Capsule Review: Where has Eddie Murphy been all of my life? Or at least the last decade. The funnyman—long past his prime, if you look at his output over the last 10 – 15 years—returns for a role and story seemingly perfectly suited for him.

Dolemite Is My Name is a highly entertaining comedy-drama that takes full advantage of the actor’s range, one that allows Murphy to shed some of his more eccentric (and outdated) mannerisms while emphasizing his ability to deliver a relatable character while simultaneously evoking laughs left and right. The movie is easily one of the year’s better movies, one that thrives on the inspiration and charismatic drive of its lead, the unabashed and pure desire to make something of yourself no matter the odds and obstacles stacked against you.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.