GATTACA MOVIE REVIEW
Movie Review Specifications:
 at least 1 page typed
 double spaced
 at least 2 paragraphs (summary and opinion)
 star ranking out of 4 stars
 spelling and grammar
 no plagiarizing
Due: Monday
Points: 20
How to write a movie review
1. Watch the movie: As you watch the movie write down the characters names
and any information that will help you with the plot of the movie.
2. Start writing the review. Begin by writing a brief summary of the movie. Do
not give away too much information like what happened at the end or during an
important part of the movie.
3. Consider your audience. You should know who is going to read your movie
review. Pretend like this review will appear in the newspaper. Also, keep in mind
that your science teacher is going to read the review so you might want to relate
the review to the science topic.
4. Give your opinion. Start by giving a thesis statement. Refrain from using the
words I an me. Explain your opinion. Why do you feel that way? Let the
audience make up their own mind about the movie.
5. Make sure that the main actors are mention in the review. Both their real
names and their stage names.
6. Comment on music, lighting, acting, and plot.
7. Title?
Murphy can't save dreary 'Norbit'
February 9, 2007
BY TERESA BUDASI Staff Reporter
It's a good thing Eddie Murphy's sitting on an Oscar nomination for his dramatic turn in "Dreamgirls" because his latest
comedy is a nightmare.
The trouble with "Norbit," which was produced to showcase Murphy's vast comic repertoire, is that the laughs get buried
under way too much gimmickry. There is potential all over this film, with comedians Eddie Griffin, Katt Williams and
Marlon Wayans, plus Thandie Newton ("Crash," "The Pursuit of Happyness") and Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr., but
every scene is overwrought with unfunny caricatures and tired jokes. We've seen every gimmick and sight gag before, in
better, funnier films.
Dreamworks SKG presents a film directed by Brian Robbins. Written by Murphy, Jay Scherick, David Ronn and Charles Murphy.
Running time: 109 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for crude and sexual humor, some nudity and language). Opening today at local
theaters.
In "Norbit," Murphy plays the title character, who as a baby is left at an orphanage run by Mr. Wong, also played by
Murphy. Mr. Wong declares Norbit the ugliest baby he's ever seen and raises the boy until he's grown. This film does not
include a story arc where the nerdy, lisping, simple and warm-hearted Norbit seeks out his parents, but if it did, he would
undoubtedly find Urkel and Forrest Gump living a lovely domestic partnership somewhere.
Norbit marries his childhood sweetheart -- not cute Kate, the one he pretend-marries under the orphanage tree right
before she gets adopted, but Rasputia, the big girl with the even bigger mouth who keeps him from being the playground
bullies' punching bag. It's a mutually beneficial relationship for a while. The unattractive girl gets a husband and the
orphan gets a family.
The one star for this review goes to the folks responsible for the makeup and visual effects and for Murphy's ability to
inhabit three different characters. He's done this before. In "The Nutty Professor" (1996), Murphy played various members
of the Klump family, but you could tell it was him under the makeup. In "Norbit," he is unrecognizable as Rasputia and Mr.
Wong but unfortunately they're not funny. At least the Klumps made us laugh.
(OK, there is one funny joke, delivered by Mr. Wong, but it shall not be revealed here in case there are any readers out
there who insist on sitting through this film.)
Murphy's Rasputia is a fat, rude, loud-mouthed stereotype, whose sole purpose in the film is to humiliate Norbit and
provide numerous fat-person gags: she plops into a kiddie pool and all the water splashes out; she gets into a sports car - numerous times -- and her huge, balloon boobs rub up against the steering wheel, sounding the horn; she breaks the
bed -- numerous times; gets in a bathtub and the bathroom floods; goes to the beauty shop for a bikini wax ... let's stop
there.
The comic relief in this film -- if there can be such a thing in a comedy -- could have saved this film if they had been given
better material that made sense. Griffin and Williams as ex-pimps and Wayans -- unrecognizable as Rasputia's dance
instructor -- are just kind of thrown into the film like a splash of color in an earth-toned room.
Thandie Newton's grown-up Kate is beautiful and kind and has genuine affection for Norbit, but even the sweet love story
can't save this film.
Murphy has both a writing and producing credit on "Norbit," which means at some point he thought it was a good idea.
Surely he can see how inept it is compared to his past work. Here's an idea, Eddie: Stick to roles that capitalize on your
ability to be funny without all the bells and whistles, like you did in the '80s with '90s with films like "Trading Places,"
"Beverly Hills Cop" and "Bowfinger."
And good luck on Oscar night. Maybe that little gold statuette will bring you the comic roles you deserve.
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