The-Reel-McCoy -- The Nutty Professor

Buy the movie!

Buy the poster!

The Nutty Professor

Finally, Eddie Murphy is funny again! And in a movie worth seeing. If you liked Coming to America like I did, then you'll love this movie. At the opening scene (which I will not spoil for you with a description) I was pleasantly surprised to see that this is not a movie that I would sit through and smile every now and then. Oh no! This was a movie that simply made me roll in my seat with laughter, as well as everyone else in the theater.

Once again, we see Eddie Murphy playing a host of characters as he did alongside Arsenio Hall in Coming to America. Although this time, it is not old men in a barbershop but a pleasantly plump professor and his fatty, flatulent family. Trust me, you will laugh, a lot.

However, amidst the humor, Eddie was able to create quite a lovable character in Sherman Klump, the Nutty Professor. This character was one in which Murphy's true appearance was masked behind the costume and makeup. (Speaking of which, the makeup and costuming that was used in this movie was simply superb.) Sherman Klump also proves that Eddie Murphy is indeed capable of playing more sensitive and lovable characters. However, the old fast-talkin' Eddie is not completely lost in this movie. Interestingly enough, when Eddie Murphy did finally shed his extra pounds, the resulting character, Buddy Love, was a bit reminiscent of Mr. Hyde.

The story was wonderful as it graced through some serious issues, tapped into the emotions of the main character, Sherman, and was still able to provide uproarious scenes. And the visual effects were amazing as well: especially the dinner scenes where almost everyone at the table was none other than Eddie Murphy.

One downside to this movie was the attempt to incorporate a Richard Simmons type of character. Although it is funny to see Eddie Murphy as this fruity white guy, he was simply not as funny as the real thing.