Rants and raves from around the celebrosphere

What happened to the days of standup routines about the ice cream man? A grown Buckwheat singing “Fee Tines a Mady” on Saturday Night Live?

Eddie Murphy, at one time arguably the funniest comedian in America, has proven once again that he must strain to get even a chuckle out of people these days. His newest comedy, Meet Dave, bombed its opening weekend at the box office, bringing in only $5.3 million. Hellboy II earned $35.9 million that same weekend, and Hancock earned $33 million.

This is just the latest in a series of disappointing showings for Eddie Murphy movies (2002’s The Adventures of Pluto Nash only brought in $4.4 million altogether). The days of blockbusters like Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop seem to be long gone.

Or, as David Spade announced during a skit showing Eddie’s picture on Saturday Night Live, where Murphy got his start, “Look children, a falling star….make a wish!”

Now we aren’t saying this is karma, but the fact does remain that Murphy has developed a reputation for snubbing those who were on his “on-the-way-up” ladder throughout his career. For example, he felt he had become too successful to participate in any Saturday Night Live reunions, specials or book research. Relationships with other famous actors have been strained by Murphy’s “diva-like” behavior.

Today, Murphy’s finds better luck with movies aimed at children such as the Shrek series. Who would have thought that the same man who invented hilariously classic moments in modern comedy such as “White Like Me” and “Pimp Velvet Jones” would sink to work aimed at 8-year-olds?

We long for the Eddie Murphy of the 80s. Even when he tried to be serious, he was still a laugh riot. Anyone remember his attempt at a legitimate singing career? His hit “Party All The Time” in ‘85? Spin that 45 on your turntable and see if you can keep a straight face as Eddie sounds like he’s saying “My girl likes to potty all the time…” 

Please Eddie, stay away from the animated films (and the tranvestites, for that matter) and remember that you are a foul-mouthed, edgy, funny comedian. America wants you back!