Norbit (2007) Movie Review: A Comedy with Mixed Reactions
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Introduction
“Norbit,” directed by Brian Robbins and released in 2007, is a comedy that stars Eddie Murphy in multiple roles. Known for its slapstick humor and outrageous characters, “Norbit” showcases Murphy’s versatility as he takes on the roles of Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong. The film combines crude humor with a heartwarming story of love and self-discovery, resulting in a movie that received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike.
Plot Summary
The film follows Norbit Albert Rice (Eddie Murphy), a mild-mannered man who was raised in an orphanage by Mr. Wong (also played by Eddie Murphy). As an adult, Norbit is married to Rasputia (Eddie Murphy again), an overbearing and abusive woman who controls every aspect of his life. Despite his unhappy marriage, Norbit’s life takes a turn when his childhood sweetheart, Kate (Thandiwe Newton), returns to town.
Kate’s reappearance gives Norbit the courage to stand up for himself and fight for true love. As he tries to win Kate’s heart, Norbit must also contend with Rasputia and her scheming brothers, who are plotting to take over the orphanage for their own nefarious purposes. The film combines slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotion as Norbit discovers his inner strength and learns to take control of his destiny.
Performance and Direction
Eddie Murphy’s performances are the centerpiece of “Norbit,” showcasing his talent for playing multiple characters with distinct personalities. His portrayal of Norbit is endearing, while his roles as Rasputia and Mr. Wong provide much of the film’s comedic energy. Thandiwe Newton brings charm and warmth to the role of Kate, creating a believable and sympathetic love interest for Norbit.
Director Brian Robbins uses broad humor and exaggerated scenarios to drive the film’s comedy. While this approach results in some genuinely funny moments, it also leads to a reliance on crude and offensive jokes that detract from the film’s overall appeal. The screenplay, written by Eddie Murphy and his brother Charles Q. Murphy, features a mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming themes, though it often struggles to balance these elements effectively.
Critical Reception
“Norbit” received predominantly negative reviews from critics, with criticism directed at its reliance on offensive humor and stereotypes. Despite this, the film was a commercial success, largely due to Eddie Murphy’s star power and comedic performance.
Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 9% based on 108 reviews, with an average rating of 3.3/10. The consensus reads: “Coming off his creative success with ‘Dreamgirls,’ Eddie Murphy returns to lowest-common-denominator comedies with ‘Norbit.’”
Metacritic scores the film at 27 out of 100, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.”
Despite the critical reception, “Norbit” has found an audience that appreciates its over-the-top humor and Murphy’s comedic talents.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Norbit” is available on several streaming platforms. You can stream it on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
Additionally, the film is available for rental or purchase on:
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Final Thoughts
“Norbit” is a comedy that relies heavily on Eddie Murphy’s ability to play multiple characters and deliver slapstick humor. While the film’s humor can be crude and offensive at times, Murphy’s performances add a layer of entertainment that has resonated with some audiences.
For fans of Eddie Murphy and those who enjoy broad comedies with exaggerated characters and situations, “Norbit” offers a mix of laughs and heartfelt moments. However, viewers should be prepared for humor that may not appeal to all tastes.
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