Get to Know the Real Eddie Murphy in Netflix’s 'Being Eddie'

Hold onto your remotes, ladies and gents, as the ’80s and ’90s mega-stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Eddie Murphy are stepping out of our screens and into our living rooms. Unlikely buddies Netflix and mega-stardom have teamed up to shatter the lofty pedestals celebs usually reside on, bringing them a little closer to us humble folk. No sugar-coated "pizza and pals" illusion here, documentaries like Arnold, Sly, and the newcomer to the scene, Being Eddie, break down these towering figures into relatable, pizza-sharing, charismatic pals who just happen to live in ridiculously glamorous abodes.

'Being Eddie', despite not being a blockbuster documentary, masterfully captures an ethos of affection and gloss, making Eddie Murphy, a once seemingly elusive star, feels comfy and approachable for the 103 minutes run. No, folks, don't expect untold secrets. Eddie won't spill the tea on command, but he does deliver a cool, candid, and convincingly ordinary version of himself, buried under his enormous wealth and talent.

Capturing the smooth flow of Murphy's life is Oscar-winning editor, Angus Wall, who has the power to make even the bumpiest roads seem like clear, open highways. We accompany Murphy from his humble beginnings as a Richard Pryor fan, to his SNL breakout, all the way to the revered comedian and beloved family man he is today. Imagine your favorite celebrities-Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, John Landis, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Jeffrey Katzenberg-singing praises for Eddie. Now, that's what you call a celebrity-approved life story!

Eddie's life wasn't always peppered with high-fives and standing ovations. The documentary does shed light on the moments Eddie's career took unexpected detours. He amiably acknowledges missteps like Vampire in Brooklyn and recommends to us future actors that aliens and rocket ships are a no-go (a light-hearted reference to his role in Meet Dave). Then there's Murphy's fallout with SNL. His portrayal of the incident is hushed and careful, blaming the show rather than SNL alum David Spade for the notorious "falling star" joke. In reality though, who doesn't enjoy a hearty behind-the-scenes peek into the reunion of SNL legends Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle? They're basically old friends catching up, but with uber-famous faces and a pocketful of jokes.

However, the documentary draws a firm boundary in exploring Murphy's personal life. The infamous '97 police encounter is omitted and some aspects of his love life seem glossed over, choosing to highlight Murphy's happy domesticity with current partner Paige Butcher and his rather large pack of kids, numbering ten.

Overall, 'Being Eddie' takes a prudently light-hearted approach as compared to Netflix's critical docu-piece on Charlie Sheen. It is, however, this playful intimacy that draws us closer to the real Eddie Murphy, celebrity, and man. His homage to his idols Richard Pryor and Muhammad Ali is heartfelt and rekindles the charm we missed in his earlier, more guarded interviews. Not to mention, his sincere admiration for MTV’s Ridiculousness will genuinely endear you to him.

So, folks, give 'Being Eddie' a chance not just because Netflix says so, but because it presents a fascinating peek into Murphy’s life, his rise to stardom, his trials and tribulations, and his recent strides towards portraying a more amiable, relatable version of himself. Plus, who wouldn't want a sneak peek into Eddie Murphy's impressive crib?