Eddie Murphy gave the critics a “nice cold glass of shut the hell up” this weekend. “Norbit” astounded the box office by raking in 33.7 million. Second to “Norbit” was “Hannibal Rising” which took in a meager 13.5m million.
And why not? Since the days of “Coming to America” fans love seeing Eddie Murphy play multiple roles. Hey, maybe it’s not Donkey from “Shrek,” but fans don’t seem to mind watching Murphy play plus sized roles. He did it in “The Nutty Professor” and he’s doing it again in “Norbit.” You have to wonder if the man who brought you “Raw” and “Delirious” has reduced his comedy to overweight jokes.
As for the box office, Murphy’s “Dreamgirls” inspired come back definately had something to do with the movie’s success. The comedic actor seems to be a shoe-in for the Academy Award for best supporting actor.
I think Norbit will hurt his chances of being taken seriously at the Oscars.