282 समीक्षाएं
I usually write those reviews for "extreme" reasons. If everybody hated a movie and I didn't. Or the other way round. Turns out there is another reason. When an actor who was once a star "comes back" with a stellar performance. Mr. Church is that film.
Murphy delivers a heart wearming performance. He is the soul of the movie. I guess we will never know why Murphy so rarely appears on the screen but If you watch him here you can't help yourself wanting to see him more often.
Don't get me wrong. This movie has problems and it is corny, sometimes a bit too much. But it is a film for families about families and a heartwarming one at that. Thats why it surely is no 10 rating but also no 4, 3, 2 or even 1 rating. If you want something for the family, if you like films like Forrest Gump and if you like Murphy, this is your movie.
One thing I wanted to say when I read the official critics. They complain about an Afro-American being the servant. If you think that, you clearly didn't get the movie at all. He is basically father, husband. grandfather in one person. So if you saw him as a servant, you should really think about what that says about you.
Murphy delivers a heart wearming performance. He is the soul of the movie. I guess we will never know why Murphy so rarely appears on the screen but If you watch him here you can't help yourself wanting to see him more often.
Don't get me wrong. This movie has problems and it is corny, sometimes a bit too much. But it is a film for families about families and a heartwarming one at that. Thats why it surely is no 10 rating but also no 4, 3, 2 or even 1 rating. If you want something for the family, if you like films like Forrest Gump and if you like Murphy, this is your movie.
One thing I wanted to say when I read the official critics. They complain about an Afro-American being the servant. If you think that, you clearly didn't get the movie at all. He is basically father, husband. grandfather in one person. So if you saw him as a servant, you should really think about what that says about you.
- PaxtonMalloy
- 15 जन॰ 2018
- परमालिंक
Mr. Church is sweet and authentic from the first word to the last. It is well-paced and devoid of drag with steller performances turned out by all players. Mr. Church demonstrates that while we may be on a linear path from birth to death, within that trajectory are full circle loops taking us from one gestalt to the next. It reminds us too how we make a difference in the lives of others and they in ours. Mr. Church was Eddy Murphy's movie to deliver and that he did. Unlike books which are meant to be read from beggining to end, sometimes the stories are better understood when we start from the end and work our way back.
Continuing my plan to watch every Eddie Murphy movie in order, I come to his last movie to daye, Mr Church (2016)
Plot In A Paragraph: Mr Church (Murphy) goes to work for single Mom Marie and her daughter Charlotte for 6 months. What develops is a deep bond that lasts for years.
If there was a movie worth coming out of retirement for, this was it. He is superb. I'd rank this up there with Dreamgirls in terms of his performance, he is that good!! Murphy is ably backed up by Natasha McElhone, who is as reliable as always and Britt Robertson is impressive too.
I watched this with my youngest, and we both enjoyed it!! I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried towards the end, if this is the last movie makes, it is a fitting movie to go out on!! He made me laugh with his first movie, and cry with his last.
I admire the fact that he said he would retire at 50, and with the exception of this movie, he has done it. If he comes out of retirement to make a solid movie like this every couple of years, I'd be happy.
Mr Church only received a limited release in theatres, which is a shame.
Plot In A Paragraph: Mr Church (Murphy) goes to work for single Mom Marie and her daughter Charlotte for 6 months. What develops is a deep bond that lasts for years.
If there was a movie worth coming out of retirement for, this was it. He is superb. I'd rank this up there with Dreamgirls in terms of his performance, he is that good!! Murphy is ably backed up by Natasha McElhone, who is as reliable as always and Britt Robertson is impressive too.
I watched this with my youngest, and we both enjoyed it!! I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried towards the end, if this is the last movie makes, it is a fitting movie to go out on!! He made me laugh with his first movie, and cry with his last.
I admire the fact that he said he would retire at 50, and with the exception of this movie, he has done it. If he comes out of retirement to make a solid movie like this every couple of years, I'd be happy.
Mr Church only received a limited release in theatres, which is a shame.
- slightlymad22
- 9 फ़र॰ 2018
- परमालिंक
Then this is it.
