Site Meter Pop Culture Buzz » Blog Archive » DVD Review - “Norbit”

DVD Review - “Norbit”

by Keith

GRADE: F

norbit_posterbig.jpg

Why didn’t I listen to the critics and to the reviews of “Norbit” before I got my hopes up on this movie? I knew right away it was going for the easy joke by making fun of fat women. When I first saw the trailer for this movie I have to admit that I laughed at the “are you wearing bottoms” scene and the “don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?” bit. But, I felt dirty and kind of mean for doing so. It is common knowledge that gay people, the handicapped and big people are the last remaining minorities that are allowed to be made fun of in pop culture, but “Norbit” goes beyond the laughs for down right humiliation and cruelty. Norbit’s wife “Rasuptina” is the most hideous character ever filmed, and I am not talking about her obvious image. There is absolutely nothing to like in this movie.

norbit1.jpg

We all know that Eddie Murphy can do multiple roles and pull off different ethnic characters in his movies (”The Nutty Professor”, “Coming to America”). Never before has this talents seemed so contrived or come off as crude and egotistical as it does in “Norbit”. Within the first few moments of “Norbit” we see a baby thrown out of a car, an offensive Asian stereotype and one amateurish camera angle after another.

hotc0.jpg

The Director of “Norbit” Brian Robbins (from the 80’s show “Head of the Class” pictured above to the far right) is a two-bit hack actor turned director who films his movies (”Varsity Blues” and “The Shaggy Dog”) with a Disney gloss and without any substance to them. He resorts to cheap laughs from his actors and even to filming on an obvious back-lot at Universal Studios. I guess the paper thin script from both Charlie & Eddie Murphy doesn’t help either. The movie has no plot or direction from the get go and it relies solely on visual humor.

norbit2.jpg

“Norbit” reminded me of the worst movie EVER made, last years Wayan Brothers “hit” R-rated comedy “Little Man”. The year before that movie came out the crown for worst film belonged to “White Chicks”, another movie in the same nasty vein as “Norbit” and “Little Man”. The worst thing about all of these films getting made is that they actually make money for the studio’s. Who is the audience that laughs at these jokes? Let’s not forget that all of these movies are considered “big hits” because they cost so little to make……(ewwww that’s just gross to me).

eddie_murphy1.jpg

To sum it up, not even the gorgeous and talented Thandie Newton (”Crash”) could save this film. You can see the big paycheck in her pocket as she lazily recites her lines. As I watched this film I couldn’t help but think of the under rated “Shallow Hal” which used the same fat jokes, but delivered a sweet message and an over all original story. Eddie Murphy has sunk to new lows in “Norbit”. If this movie is the reason why Murphy didn’t get the Oscar this past year for his role in “Dreamgirls”, then I am fine with that. Shame on you Eddie!


Leave a Reply


About Pop Culture Buzz

Pop Culture Buzz.com is where to go to get your daily fix of the newest movie, music, concert, television and DVD reviews! Watch music videos, movie clips and trailers, concert footage and listen to streaming music! Just check the pop culture categories below! Pop Culture Buzz.com is a great place to kill time while at work and now Pop Culture Buzz.com is on MySpace! Add Pop Culture Buzz.com to your MySpace page and watch video and read the hottest gossip from your profile! Hear the buzz on Pop Culture Buzz.com!!

Pop Culture Buzz Author(s)
    » Keith

Entertainment & Music Channel Posts

Hot Off The Press

  • Grand Reopening of the National Museum of American History This Weekend
    Tomorrow, November 21, 2008, the National Museum of American History reopens after being closed for a while for renovations. This always has been my favorite Smithsonian Museum and it is great [...]
  • Auburn University’s new Center for Longleaf Pine Ecosystems a resource for the Southeast
    AUBURN - Southeastern landowners interested in converting their land into longleaf pine forests for the economic and environmental benefits now have an important resource for information and services [...]
  • Thursday Thirteen Writing Prompts
    Hello and happy Thursday Thirteen, all. As per usual, I will be giving you a list of thirteen prompts in all shapes and sizes. They could be a first line of dialogue, a plot idea, or something [...]
  • Miss Spider's: Harvest Time Hop & Fly for Nintendo DS
    Miss Spider's: Harvest Time Hop & Fly for Nintendo DS is based on the show called Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends. In the game you get to play as different characters depending on the level. [...]
  • Early summer thoughts
    We're having a bit of weather here. Nothing serious, and certainly nothing to be concerned about. It just means that my computer time is a little unreliable ... and so am I. Early summer, [...]
  • The Mix
    Although the temperature outside is still hitting the '80s by day, winter is here. During the chilly desert nights, however, it's clear the new year is approaching. For your enjoyment [...]
  • Rihanna: Daring and Trendy in Red
    If there is one word I would use to describe Rihanna’s sense of fashion it would probably be the word, unpredictable. Why the singer never seems to seize on surprising us with every look [...]
  • Booking Through Thursday - Honesty
    Wow! My suggestion went up on Booking Through Thursday. :) I feel very honored. The prompt: "I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a [...]
  • Weekly Round-up!
    Alrighty, Survivor Fans! Time for the weekly round up, and no comments about "OMG WOMAN it's THURSDAY ALREADY" because dude. I've had a WEEK. (Yes. Still laughing about it too. ANYWAY.) So - [...]
  • Public Service Announcements Have some? Send them!
    [caption id="attachment_1138" align="alignnone" width="320" caption="Cherish your freedom"][/caption] Hello readers, If you have a public service announcement that you would like to see posted on [...]