The Nutty Professor (1996 Film)

The Nutty Professor (1996 Film)

The Nutty Professor is a 1996 science fiction romantic comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. It is a remake of the 1963 film of the same name, which starred Jerry Lewis. The original music score was composed by David Newman. The film won Best Makeup at the 69th Academy Awards.

Murphy portrays the university professor Sherman Klump, who is morbidly obese. A research scientist, academic and lecturer, Klump develops a miracle but experimental weight-loss pharmaceutical, and, hoping to win the affection of the girl of his dreams, tests it upon himself.

Like the original film's Julius Kelp, Klump's trim, stylish and arrogant alter ego also takes the name "Buddy Love". Murphy plays a total of seven characters in the film, including Sherman, most of Sherman's family (except for his nephew, Ernie Klump Jr. played by actor Jamal Mixon) and an over-the-top parody of Richard Simmons.

The film received positive reviews, with critics particularly praising the makeup and Murphy's performance. The film's success spawned a sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, which was released in 2000. The film was re-released on Blu-ray combo pack on March 6, 2012, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Universal Studios.

The film co-stars Jada Pinkett, James Coburn, Dave Chappelle, Larry Miller and John Ales. Montell Jordan has a cameo role as himself.

The film's theme song is "Macho Man" by The Village People.