Norbit - Dir: Brian Robbins

Eddie Murphy takes one step closer to reclaiming the comedy king mantle that he squarely held in the 1980s. Some of the highlights in his Nutty Professor movies were the disguises he wore when he played members of his family. He takes that one step further here and it definitely works in most part. Thandie Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr are good support but the story tends to ramble and feels flabby in places. However when the movie is funny it hits it squarely. This is a JM SUCK IT AND SEE.

Dreamgirls - Dir: Bill Condon

There have been so many unmusical musicals over the last couple of decades that you might think that this is another in the long line. However, not only is it a fabulous musical, it also has some great performances. Indeed it is hard to find a weak link amongst the cast. Of particularly note are Eddie Murphy who may have done his best ever acting job albeit comparatively brief and Beyonce Knowles who has succesfully moved from singer to fully-fledged actress in this role. Star of the show, or at least the one with the best voice is Jennifer Hudson, who was previously a non-winning contestant on American Idol. Well directed by Bill Condon and some great production design by John Myhre. This is a JM RECOMMENDS.