I seriously do not know what film the critics were watching but, this is an absolutely fantastic film. You will see a performance from Eddie Murphy you haven't seen since Dreamgirls. In fairness, I think his performance in this film is a country mile better so, If you enjoyed him in Dreamgirls, You will be floored by his acting in this film.
Its an actual crime he got no Academy nomination for this film.
No spoilers here. I implore you to give this film a view. Emotions you thought you might have lost, will all of a sudden come back to you.
If you are still reading this review .....Why? Go watch Mr Church right now!
I seriously do not know what film the critics were watching but, this is an absolutely fantastic film. You will see a performance from Eddie Murphy you haven't seen since Dreamgirls. In fairness, I think his performance in this film is a country mile better so, If you enjoyed him in Dreamgirls, You will be floored by his acting in this film.
Its an actual crime he got no Academy nomination for this film.
No spoilers here. I implore you to give this film a view. Emotions you thought you might have lost, will all of a sudden come back to you.
If you are still reading this review .....Why? Go watch Mr Church right now!
- sonofjorel316
- 25 सित॰ 2020
- परमालिंक
Normally, I criticize movie previews for either spoiling the story or misrepresenting the genre, but if you watch the preview for Mr. Church, you'll get a pretty good idea of what it's about. You'll see teenager Britt Robinson and her mother, Natascha McElhone living alone in California in the 1960s. You'll see Britt's shocked reaction when she wakes up one morning to find Eddie Murphy, a total stranger, cooking breakfast in the kitchen. You'll find out he was hired to be their cook, and you'll guess that he eventually wins Britt's trust and affection. If you like the preview, you'll like the movie.
I remember reviewers being unduly harsh (as they usually are on Eddie Murphy movies) on this film, claiming it used the "magical Negro" trope and offended audiences. However, their claim held no water. This movie was based on a true story, and was told from the point of view of Britt Robinson's character. She was a teenager, and like most teenagers, didn't really understand or pay attention to other people besides herself. And, the entire point of the story (don't worry, no spoilers) was that she didn't get to know Mr. Church. He was an important fixture in her life, but he didn't let Britt get too close to him. That was the point! It wasn't a cinematic trope.
With those limitations, it would have been easy for the actor portraying Mr. Church to walk through the part without giving him humanity or realism. Eddie Murphy gave a wonderful performance full of layers and subtleties. He fed the audience little tidbits of a mysterious character, making us wonder and guess as to what was really inside him. The more we wondered, the more we cared. He was extremely real - not "magical" without any purpose besides helping out the white protagonist.
There are so many subtleties in this movie, from Eddie's character to his relationship with Natascha, that contrast beautifully with the loud setting of the 1960s and 1970s. Director Bruce Beresford and screenwriter Susan McMartin (who adopted her own true story to the screen) seemed to know exactly what the audience and when they needed it. Laughs, drama, a funky song, and silliness all show up at the right time.
I saw this movie on opening weekend, and it was a treat to see all the details on the big screen. But if you missed this one in the theaters, which unfortunately quite a few people did, rent it on a weekend when you're in the mood for a complex, heartwarming drama.
I remember reviewers being unduly harsh (as they usually are on Eddie Murphy movies) on this film, claiming it used the "magical Negro" trope and offended audiences. However, their claim held no water. This movie was based on a true story, and was told from the point of view of Britt Robinson's character. She was a teenager, and like most teenagers, didn't really understand or pay attention to other people besides herself. And, the entire point of the story (don't worry, no spoilers) was that she didn't get to know Mr. Church. He was an important fixture in her life, but he didn't let Britt get too close to him. That was the point! It wasn't a cinematic trope.
With those limitations, it would have been easy for the actor portraying Mr. Church to walk through the part without giving him humanity or realism. Eddie Murphy gave a wonderful performance full of layers and subtleties. He fed the audience little tidbits of a mysterious character, making us wonder and guess as to what was really inside him. The more we wondered, the more we cared. He was extremely real - not "magical" without any purpose besides helping out the white protagonist.
