Will 'Norbit' hurt Eddie Murphy's Oscar chances?

john Mon, Apr 30, 2007 at 08:41 PM EST

This reviewer has no sense of humor. I could not stop laughing in Norbit. What a great actor E. Murphy is!

John Mon, Apr 30, 2007 at 08:39 PM EST

This reviewer has no sense of humor. I couldn't stop laughing in the movie. What a great actor E. Murphy is!

Kianga Thu, Feb 8, 2007 at 09:22 PM EST

Why are black women always getting depicted as overweight, sexually aggressive, unattractive, loud, rude etc.? Look at the lady from the Pine Sol commercial. Or Monique from the Parkers. These roles are disrespful and degrading. If more people knew the historical context of this role (mammy, they wouldn't find it funny.

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I Wonder . . . Mon, Feb 5, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

I wonder why it is that there has to be an overweight, dark skinned, loud mouthed, raunchy woman depicted as the "disgusting" loser wife while the fair skinned - long haired, thin woman plays the "dreamgirl." This says more about our societies shallowness than most are willing to admit/address. I am a Murphy fan, but the previews sickin me. And Monique should be offended by his stating "I channeled my inner Monique for this role." Black women have it hard enough in this society, Thanks Eddie.

Monica Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 01:39 AM EST

Eddie playing the "fat" person is getting redundant. The previews of this movie look cliche-ick and lame at best. I'd find Eddie more funnier in a movie about transvestites. He'd know more about that one from personal experience. So agree about Thandie though, the good roles must be at an all time low coming her way.

t3hdow Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:44 PM EST

I'm black and I can't tolerate garbage films like this any longer. When the African American community wonders why no one takes the majority of their films seriously (even comedies), this is why. It even makes Big Momma's House 2 and the Madea films look like Oscar worthy films (though in defense towards Big Momma's House, the first film was decent and the Madea screenplays works better than the films).

As for Eddie Murphy himself, quit making awful films like this. It's only ruining your credibility for the few good movies you're in.

Fatima Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 07:49 PM EST

WHOA! I will not tolerate Thandie Newton hate! I get sad when I see Beyonce hate, but I can see where it comes from....but Thandie!? NO!

Markita Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

No wonder most women are so conscious of their weight. When will people stop making jokes at the expense of fat people? My guess is never.

Gayle Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 05:33 PM EST

I'm not worried about either Murphy or Newton being in this movie. It seems like a fun film that should be very funny.

It's comedy and it should be better than the crap-tastic Bloodrayne that featured 4-time Oscar Nominee Ben Kingsley.

Chuck_A Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 05:22 PM EST

You know, while it's true that all actors have tripped up here and there, Eddie's tripped more than most others. But, I'll also acknowledge that aside from Arkin (who didn't have much to do in LMS), his competition isn't that strong (from 2006's perspective and all of their past work). Norbit or not, he'll probably receive it.

GC Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 05:07 PM EST

You think perhaps they might take the positive slant and see how convincingly he can morph himself into any character and how one would not even know it's him playing those different characters if you weren't told? That's talent, my fellow bloggers. Don't hate, appreciate. No? At least give him credit for his talent.

Hmmmmm Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 05:02 PM EST

Why is it that a movie about a man marrying a fat woman is a hoot? Why not focus on a fabulous full figured woman married to a loser dork?

If you're going to indulge in stereotyping you might as well mix it up a bit....

Cliff Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 04:44 PM EST

Why is it that actual fat actresses can't get any work, but actors dressed as fat women can?

Stephanie Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 03:44 PM EST

Murphy is a so so actor. This movie will do well with kids just like Nacho Libre did because kids like bathroom humor.

Kate Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

Eddie Murphy's acting in Dreamgirls was really not that good, especially considering the other actors that have an Oscar nod. He's ok but not good enought to win an Oscar. He always plays this funny character. I don't think it's different from the way he is like other actors that completely transform themseleves such as Forrest Whitaker.

aramis Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 03:06 PM EST

Steve - My thoughts EXACTLY. All the key nominees have had some missteps in their career. So the fact that Eddie is being recognized for something that WASN'T a misstep, is awesome. Besides, no one has seen "Norbit" yet, and I think it looks like it could be funny. Judging it otherwise, is just plain "ig'nunt".

junior Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

First of all, no one has seen the movie so let's stop calling it awful until the theater doors open. Second, I have ALWAYS thought Eddie's Oscar chances are precarious, however, he is a veteran and has racked up an impressive list of awards so not giving him the big O would be a little suspect. If LMS sweeps, than Alan Arkin could win but after the SAG, I think Eddie's got this. Why aren't we blogging on how "Good Vibrations" may hurt Mark Wahlberg's chances? My point is that people do lots of things in their careers, they shouldn't be punished for those choices.

