Movie Overview
Released in 2007, Norbit is a romantic comedy that showcases the transformative talents of Eddie Murphy, who plays multiple roles in the film. Directed by Brian Robbins, the movie follows the life of Norbit Albert Rice, a shy and mild-mannered man who has been bullied his entire life. After being manipulated into marrying the aggressive Rasputia, Norbit’s existence is miserable. However, his life takes a turn when Kate, his childhood crush, returns to town to buy the orphanage where they grew up. As Norbit rekindles his bond with Kate, he must find the courage to stand up to his tyrannical wife and her criminal brothers to finally find true love.
The cast features Thandiwe Newton as the charming Kate and Terry Crews as the leader of a rival dance group, adding to the film's chaotic humor. Eddie Murphy’s performance is central to the production, utilizing extensive prosthetics to portray not only Norbit but also the imposing Rasputia and the enigmatic Mr. Wong. This body-suit comedy relies heavily on physical humor and Murphy's ability to embody distinct, exaggerated personalities. While the tone is often crass and slapstick, the narrative is driven by classic romance tropes, contrasting Norbit’s timid nature with the over-the-top obstacles he faces.
Critically, Norbit received poor reviews, holding a low score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic rating of 27/100. Despite the negative reception, the film was a box office success and garnered significant award attention, surprisingly earning an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. If you are looking to watch online and enjoy broad, physical comedies typical of the mid-2000s, you can find Norbit on Netflix. It remains a notable, if controversial, entry in Eddie Murphy’s filmography.