There are so many subtleties in this movie, from Eddie's character to his relationship with Natascha, that contrast beautifully with the loud setting of the 1960s and 1970s. Director Bruce Beresford and screenwriter Susan McMartin (who adopted her own true story to the screen) seemed to know exactly what the audience and when they needed it. Laughs, drama, a funky song, and silliness all show up at the right time.
I saw this movie on opening weekend, and it was a treat to see all the details on the big screen. But if you missed this one in the theaters, which unfortunately quite a few people did, rent it on a weekend when you're in the mood for a complex, heartwarming drama.
- HotToastyRag
- 27 सित॰ 2021
- परमालिंक
"The wise son seeketh the father's instruction, but the scorner heareth not rebuke. I don't give a sh*t."
The quote above is, believe it or not, pronounced at a given moment by Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) while he was drunk. Apparently alcohol has such an impact on him that he starts to use a vocabulary in such a way, an ordinary mortal can only guess the ultimate significance of what he's saying. This was also the first time I totally didn't understand what Eddie Murphy was talking about at that very moment (maybe it's due to my limited knowledge of English). In "Mr. Church"you'll see a totally different Murphy at work. No smooth talking and witty one-liners. Don't expect to hear that catchy, infamous laugh from him. Not once it'll echo through the living room. Nope, here he puts himself in the shoes of a gentle, helpful and warmhearted cook who tries to accomplish a given task with conviction and empathy.
This task was entrusted to him by Richard Cannon. He was once the lover of Marie Brody (Natascha McElhone) who left him after discovering that he was already married. However, he promised that he would always take care of her. Even after his death. If it turns out that Marie is terminally ill and only has six months to live, her daughter Charlie (Natalie Coughlin) discovers one morning there's a "black man" making breakfast in their kitchen. And from that day on Mr. Chruch conjures delicious dishes out of his culinary magic hat. So, you can expect a whole series of hunger-arousing images. It's almost similar to a Jamie Oliver TV show. Afterwards we come to know that Marie is still fighting her terminal illness after six years. Church's role as family cook slowly disappears into the background and over time he becomes the paterfamilias and acts as a father figure to Charlotte (Britt Robertson).
Here, where I live, the remark after watching this movie would be "Wow, what a lovely film this was!". Granted, it's packed with cliché elements as used in any melodramatic coming of age film. The course is extremely predictable. Not much imagination is needed to realize that the roles will be reversed at any given time and how it's going to end. Both at the beginning and at the end they used the same text fragment "Henry Joseph Church could have been anything he wanted. He chose to cook.". A subtle clue pointing at the cyclical nature of the film. But despite being a typical tearjerker, this film was able to captivate and fascinate me. Maybe because from time to time I need to watch a more positive film. Most films are about the evil side of a person. This film is about loyalty, affection, offering some help during hard times and the importance of family ties. You can start whining again about the possible racist tone and thus seeing Mr. Church as the happy, cheerful house negro who serves a white family. A kind of modern "Uncle Tom" in other words. It didn't feel like that for me. And I'm convinced you missed the essence of the story.
But what's Mr.Church's big secret, anyway? He loves jazz. That's clear from the first moment. He's probably a jazz pianist. I noticed that he was pretending to play a piano on his knees while smoking a cigarette outside and listening to a jazz song in the background. He also mentioned it in a subtle way to Marie. And his visits to the nightclub Jelly (Charlie discovered this by accident when she was driving around the city with Poppy), a neon-lit bar you instantly have feelings about that it's a jazz club, seemed to me the appropriate place to find an audience for his talent. He paints, reads literature and uses secret ingredients while cooking. But are these really such big secrets that one should remain silent about it? Hearing what Mr. Church said when he came home drunk ("Yeah, that's right! I'm a sinner! Who's a fagot? You the goddamn fagot. "), I have a feeling it's more about his sexual orientation.
