Although the film covers some familiar territory, Murphy adds the essential humor to make it worthwhile.
The Nutty Professor (1996)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:49
Fresh:32
Rotten:17
Average Rating:5.9/10
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Sweet-natured, university scientist Sherman Klump is understandably insecure about his immense weight, particularly after meeting pretty grad student Carla Purty. He is conducting experiments in... Sweet-natured, university scientist Sherman Klump is understandably insecure about his immense weight, particularly after meeting pretty grad student Carla Purty. He is conducting experiments in the hopes of inventing a formula that will instantly make one thin. After a disastrous date with Carla (in which a vitriolic stand-up comic makes Sherman his target), the desperate researcher swallows the formula before it's been perfected. The solution not only makes Sherman thin, it transforms him into a smug, obnoxious cad named Buddy Love. Buddy also begins dating Carla (and gets sweet revenge on that comic), but drinks more and more of the solution in an effort to erase Sherman Klump forever. However, the formula has a major side effect: Buddy continually transforms back into the corpulent Sherman, without warning -- and at the most inopportune times... [More]
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett, James Coburn, Dave Chappelle
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett, James Coburn, Dave Chappelle, John Ales
Director: Tom Shadyac
Director: Tom Shadyac
Composer: David Newman
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Reviews for The Nutty Professor
Arguably better than the last five Eddie Murphy films taken together, The Nutty Professor still seems to be playing down to its audience much of the time.
It took four writers -- including Shadyac -- to adapt Lewis and Richmond's original Nutty Professor script, and they managed to remove what little dramatic impetus once existed.
The movie succeeds in two different ways: It's sweet and good-hearted, and then again it's raucous slapstick and bathroom humor.
I never thought I would see the day when Eddie Murphy would play a character who inspired sympathy, but watching Klump disintegrate before a barrage of the comedian's barbs is genuinely poignant.
The Nutty Professor isn't much of a movie, but it's certainly a prime showcase for Eddie Murphy's enormous talent.
Latest News for The Nutty Professor
November 18, 2008:
Universal Makes Plans for Nutty Professor III ![]()
Although Eddie Murphy has yet to get involved, Universal and Imagine are in the early stages of putting together another "Nutty Professor" sequel. More...
February 08, 2007:
Critical Consensus: "Norbit" Is Flabby; "Hannibal Rising" Isn't That Tasty
This week at the movies, we've got a nerd with an overbearing fiancée ("Norbit," starring Eddie Murphy) and the early days of Hannibal Lecter ("Hannibal... More...
March 21, 2006:
"Almighty" Sequel Begins Shooting in D.C.
Filming has begun on the hilarious comedy "Evan Almighty," starring Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman and Lauren Graham. (Funny how a studio press release can call an... More...
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