Norbit

Eddie Murphy steals more than a few ideas from Tyler Perry ("Madea’s Family Reunion") for his multi-character comedy that has Murphy playing an obese wench named Rasputia, to whom Norbit (Murphy) is married. Intimidated into wedlock, the nerdy Norbit finds a pep in his step when his childhood sweetheart Kate (Thandie Newton) returns to the neighborhood, albeit with her smarmy fiancé Deion (Cuba Gooding Jr.), to purchase the orphanage where she and Norbit were raised. Stilted shenanigans ensue as Norbit is manipulated by Rasputia’s three brothers into helping wrest away control of Kate’s property, which they plan to turn into a strip club. The funniest moments come from Murphy’s comic delivery as Rasputia when she asks in a confrontational tone, "How are YOU doing?"

Rated PG-13. 102 mins. (C) (Two Stars)