It stays a secret all the way. Nothing but praise for Eddie Murphy who attempts to get rid of his stand-up comedian label. And he succeeds perfectly. It's a pleasure to see him playing the two opposing Mr. Churches. On the one hand a dutiful and human figure. On the other a tormented person who still hasn't come to terms with his past. Also the acting of both Natascha McElhone as Britt Robertson can be called excellent. Especially the moments with Murphy and McElhone are sublime. Maybe it all feels a bit corny and old-fashioned. But it still remains a lovely film.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
The quote above is, believe it or not, pronounced at a given moment by Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) while he was drunk. Apparently alcohol has such an impact on him that he starts to use a vocabulary in such a way, an ordinary mortal can only guess the ultimate significance of what he's saying. This was also the first time I totally didn't understand what Eddie Murphy was talking about at that very moment (maybe it's due to my limited knowledge of English). In "Mr. Church"you'll see a totally different Murphy at work. No smooth talking and witty one-liners. Don't expect to hear that catchy, infamous laugh from him. Not once it'll echo through the living room. Nope, here he puts himself in the shoes of a gentle, helpful and warmhearted cook who tries to accomplish a given task with conviction and empathy.
This task was entrusted to him by Richard Cannon. He was once the lover of Marie Brody (Natascha McElhone) who left him after discovering that he was already married. However, he promised that he would always take care of her. Even after his death. If it turns out that Marie is terminally ill and only has six months to live, her daughter Charlie (Natalie Coughlin) discovers one morning there's a "black man" making breakfast in their kitchen. And from that day on Mr. Chruch conjures delicious dishes out of his culinary magic hat. So, you can expect a whole series of hunger-arousing images. It's almost similar to a Jamie Oliver TV show. Afterwards we come to know that Marie is still fighting her terminal illness after six years. Church's role as family cook slowly disappears into the background and over time he becomes the paterfamilias and acts as a father figure to Charlotte (Britt Robertson).
Here, where I live, the remark after watching this movie would be "Wow, what a lovely film this was!". Granted, it's packed with cliché elements as used in any melodramatic coming of age film. The course is extremely predictable. Not much imagination is needed to realize that the roles will be reversed at any given time and how it's going to end. Both at the beginning and at the end they used the same text fragment "Henry Joseph Church could have been anything he wanted. He chose to cook.". A subtle clue pointing at the cyclical nature of the film. But despite being a typical tearjerker, this film was able to captivate and fascinate me. Maybe because from time to time I need to watch a more positive film. Most films are about the evil side of a person. This film is about loyalty, affection, offering some help during hard times and the importance of family ties. You can start whining again about the possible racist tone and thus seeing Mr. Church as the happy, cheerful house negro who serves a white family. A kind of modern "Uncle Tom" in other words. It didn't feel like that for me. And I'm convinced you missed the essence of the story.
But what's Mr.Church's big secret, anyway? He loves jazz. That's clear from the first moment. He's probably a jazz pianist. I noticed that he was pretending to play a piano on his knees while smoking a cigarette outside and listening to a jazz song in the background. He also mentioned it in a subtle way to Marie. And his visits to the nightclub Jelly (Charlie discovered this by accident when she was driving around the city with Poppy), a neon-lit bar you instantly have feelings about that it's a jazz club, seemed to me the appropriate place to find an audience for his talent. He paints, reads literature and uses secret ingredients while cooking. But are these really such big secrets that one should remain silent about it? Hearing what Mr. Church said when he came home drunk ("Yeah, that's right! I'm a sinner! Who's a fagot? You the goddamn fagot. "), I have a feeling it's more about his sexual orientation.
It stays a secret all the way. Nothing but praise for Eddie Murphy who attempts to get rid of his stand-up comedian label. And he succeeds perfectly. It's a pleasure to see him playing the two opposing Mr. Churches. On the one hand a dutiful and human figure. On the other a tormented person who still hasn't come to terms with his past. Also the acting of both Natascha McElhone as Britt Robertson can be called excellent. Especially the moments with Murphy and McElhone are sublime. Maybe it all feels a bit corny and old-fashioned. But it still remains a lovely film.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
- peterp-450-298716
- 12 दिस॰ 2016
- परमालिंक
I am so sad that this movie hasn't been advertised like other movies. I happen to find it on a whim. In this crazy world, this movie helps you remember that there are still good people who truly care, who are selfless. Eddie Murphy deserves an Oscar and so does the movie. I wasn't familiar with the young lady who acted with him. The character Charlotte
showed acceptance, love, hope and friendship. What a true friend really is and should be. This movie sees past racial lines and shows love. Best movie I have seen this year. It pulls at your heart strings. It is a must see.
showed acceptance, love, hope and friendship. What a true friend really is and should be. This movie sees past racial lines and shows love. Best movie I have seen this year. It pulls at your heart strings. It is a must see.
