Norbit: A Hilariously Tumultuous Tale of Love and Laughter
Critic: So, let’s dive into the wonderfully chaotic world of Norbit, shall we? It’s a film that’s like a buffet of bizarre, served with a side of slapstick and a generous helping of “Did that really just happen?”
Viewer: I’m all ears! What’s the story?
Critic: Well, picture this: Norbit, played by Eddie Murphy—yes, the man dons multiple hats here—is a timid fellow who was raised in the Wonton Dourado Restaurant and Orphanage. He was discovered as a baby by the eccentric Mr. Wong, who, let’s be honest, could easily star in his own spinoff. Anyway, little Norbit fell head over heels for Kate, his childhood sweetheart. But, as fate would have it, she got adopted and vanished from his life like my will to diet during the holidays.
Viewer: Sounds tragic. What happens next?
Critic: Fast forward a few years, and we meet Rasputia, another character played by Murphy, who’s basically a force of nature. At ten years old, she saves Norbit from bullies, and they eventually end up marrying. Talk about a plot twist! Rasputia, along with her brothers—Jack Grandão, Azulão, and Earl—runs the Latimore Construction Company. And let me tell you, they treat Norbit like a piñata at a child’s birthday party: it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
Viewer: So, Norbit’s life is miserable?
Critic: Oh, absolutely! He’s stuck in a loveless marriage with a woman who’s more dominating than a reality TV star on a power trip. But wait! Enter Kate, who reappears in Norbit’s life like a surprise guest at a wedding. She’s bought the old orphanage, and Norbit’s heart does a little jig. But here’s the kicker: her fiancé, Deion, is plotting to turn the place into a strip club. Because, you know, that’s what every childhood dream is made of!
Viewer: No way! How does Norbit react?
Critic: Well, after a series of cringe-worthy encounters with Rasputia and her brothers, Norbit finds his backbone—thank goodness! He starts standing up to Rasputia like a puppy finally barking back at a big dog. He even tries to woo Kate back! It’s like watching a drama unfold at a family reunion, with all the awkwardness and the occasional food fight.
Viewer: Does he succeed?
Critic: Spoiler alert: it’s not all rainbows and sunshine! Norbit faces off against Rasputia in a showdown that’s more ridiculous than a cat in a dog park. But in the end, he manages to reclaim his life, and let’s just say Rasputia gets her comeuppance in a way that’s both satisfying and hysterical. Who knew a wedding dress could double as a parachute?
Viewer: What a ride! Any final thoughts?
Critic: Norbit is a glorious mess of comedy, romance, and absurdity. It’s like a rollercoaster made of laughs and eye-rolls. Sure, it’s not Shakespeare, but who needs that when you have Eddie Murphy pulling off multiple roles and a plot that’s as unpredictable as a cat on catnip? If you’re in the mood for a good time and don’t mind a little chaos, this film is a must-see!