There is often a wide difference between how critics and audiences perceive movies, as evidenced by Eddie Murphy’s 2007 comedy Norbit. While only 9% of professional reviewers gave it positive marks, more than half of viewers found some enjoyment, making it one of the most-streamed comedies on Netflix recently. This experience highlights the mixed reception Murphy’s work has received since the peak of his 1980s success.
Mixed Reception of Murphy’s Role Choices Since the 1990s
In Norbit, Murphy plays nearly every character, but this tactic offers little comedic value, especially compared to the quality of his earlier films like Coming to America. After his hit Another 48 Hours in 1990, Murphy’s career has fluctuated between voice roles, such as in the Shrek series, and poorly received projects. Notably, his 1995 horror-comedy Vampire in Brooklyn, co-starring Angela Bassett, is generally regarded as a failure. Murphy himself acknowledged its flaws, telling Rolling Stone,
“I had to do Vampire in Brooklyn. But you know what ruined that movie? The wig. I walked out in that longhaired wig and people said, ‘Oh, get the fuck out of here! What the hell is this?’”
Eddie Murphy, Actor
Box Office Highs and Lows Mark Murphy’s Career
Following Vampire in Brooklyn, Murphy found box office success with The Nutty Professor and Dr. Dolittle but demonstrated inconsistency through projects like the widely criticized Holy Man, released in 1998. His voice work as a dragon in Disney’s Mulan came before the Shrek franchise bolstered his appeal to family audiences. Despite these successes, some movies fell flat, showing Murphy’s unpredictable career trajectory.
Reflection on Creative Choices and Career Direction
Murphy has openly pondered what his younger, fiery comedic self might think of the family-friendly films he chose later in life. He stated,
“Would the 27-year-old have wondered what I was doing in Dr Dolittle? No. Or in those Shrek movies? No. But, you know, both the 27-year-old and the 48-year-old was like, ‘Why am I in Imagine That?’ The movie didn’t have a chance at the box office; it’s just me and this little girl and a blanket.”
Eddie Murphy, Actor
This self-awareness is significant considering the 2009 film Imagine That was a major commercial failure. The plot centers on a work-focused father who discovers his daughter’s imaginary world helps him solve financial issues. The movie lost tens of millions and earned Murphy a Golden Raspberry nomination for Worst Actor, underscoring the disappointment from both critics and audiences alike.
Signs of Revival and Upcoming Projects
Despite past setbacks, Murphy has recently shown signs of returning to form with projects like Dolemite Is My Name and sequels to Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America that brought back some of his classic charisma. Looking ahead, Murphy is expected to appear in Shrek 5 later this year, along with a remake of The Pink Panther, originally a Peter Sellers classic. These upcoming films offer a chance to revive his standing with fans and critics.
