Best 'SNL' alums - Eddie Murphy

Yeah, he's "Norbit," and this summer he'll be "Dave," but Eddie Murphy's film career can't be thrown under the bus for these cinematic sins.

Murphy's incendiary performance in "48 Hours" ignited a major film career while setting a new standard for "SNL" grads. His signature laugh brightened a trio of "Beverly Hills Cop" features, gave life to otherwise dreary fare like "The Golden Child" and lit the socio-economic match under "Trading Places." And let's not forget Donkey, the comic sidekick which made "Shrek" so magical.

His supporting turn in "Dreamgirls" should have sparked a career renaissance, reminding us - and casting directors the world over - of his range. Instead, he lost the golden statuette and retreated to safer roles like the forthcoming "Meet Dave." Is anyone excited to see that one?

No matter. That comic intensity still burns within him, just waiting to be tapped.