Evan Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:33 PM EST

The movie actually looks funny. Yes it's very broad and over the top, but that doesn't make it crappy? 'There's Something About Mary' and 'Borat' both looked weird at first, then turned out to be hilarious. 'Norbit' looks like a weird, funny cartoon. If the academy's votes are controlled by a commercial than screw them. Eddie's got talent.

Dylan Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:20 PM EST

I actually thinks it looks somewhat amusing. But maybe I'm just trying to convince myself cause I would see anything with Thandie Newton in it. Damn, will someone please start giving her great roles. I think she is a fantastic actress and can steal all the roles she wants from the 'American sistas'.

Dylan Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:19 PM EST

I actually thinks it looks somewhat amusing. But maybe I'm just trying to convince myself cause I would see anything with Thandie Newton in it. Damn, will someone please start giving her great roles. I think she is a fantastic actress and can steal all the roles she wants from the 'American sistas'.

Kaybar Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:12 PM EST

I believe the remarks that "Steve" made below are right on point. Every actor in the business has made one or more cr*ppy movies. Just Eddie's bad luck that this piece of garbage came out at exactly the wrong time.

Sue Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:11 PM EST

If any of the acting categories is an upset this year, I think it will be the supporting actor category. Supporting is often where the surprises come (a la Marisa Tomei, Mira Sorvino, etc.). Also, there have been "comeback" performances that were considered a sure thing before that didn't get the award - Burt Reynolds in "Boogie Nights" comes to mind, as does Gloria Stuart in "Titanic."

Diane Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 02:07 PM EST

As a woman who has suffered from body image issues my whole life I wish to god Hollywood would stop putting movies like this out. They aren't funny, they are hurtful and they are completely bigoted. Try substituting fat for black, gay, jewish etc and you couldn't make this movie. Yet thousands of women throughout the world suffer from eating disorders that can kill. Sorry, but just on the basis of this movie I wish Eddie Murphy would loose the Oscar.

Bri Bri Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:44 PM EST

Get a grip people... Norbit is just a movie and is very funny. He is an actor and acts in both movies which are completely different. One doesn't have to do with the other and Norbet shouldn't have any effect on his Oscar nomination..... Seriously getting the Oscar or not he did an EXCELLENT job in Dreamgirls....end of story.

heidi Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:28 PM EST

I think Eddie Murphy has a fetish for over-weight people and is hinding it by dressing up as one (or several,as in the case of his movies) and no he does not ,in my opinion, deserve an oscar

Silas Bent Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:22 PM EST

Helen Mirren made Shadowboxer last year, her Queen(s) year.
Leave Eddie alone.
He is a genius.

Sally Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:15 PM EST

"Thandie Newton prides herself on being ever so intelligent. I would think her above a film like Norbit. After all she graduated from Cambridge(said in snotty British accent. Had to be the money. I don't know much about her, but I am guessing that she is probably married to a "regular bloke" and is the primary bread winner."

Dee -- my thoughts exactly.

Sally Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

Totally true Slezak...they could have waited until March 1.
It's no Oscar for Eddie.

GeeMoney Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:10 PM EST

If Borat, for whatever reason, can win a Golden Globe and get nominated for an Oscar, then Eddie Murphy has a chance of winning.

ceej Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:03 PM EST

Can Hollywood please stop making fun of fat people and heavy black women in particular?

And can they hire and American sista to play an American sista? Thandie's American accent was horrible in Crash!

graeme Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:57 PM EST

I still think Eddie will lose the Oscar. I was pretty surprised he won the SAG because I don't think he's that well-liked, but I don't think he'll pass the Academy test.
Alan Arkin is a much better choice...cause really, Eddie Murphy was still playing Eddie Murphy. He was just wearing retro clothes and had to sing a couple songs.

dma69 Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:46 PM EST

I'm not stick-thin myself, but even I don't want to see THAT. Oh, my eyes!

Steve Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

Dear Oscar,

For your consideration, please do not be such an uptight, crass, rude, stuck up person as the people are who are writing badly about Eddie Murphy's chances to get an Oscar. Please Oscar, remember what you are voting on, THE PERFORMANCE. NOT any other performance that Eddie, or Helen Mirren (The Woods, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Teaching Mrs. Tingle), Peter O'Toole (Phantoms, Supergirl) Forrest Whitaker (Battlefield Earth, Species, Johnny Handsome), Mark Walberg (Hellooo...Marky Mark), or almost any actor in history has done.

Oscar, Please remember as well, that we as the public, enjoy going to see our acting royalty live it up, camp it up or however you want to put it: HAVE A GOOD TIME, BEING IN A DUMB MOVIE!! Life is serious enough, that's why there are all types of movies.

