Movie review: Norbit - A Comedy Disaster From Eddie Murphy

"Norbit," released in 2007, is a comedy movie starring Eddie Murphy in multiple roles. Directed by Brian Robbins and co-written by Eddie Murphy and his brother Charles Q. Murphy, the film has garnered a reputation for being a comedy disaster. Despite its star power, "Norbit" is widely criticized for its offensive humor, shallow characters, and stereotypical depictions.

The story revolves around Norbit Albert Rice, a meek and shy man who grew up in an orphanage run by the eccentric Mr. Wong (played by Eddie Murphy). As a child, Norbit befriends Kate, but she is soon adopted, leaving Norbit alone. He eventually marries Rasputia (also played by Eddie Murphy), a domineering and obnoxious woman who controls every aspect of his life. The central plot revolves around Norbit's attempts to break free from Rasputia's control and reunite with his childhood friend Kate.

Eddie Murphy's performance as multiple characters—Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong—is meant to showcase his versatility, but the result is a series of caricatures that often cross the line into offensive territory. Rasputia's character is depicted in a way that reinforces harmful stereotypes about body image and gender, while Mr. Wong's portrayal is a problematic exaggeration of Asian stereotypes. These portrayals have been criticized for their insensitivity and lack of nuance.

The movie's humor relies heavily on crude jokes, physical comedy, and over-the-top gags, often at the expense of the characters' dignity. While some viewers might find certain scenes amusing, the majority of the humor feels forced and lacks the cleverness that one might expect from a comedy featuring Eddie Murphy. The script is filled with stereotypes and offensive material, which makes it difficult to enjoy even as a light-hearted comedy.

The plot of "Norbit" is simplistic and predictable, with a storyline that offers few surprises. The focus on Rasputia's domineering behavior and Norbit's attempts to escape her grasp becomes repetitive, and the film struggles to maintain interest throughout its runtime. The romantic subplot involving Norbit and Kate lacks depth and chemistry, further diminishing the film's appeal.

Despite its shortcomings, "Norbit" has a few moments where Eddie Murphy's comedic talent shines through, and there are occasional scenes that elicit laughter. However, these moments are rare and do little to redeem the overall experience. The supporting cast, including Thandiwe Newton and Terry Crews, delivers decent performances, but they are overshadowed by the problematic elements of the film.

"Norbit" is a comedy movie that falls short of its potential, relying on offensive humor and shallow stereotypes. While it might appeal to some fans of Eddie Murphy's style of comedy, the majority of viewers will likely find it disappointing and uncomfortable. If you're looking for a comedy with heart and substance, "Norbit" is not the best choice. It's a film that serves as a reminder that humor can be much more effective when it respects the dignity of its characters and avoids reinforcing harmful stereotypes.