Ah, Eddie Murphy, the man, the myth, the Razzie magnet. He’s here to defend “Norbit,” a movie that, like a bad haircut, people can’t quite forget. Released in 2007, right after Murphy wowed audiences in “Dreamgirls,” “Norbit” was the comedy that had critics scrambling for their red pens instead of their applause. You know it’s bad when your movie’s reception feels like a pie in the face of your Oscar dreams.
The saga goes something like this: Just as Murphy was basking in the glory of his Oscar nomination, “Norbit” staggered into theaters like a drunken uncle at a wedding. It didn’t take long for the critics to unleash their scathing reviews, leaving Murphy’s once-smiling face in a state of existential crisis. His Oscar dreams? They took a detour, thanks to the dreaded “Norbit effect.”
During an entertaining chat for Complex’s “360 With Speedy Morman,” Murphy stood his ground against accusations of “Norbit” being one of his worst films. As if reading from a script written by a defense attorney, he quickly pulled out the big guns: “Pluto Nash” and “Holy Man.” Because, let’s be real, if we’re throwing shade, we might as well shoot for the stars, right?
With a twinkle of irony in his eye, Murphy declared, “I love ‘Norbit.’” That’s right—he loves it. It’s like a parent proudly displaying their child’s finger paintings, knowing full well everyone else sees a glorified mess. He even reminisces about how “Norbit” led to him receiving Razzie awards for both worst actor and, hold onto your seats, worst actress. Talk about a career high, am I right?
Murphy emphasized, “The movie came out after I got that Oscar nomination. There were articles speculating, ‘How can he get an Oscar? He did this!’” Oh, Eddie, it’s the age-old question: how can a talented man star in a movie that makes viewers contemplate their life choices? But it’s all good, because he finds “stuff in ‘Norbit’ that makes me laugh.” There’s always that one friend who laughs at their own bad jokes.
“Norbit” didn’t just step onto the Razzie stage; it tap danced its way to being named worst picture. And in a move that had all the makings of a self-deprecating sitcom, Murphy won the title of “worst actor of the decade.” You have to respect a man who can rise from the ashes of “shitty movies,” vowing to never return to that cinematic wasteland. But alas, he triumphed with “Dolemite Is My Name,” earning himself a Razzie Redeemer Award, because nothing says redemption like a film about a man who dresses up as a flamboyant alter ego.
If you’re curious to see Murphy navigate this comedic minefield, you can check out his full Complex interview below. It’s bound to be more entertaining than watching “Norbit” again, unless you’re into that sort of masochistic comedy.
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