Eddie Murphy stars as the titular professor in this American comedy. Sherman Klump (Murphy) is a shy, overweight chemistry professor who invents a slimming formula which transforms him into the svelte, fast-talking Buddy Love. His new-found confidence means he can now happily date his pretty colleague Carla Purty (Jada Pinkett Smith), but when Buddy starts to take over, Sherman risks jeopardising his own career and his true self being lost forever. Murphy also stars in five other roles, including most of the Klump family.