Culture News Blog

Once again, as seen in many a book, movie or TV show before it, an alien has invaded Earth with a purpose that might be closely linked to our ultimate demise.

Only this time, the alien looks a lot like Eddie Murphy. And where Eddie Murphy is involved, alien or not, things are bound to get a little crazy.

When an object that was meant to save their planet --- and in turn destroy Earth --- gets found by a little human boy, Nil's best alien force is sent to retrieve it.

Being only a few inches tall, however, they must arrive in a spaceship that will help them blend in: a human-size version of what they hope is a proper likeness of ... well, a normal, everyday human.

Hilarity ensues as the "Nilians" attempt to adjust to the ways --- and most importantly the emotions --- of human life.

Though it isn't the most well-thought-out idea, "Meet Dave" is both entertaining and funny, which is all anyone can ask from an Eddie Murphy film these days.

From the moment he literally lands head-first onto Ellis Island (because everything out of the ordinary always happens in New York City, right?), the pop culture references and split-second "look away and you'll miss something" comebacks begin to fly.

It doesn't completely balance out the lack of a feasible plot line, but if you don't take it too seriously, which is hardly difficult with Murphy, then the film is certainly worth the time.

The classic wit between alien and human miscommunication is well-played, and Murphy's ability to portray an alien's first visit to Earth is amusing and almost too realistic.

However, with so much comedy, the film's attempts at seriousness and romance feel awkward and unnatural. Of course, they are almost instantly offset by outlandish humor, giving the impression that, perhaps, the writers understand their limits with this film.

It's not the most thought-provoking or original movie this summer, but it's certainly entertaining. Especially when it's Eddie Murphy ... not in a fat suit.

Katie Ackley attends Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Fla., and is a writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's TeenLink.

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