As the story of a surprise hit film, Dolemite is My Name, is itself a surprise success. The story follows Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy; Coming to America) who, at the start of the film, is a failed singer working in an LA record store. He works part-time as a comedian, but is limited to introducing acts rather than performing due to his poorly received material. After hearing the ranting of a local homeless man, he decides to use his stories as the basis for his own comedy act which launches an unlikely career in show business and the production of Dolemite, a blaxpoitation classic.

Rudy is a true dreamer. He is his own biggest cheerleader who, despite constant rejection, perseveres in his pursuit of becoming an entertainer. He seems fully confident in all his abilities from singing to comedy to acting even as he fails in front of crowds. Rudy is willing to reshape himself to be accepted as he forms the Dolemite character to impress. His source material, recording homeless men talk in exchange for buying them liquor, is morally questionable as he profits off people in dire straits without adequately compensating them, but his performances are a huge hit. He tells stories that seem like Aesop’s fables where every other word is a profanity or vulgarity. Some will find the clever wordplay entertaining, but the sheer obscenity of the language will turn others off.

It’s the shift to Rudy’s film career that makes the film. Unsatisfied with his album success, Rudy tries to star in a movie only to produce and finance it himself when turned down by movie studios due to his race, age, and body type. At this point, the film brings in a colorful cast of characters led by Lady Reed (Da’Vine Joy Rudolph; People of Earth), Rudy’s comedy associate and co-lead in his movie, and D’Urville Martin (Wesley Snipes; Blade), the movie’s director and only actor with any notable experience. These two spice up the film with Martin believing himself to be too good for the material and Lady being completely supportive and excited about the opportunity.

In its best moments, Dolemite is My Name resembles the tone of The Disaster Artist. It’s a story of misfits and outcasts on a seemingly impossible journey to make something high-quality despite their lack of resources. This tireless optimism is infectious as the film positions Rudy as the ultimate underdog, risking everything for his dream of making a feature that caters to a neglected audience, people like him. Eddie Murphy is at his best here and mixes Rudy’s ambition with kindness. He gets frustrated, but ultimately he believes in his friends and the gentle conversations he has with Lady about their own insecurities are touching. All of this wrapped in an aesthetic that would make the Dolemite character proud. Director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) literally pimps out his film with flamboyant outfits, glittering colors, and a fun, fast pace.  As larger than life as the Dolemite character was, Eddie Murphy and team have done an incredible job bringing the film’s production down to earth and showcasing the spirit and conviction that earned its classic status.

4/5 stars.