- sheldog-57864
- 22 अक्टू॰ 2016
- परमालिंक
- classicsoncall
- 26 अक्टू॰ 2018
- परमालिंक
Best heartfelt movie I have seen in a long time. Hollywood finally got it right. This is the kind of movie that hardworking people want to see. Not the trash at theater's now days. Great messages, one will experience all feelings and, yes, people can be friends. Eddie Murphy is excellent in this role.
- arizona-43561
- 21 अक्टू॰ 2017
- परमालिंक
I guess I have come full circle when it comes to Eddie Murphy movies. It was 1984, I was a newly wed and Eddie was a slightly racy movie star, but, perfect for a couples evening at the cinema! And we cried with laughter. I would never have believed that some 30 plus years later I would be watching an Eddie Murphy movie and crying in a different way. This is a fairly simple movie, easy to follow, no special effects, just the type of movie Hollywood used to do so well. I guess there is still hope. Along with Eddie there are a couple of known actors,no spoiler alert - but Eddie has aged very well! Full circle - I watch movies on my own now..
- kenfromcanada
- 15 अक्टू॰ 2016
- परमालिंक
This movie was recommended by my lady and I must say I am shock I've never heard of it till this day. Kept me in tears the whole movie. I don't usually write reviews but this one is a must see. After you've seen please tell all your friends. Especially those whole love a heart felt movie that shows true love beyond all barriers. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!!!!!
- jefflang-71026
- 31 दिस॰ 2018
- परमालिंक
First just ignore negative racist reviews which unfortunately I found them in some other rating movies websites and you might see them here as well !
This is a very good well written plot about a unique friendship which you'll dream of having your own Mr. church , Its more of a family relation when some families member are missing that with one another at these time .
It started when a girl is telling her story with a stranger cook in her kitchen house from there things started to feel differently since she saw him at the first time ..
That relation starts to grow over the time with all the events they both have experience together from starting of a six month arrangement then that time have extended into years .
It's one of a great drama films I have seen since a long time .
This is a very good well written plot about a unique friendship which you'll dream of having your own Mr. church , Its more of a family relation when some families member are missing that with one another at these time .
It started when a girl is telling her story with a stranger cook in her kitchen house from there things started to feel differently since she saw him at the first time ..
That relation starts to grow over the time with all the events they both have experience together from starting of a six month arrangement then that time have extended into years .
It's one of a great drama films I have seen since a long time .
- Q8-MarronGlace
- 18 अक्टू॰ 2016
- परमालिंक
Do not want to give away any spoilers here. Just have to say that this movie is absolutely beautiful. Bravo Eddie Murphy and entire cast. Kept my wife and I on the verge of tears for the duration. Just beautiful! Thanks!!
- redkrypto-16659
- 23 मार्च 2018
- परमालिंक
I went to my local theater and saw a poster for Mr. Church, with Eddie Murphy's face as big as day on it. Never even herd of this movie and the lack of campaigning from anywhere was strange for me as I sill feel Murphy has that movie star status, but he chooses to do this very quiet under the radar film, that's totally worth seeing.
It's a story told by Charlotte Brooks, a young girl living with her mother, who had a relationship with a married man and got written into his will, that a cook, played by Murphy would prepare meals for her until she dies, which was supposed to be in six mouths do to breast cancer but ended up being way longer and the experience would create a lifelong friendship for all evolved.
Very heart pulling motion picture about the type of friendships that you make with certain people that make them family.
Eddie Murphy picked real good with this one. He could have some new legs in his career if he plays his cards right. After all, Sam Jackson and Morgan Freeman are not getting any younger, and Hollywood will be looking for someone to take their place.
