Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,” released in 2000, is a science fiction comedy film directed by Peter Segal. A sequel to the 1996 hit “The Nutty Professor,” this film once again stars Eddie Murphy in multiple roles, most notably as the lovable and obese Professor Sherman Klump and his outrageous family members. The movie combines slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, continuing the story of Sherman Klump’s quest for love and acceptance. This review covers the plot, performances, direction, and overall impact of the film, along with information on where to stream or purchase it in America.
Plot Summary
The sequel picks up with Professor Sherman Klump (Eddie Murphy) having found professional success and personal happiness. However, his alter ego, Buddy Love, still lingers, threatening to resurface. Determined to rid himself of Buddy once and for all, Sherman isolates the troublesome genes responsible for Buddy and removes them from his DNA. Unfortunately, this leads to a series of complications, including the re-emergence of Buddy Love as a separate entity.
Meanwhile, Sherman falls in love with his colleague Denise Gaines (Janet Jackson), and they plan to get married. However, Buddy Love’s antics jeopardize both his professional career and personal life. To make matters worse, Sherman’s family—the Klumps—are their usual boisterous selves, adding to the chaos with their unique blend of humor and love.
The film follows Sherman’s struggle to keep Buddy under control, protect his family, and secure a happy future with Denise, all while navigating the comedic antics of the Klump family.
Performances
Eddie Murphy delivers a tour-de-force performance, portraying multiple characters with distinct personalities, mannerisms, and voices. His ability to seamlessly transition between the sweet-natured Sherman and the brash Buddy Love, as well as various members of the Klump family, showcases his exceptional comedic talent and versatility.
Janet Jackson provides a warm and charming performance as Denise Gaines, Sherman’s love interest. While her role is more understated compared to Murphy’s larger-than-life characters, she brings a grounding presence to the film.
The supporting cast, including Larry Miller as the antagonistic Dean Richmond, adds to the film’s comedic and dramatic elements. The Klump family, with each member played by Murphy, offers some of the movie’s most memorable and humorous moments, from Mama Klump’s sassy remarks to Grandma Klump’s outrageous behavior.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Peter Segal maintains the comedic tone of the original film while introducing new elements to keep the sequel fresh and engaging. Segal’s direction ensures that the humor, although often broad and slapstick, remains heartfelt and character-driven.
The visual effects, particularly those used to create the multiple Klump characters, are impressive for their time and enhance the film’s comedic impact. The makeup and prosthetics work, designed by Rick Baker, deserve special mention for their role in transforming Eddie Murphy into the various Klumps.
Dean Semler’s cinematography captures the vibrant and dynamic nature of the film, effectively highlighting the physical comedy and character interactions. The film’s pacing is brisk, ensuring that the comedic set pieces and character moments flow smoothly.
Critique
“Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” relies heavily on slapstick humor, bodily function jokes, and over-the-top antics, which may not appeal to all viewers. However, fans of Eddie Murphy’s comedic style and the original film will likely find much to enjoy.
The film’s strength lies in Murphy’s performances and the heartwarming depiction of the Klump family’s love and support for each other, despite their eccentricities. The sequel expands on the themes of self-acceptance and the importance of family introduced in the first film.
While the plot can be predictable and some jokes may feel repetitive, the film’s charm and the sheer talent of Eddie Murphy elevate it beyond typical comedic fare. “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” offers a fun and entertaining experience, particularly for those who appreciate broad comedy and character-driven humor.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,” there are several options available in America:
- Streaming Services: The film is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Subscribers to these services can watch the movie at no additional cost.
- Rental and Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on digital platforms like Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. Prices for renting typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchasing the film can cost between $9.99 to $14.99 depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
“Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” is a hilarious and heartwarming sequel that showcases Eddie Murphy’s remarkable talent and versatility. While its humor may not be for everyone, the film’s engaging characters and entertaining storyline make it a worthwhile watch for fans of comedy. The movie’s accessible streaming and rental options make it easy for viewers to enjoy this lighthearted and fun-filled adventure with the Klump family.