People remember, "Loosen up, there isn't a one of us that hasn't made a fool of themselves, but still can pull out all the stops and do something that should be commended."

brandonk Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:37 PM EST

Oh, please. If the Academy isn't aware of "Pluto Nash" and "Haunted Mansion" and "Daddy Day Care" and numerous other movies of dubious quality that Murphy has been in over the last couple of decades, then I doubt they'll be aware of this movie, either. Anyway, lots of nominees' and winners' next movies are not exactly Oscar fare. "Catwoman," anyone?

Ted Davis Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:35 PM EST

Actually, if it is anything like the Klumps, when after the initial joke, you realize that he creates real characters, it may be OK. I think it was EW or NYT who wrote about the Klumps that if it weren't such a broad comedy, Eddie should be considered for an Oscar.

Medea Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST

Sooo funny Matt! I love the Comeback!

Matt Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:32 PM EST

Note to self: After a long day of work, I don't want to SEE that.

Vicky Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:31 PM EST

My eyes! My eyes! Please take that pic down. It's not as bad as that Rod Stewart pic you had up a few months ago, but it's definitely worse than that Borat green thong pic. And Norbit might hurt Eddie's chances. That movie just reminds me of all the things he's done that were just awful. It might remind voters as well.

CC Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

No I don't think this will hurt his chances. I'm not going to rush out ans see Norbit but I don't think it looks that bad.
Thandie Newton is a great actress maybe she just wanted to take a comedy break?

Joe C Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:29 PM EST

Nah, I don't thin it will hurt at all; the Oscar is in Eddie's bag. And Howard, I'm with ya on the Jessica Alba photos!

Ed Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:27 PM EST

A movie like this makes me wonder what the hell movie stars like Eddie Murphy think when they read a script like this!? What is the pitch that gets delivered in order for them to do it?
Is it easy money that motivates actors like E.M to take on these projects?

dee Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:22 PM EST

No it should not. Although I do not expect for this movie to have much quality (my 13 y/o brother can't wait to see it), it actually showcases Murphy's talent. How many actors have enough skill to play several characters in the same movie like he did in the Dr. Do Little movies or Coming Back to America? Murphy has voiced memorable cartoon characters, made memorable turns as Reggie Hammond and Alex Foley & is nearly a national treasure! Yep, I said it. An oscar is long overdue!

Dee Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

Thandie Newton prides herself on being ever so intelligent. I would think her above a film like Norbit. After all she graduated from Cambridge(said in snotty British accent. Had to be the money. I don't know much about her, but I am guessing that she is probably married to a "regular bloke" and is the primary bread winner.

Howard Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

Slezak, you owe me at least two photos each of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gisele Bundchen and Jessica Alba for subjecting my eyeballs to that.

nathan Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:02 PM EST

I think Norbit looks OK, at least it will be better than Epic Movie, and I don't think it will hurt his chances.

Mozz Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:40 AM EST

I agree, why is Thandie Newton in this film. and I don't think this hurts his chances at an oscar. For me he's not a lock. It's a pretty competitive field. I like Jack Earle Haley from Little Children, talk about an effective, powerful performance. But even Mark Whalberg is better than Murphy... Norbit is not going to help for sure.

Juan Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:38 AM EST

I highly doubt it will. I agree that the first commercial I saw for the movie I was disappointed. However, recent commercials and the new trailer are promising in my opinion. It is what Murphy does well.

Ceballos Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:38 AM EST

I agree with the person who's more worried about Thandie Newton than Eddie Murphy (I mean, this IS what he does). In fact, I should run over to that earlier post and put Thandie Newton's name on the list of film actors who deserve their own TV shows if this is the caliber of role being offered to her.
Still, though the timing of the release for this movie IS unfortunate for Eddie Murphy, I take a perverse pleasure in imagining future commercials/DVD releases touting "Academy Award winner Eddie Murhpy..." (followed by something like the pic accompanying this post)"...in "Norbit!"

Sarah Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

Dear God, I hope so. Give it to Wahlberg!

Caroline Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:15 AM EST

I thought that, too, when I first saw those ads. Could they have thought of a worse time for that film to premiere? But then again, what if it's uber-successful? That could plant another seed in people's heads.

anon Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:11 AM EST

Doesn't anyone have a sense of humor anymore???

David Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:06 AM EST

I sure hope Norbit hurts his chances. Murphy does not deserve an Oscar. Which means he will probably win.

Pede Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:00 AM EST

Just as I was thinking that Eddie Murphy had finally become a serious actor, he goes and makes this crap again? Am I the only one who is sick of certain actors playing 30 roles in one movie? (usually because no other decent actor would agree to appear in them)

pn Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:53 AM EST

I was thinking the same thing evertime this trailer comes on, and yes i think it will hurt his chances, this came out at the worst time for him, i am looking to see an upset in this category on oscar night, since he is the front runner right now. Anyway do i really care?

Fatima Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

Yes, I'm much more concerned about Thandie Newton being in that. Eddie has hurt his career a million times. Its a new concept for Thandie. What is a beautiful English rose doing in this crap fest?