbit promised to be far more entertaining than it delivered. Murphy’s multiple role work in other movies, such as Bowfinger and Coming To America was much better. Enjoy the trailer and know that you’ve seen pretty much all the movie had to offer, without paying the price of admission or investing your time.
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Written by KCHarrison - Visit Website
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Extremely happily married Texas woman with two boys and a baby on the way.
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