Norbit is all fat, no meat

By Frank D'Adamo
Collegian Staff
February 14, 2007

When watching a movie preview your expectation may not be high, but still may be respectable. I watched the Norbit preview and knew it wouldn’t be a masterpiece, but figured maybe I could get a few laughs out of it at least. However, Norbit proves to be Eddie Murphy at his worst, with a plot of pure nonsense.

Norbit was directed by Brian Robbins and stars Murphy in three alternative roles: the orphan Norbit, Rasputia and Mr. Wong. Alongside Murphy is Thandie Newton as Kate. Norbit begins with his abandonment by being sent to a Chinese restaurant and orphanage owned by Mr. Wong. There Norbit meets Kate. The two spend an abundant amount of time with each other and prove to be soulmates. To Norbit’s dismay, Kate gets adopted and moves away, and he comes across Rasputia, who is a bulky young girl. Nevertheless, Norbit doesn’t mind because it gave him the opportunity to realize what family as he spent his time with Rasputia and her three brothers.

After years have passed and Norbit marries Rasputia they begin their “interesting” life together. The film’s plot heightens when Kate returns home, forcing Norbit to find different ways to avoid Rasputia and spend time with Kate. While all movies reveal twists and turns, for Norbit, the twists are unrealistic, and the writers of the movie were lacking in ideas to complete the story.

The whole movie generally was too repetitive in that every scene was Rasputia abusing Norbit mentally and physically about how he is a failure and is unloved. I had no sympathy for Norbit. I was hoping that after Rasputia jumped on him so many times, she would have finally squashed him.

The following goes out to those who wrote Norbit: I do realize there are women out there who are big-boned and wear clothing that is deemed inappropriate. However, when writers make a constant joke of it in a movie, it gets way too drawn out. My biggest problem is watching a fat woman in a white tank top and skin tight shorts trying to be sexy with “Milkshake” playing in the background. That is not comedy. That is disgusting.

If you were expecting to go to see Norbit and get a good laugh because it has Murphy in it, I hate to bring your hopes down. Norbit proves that Murphy has passed his Nutty Professor days and can no longer multitask and get a laugh out of the audience. Do yourself a favor and ignore this movie.

dadamof1@lasalle.edu