It's definitely a departure greatly from what you expect from Murphy. Not the adult laughs of Beverly Hills Cop or the family get together of the Nutty Professor. Murphy might be on the poster but he takes the role of supporting Britt Roberson as she tells Charlotte Brooks story, but his performance is not phoned in at all, showcasing the magic that made him a force worth seeing back in the day.
I'm very impress as I did not think I would get an amazing film out of Mr. Church.
It's a story told by Charlotte Brooks, a young girl living with her mother, who had a relationship with a married man and got written into his will, that a cook, played by Murphy would prepare meals for her until she dies, which was supposed to be in six mouths do to breast cancer but ended up being way longer and the experience would create a lifelong friendship for all evolved.
Very heart pulling motion picture about the type of friendships that you make with certain people that make them family.
Eddie Murphy picked real good with this one. He could have some new legs in his career if he plays his cards right. After all, Sam Jackson and Morgan Freeman are not getting any younger, and Hollywood will be looking for someone to take their place.
It's definitely a departure greatly from what you expect from Murphy. Not the adult laughs of Beverly Hills Cop or the family get together of the Nutty Professor. Murphy might be on the poster but he takes the role of supporting Britt Roberson as she tells Charlotte Brooks story, but his performance is not phoned in at all, showcasing the magic that made him a force worth seeing back in the day.
I'm very impress as I did not think I would get an amazing film out of Mr. Church.
- subxerogravity
- 17 सित॰ 2016
- परमालिंक
This film tells the story of a man who is hired for six months to take care of a woman with cancer and her young daughter. His job is to cook for them, yet he goes way beyond his duties and touches the lives of people around him.
"Mr Church" is an ordinary film without special effects and fancy sets. It stays true to the life of an ordinary hard working man, yet his life is so extraordinary in so many ways. He is multi talented, amiable humble and polite all the time. Mr Church is so likable, that in fact he could be a role model for people. The things he does for the family, without ever asking for anything back, is applaudable. It is a celebration of good qualities of an extraordinary man. Let this film earn your heart.
"Mr Church" is an ordinary film without special effects and fancy sets. It stays true to the life of an ordinary hard working man, yet his life is so extraordinary in so many ways. He is multi talented, amiable humble and polite all the time. Mr Church is so likable, that in fact he could be a role model for people. The things he does for the family, without ever asking for anything back, is applaudable. It is a celebration of good qualities of an extraordinary man. Let this film earn your heart.
It's rare to see a comedian in a serious role. He nailed it so good. This film has no comesy elements which was suprising. I'm not sure why cast a comedian in a serious drama, but it worked flawlessly. This film was great, just the protagonist was terrible, she was so annoying, ruined this great drama.
- Kdosda_Hegen
- 23 नव॰ 2020
- परमालिंक
Mr Church was a phenomenal film. Eddie Murphy delivers an Oscar worthy performance and almost certainly will win a Golden Globe. Well paced, written, and acted, this movie will captivate you from beginning to end. Although its predictable, the movie evokes the perfect amount of emotion to visualize the best parts of life's journey. Mr Church is a must see and should not be Ediie Murphy's last serious film role. Britt Robertson is always lovely and is an excellent actress with award winning performances in her future. Perfect start to the Fall film season with this masterful performance by Murphy. His on screen chemistry with Robertson is palpable and the evolution of their relationship over time is heart warming and leaves you wishing we all had a Mr Church in our lives.
'MR. CHURCH': Three Stars (Out of Five)
The new drama starring Eddie Murphy as a family's cook, that bonds with the young woman he's helping take care of. The movie also stars Britt Robertson and Natascha McElhone. It was directed by Bruce Beresford, who also directed the 1989 Oscar winner 'DRIVING MISS DAISY' (also about a beloved black man helping white people), and it was written by Susan McMartin (who also co-wrote the 1993 Pauly Shore vehicle 'SON IN LAW'). The film has received mostly negative reviews from critics, but Murphy's performance has been mostly praised. I found it to be a mildly enjoyable movie, but it's definitely nothing memorable.
