DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BEING EDDIE

4/5

Coming To The American Dream

100 Mins. Starring: Eddie Murphy. Director: Angus Wall. On: Netflix.

What has Eddie done for us lately? It turns out, everything. The 'Raw' stand-up legend, who followed in the stage steps of the late, great Richard Pryor and paved the way for everyone from Chris Rock, to Denzel Washington, has become a movie legend. From '48 Hrs.' to 'Trading Places' and 'Shrek'. Even making music, like the huge hit 'Party All The Time', dancing with Michael Jackson and chilling with Prince and Rick James for some true Hollywood stories. But lately, Eddie has returned to the studios of Saturday Night Live, where it all started. Chopping it up with the likes of Chappelle, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan and them. All whilst calling it bygones with David Spade. Because this is no fallen star. You wish! Since then, Murphy's law has given us new films for his hit franchises 'Coming To America' and 'Beverly Hills Cop'. The latter, on Netflix, like his return movie 'Dolemite Is My Name', that should have given the man, who spoke out at the Oscars, one, like 'Dreamgirls'. Damn you, 'Norbit'!

Now Netflix gives us the documentary, 'Being Eddie', directed by two-time Oscar winner Angus Wall (for editing 'The Social Network' and 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'). Continuing the trend of the streaming service giving us great docs (like a pair of boots), most recently with their second season of the NBA's 'Starting 5'. But this is more in the line of films about 'Arnold' Schwarzenegger (when's that 'Triplets' sequel coming out) and 'Sly' Stallone from N, as they build their own golden era Mount Rushmore with 'The Golden Child'. Featuring testimonials from comedian contemporaries Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jamie Foxx. All with the golden handcuffs of their own Netflix deals, acting with Eddie in his 'Harlem Nights', 'The Nutty Professor' (forever fond memories of my mum laughing hysterically at their scene together) and 'Dreamgirls'. Not to mention the likes of co-stars Arsenio Hall (pay attention to what he says about pitting black stars against each other for your MJ and Prince, or King, debate), Pete Davidson (see Amazon) and the great Jerry Seinfeld who has a profound thing to say about the flattery (and venom) of fame, that we all know...doesn't last forever. Even though Eddie might get 'Delirious' with stand-up again.

Gone as quickly as 'Pluto Nash', or playing a rocket ship (I actually loved 'Meet Dave'). A falling star always comes back to earth. And that's where Murphy finds family, faith (like another underrated gem in 'Holy Man') and a new path to forge ahead. Now at home in California, with a bounty of beauty around him, the icon is in the perfect place, playing with puppets of the GOATS that came before him for the most hilarious moments of this doc. One that is so candid and compelling. Inspiring and interesting for this influential figure who broke through and showed us that black lives on screen mattered more than the racism that kept names that weren't Sidney and Harry previously in the margins. Murphy even marvels at how a member of the klan even liked his work. And just wait until you hear what one Hollywood legend wanted him to do with his wife, etc, etc. It's a story like no other, like his life. Giving it up for his mother and father, and his late brother Charlie. Reaffirming that those 'Chappelle Show' skits concerning Prince and Rick James were actually true...b####! Next up for Eddie is a biopic about George Clinton and a famous Pink Panther inspector previously played by 'Bowfinger' co-star Steve Martin. Think the man in the make-up and masks has what it takes? Why not? Eddie is used to being, and being loved by, everybody. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Arnold', 'Sly', 'Dolemite Is My Name's.