Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid docu about pioneering star includes language, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Being Eddie
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BEING EDDIE is a documentary about the life and landmark career of Eddie Murphy. Murphy talks about his childhood, his rise to fame, behind-the-scenes of key moments in his career both on- and off-screen, and the importance of family. Other comedians, like Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Arsenio Hall, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jerry Seinfeld talk about how Murphy paved a way for Black actors and comics.
Is It Any Good?
Put Eddie Murphy in front of a camera talking about his charmed life, and you'd be hard-pressed to create a bad documentary. Being Eddie makes the most of its access to Murphy and a slew of other commentators, especially the Black comedians who came after him (almost all men, notably). Murphy is a uniquely charismatic performer, including in this film. His anecdotes about his life and career are all enjoyable, as are the comedians and industry insiders interviewed. Repeated footage of the meandering halls of Murphy's mansion feels like filler, and don't expect hard questions or probing analysis (though some revelations are making headlines). Stay for the Cosby and Pryor dolls at the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the ways Murphy was a pioneer, as seen in Being Eddie.
What did you already know about Murphy? What did you learn new about him from this film?
In what ways can documentaries built around interviews with the film's main subject sometimes avoid controversy? Did anyone say anything negative about Murphy in this film? Were you left with any unanswered questions?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2025
- Cast : Eddie Murphy , Dave Chappelle , Jerry Seinfeld
- Director : Angus Wall
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories , Friendship , History
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout, sexual references and brief nudity
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 13, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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