Eddie Murphy stars as Professor Sherman, 450lb of scientist who falls for his new colleague Professor Carla Purty. But, out on a date, he's humiliated by a nightclub comedian about his weight. Upset and depressed, he takes a potion he's only tested on hamsters and - hey presto - he becomes svelte, cool-talking babe-magnet Buddy Love. Unfortunately, the serum can wear off at the most embarrassing moments, as Tom Shadyac's film fully exploits for sight gags, but there is also an underlying message about judging by appearances in this comedy romance.