Norbit film review

certificate_12A

NORBIT

Considering Eddie Murphy's been a hugely successful movie star for 25 years, ever since his debut in 48 Hours, it would be churlish to second-guess his career choices. But, for all his undoubted talent, one gift he lacks is being able to avoid duff projects. His resume is littered with painfully bad films (Vampire In Brooklyn and Holy Man, anyone?), to which can now be added Norbit, a silly bit of nonsense that primarily relies on exploiting obesity for its laughs, of which there are all too few.

That Norbit arrives on screens immediately following Murphy's first Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in Dreamgirls is a case of unfortunate timing. With the majority of his recent success arising from his voice work on Shrek, his stock as a legitimate actor had dropped significantly, which made his strong turn in Dreamgirls represent something of a comeback, despite the fact he has never been away. Norbit is yet a further reminder, were it needed, of how Murphy is disposed to waste his genius.

Norbit once again showcases Murphy's penchant for playing numerous roles, something he's done frequently before, most notably in The Nutty Professor. His ability to create different characters, aided by extensive prosthetic make-up, is impressive, but once you've got over the initial shock of seeing him as a 300lb woman or an elderly Chinese man, something more is required to sustain your interest . . . like a decent script.

The story centres on the meek and unsophisticated Norbit (Murphy) who is brought up in the unlikely named Golden Wonton Orphanage run by Mr Wong (Murphy). The subject of constant ridicule and bullying, the teenage Norbit meets the ferocious, not to mention, large Rasputia who protects him in exchange for becoming his girlfriend. Taken in by Rasputia and her equally enormous brothers, Norbit's joy at being part of a family is offset by his fear of his blimp-like beau. Too frightened of her to leave, he is eventually press-ganged into marriage, but his terror when faced by the puckering lips of his bride (Murphy) is clear to all the wedding guests, including Mr Wong, who exclaims, "It's a horror show."