The story begins in the 1970s, when Charlie Brooks (Robertson) is just a young girl (Natalie Coughlin). She lives with her single mother, Marie (McElhone), in a small apartment, and she's surprised to find a strange man, named Henry Joseph Church (Murphy), cooking in their kitchen one morning. Charlie later learns that Mr. Church was hired by her mom's ex-lover, to take care of the two of them (and specifically cook for them). She also later learns that her mother is sick with terminal cancer. Charlie forms a very strong relationship with Mr. Church, that lasts many years after her mother's passing.
The movie is overly sentimental, and quite cheesy at times, but Murphy is great in it. I think the character of Mr. Church could have been a classic character too, in a much better film than this. The movie looks, and feels, like it could have been an Oscar contender, before you actually sit down and watch it. It's a shame because Murphy deserves a much better film than this, to show off his underused talent.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/xGBv2IpDjDc
The new drama starring Eddie Murphy as a family's cook, that bonds with the young woman he's helping take care of. The movie also stars Britt Robertson and Natascha McElhone. It was directed by Bruce Beresford, who also directed the 1989 Oscar winner 'DRIVING MISS DAISY' (also about a beloved black man helping white people), and it was written by Susan McMartin (who also co-wrote the 1993 Pauly Shore vehicle 'SON IN LAW'). The film has received mostly negative reviews from critics, but Murphy's performance has been mostly praised. I found it to be a mildly enjoyable movie, but it's definitely nothing memorable.
The story begins in the 1970s, when Charlie Brooks (Robertson) is just a young girl (Natalie Coughlin). She lives with her single mother, Marie (McElhone), in a small apartment, and she's surprised to find a strange man, named Henry Joseph Church (Murphy), cooking in their kitchen one morning. Charlie later learns that Mr. Church was hired by her mom's ex-lover, to take care of the two of them (and specifically cook for them). She also later learns that her mother is sick with terminal cancer. Charlie forms a very strong relationship with Mr. Church, that lasts many years after her mother's passing.
The movie is overly sentimental, and quite cheesy at times, but Murphy is great in it. I think the character of Mr. Church could have been a classic character too, in a much better film than this. The movie looks, and feels, like it could have been an Oscar contender, before you actually sit down and watch it. It's a shame because Murphy deserves a much better film than this, to show off his underused talent.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/xGBv2IpDjDc
- nogodnomasters
- 14 सित॰ 2017
- परमालिंक
It's 1971 Los Angeles. One morning, Charlotte "Charlie" Brooks finds a black stranger cooking breakfast for her and her mother (Natascha McElhone). She's not happy and distrusts him. What she doesn't know is that the stranger is Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy). He's been hired by her mother's late rich boyfriend to cook for six months and her mother has that time left with her hidden breast cancer. Six years later, Charlie (Britt Robertson)'s mother is still hanging on and Mr. Church is still cooking for the family.
Eddie's last movie "A Thousand Words" is fine. He may have changed over the years but he never lost his inner charisma. It's well within him to play Mr. Church although I would have wanted him to be less the magical negro in the beginning. It may be the intention to start the movie that way but I don't think that intention serves the movie well. The magical reality continues with the drunken homeless guy but it feels like a literary creation. He's the magical drunk. Well, I guess Mr. Church is also a magical drunk. It's the type of movie where everybody returns later in the movie. If the movie could cut out some of the magical thinking, it could become more flesh and blood. The reality rather than magic would be even more powerful.
Eddie's last movie "A Thousand Words" is fine. He may have changed over the years but he never lost his inner charisma. It's well within him to play Mr. Church although I would have wanted him to be less the magical negro in the beginning. It may be the intention to start the movie that way but I don't think that intention serves the movie well. The magical reality continues with the drunken homeless guy but it feels like a literary creation. He's the magical drunk. Well, I guess Mr. Church is also a magical drunk. It's the type of movie where everybody returns later in the movie. If the movie could cut out some of the magical thinking, it could become more flesh and blood. The reality rather than magic would be even more powerful.
- SnoopyStyle
- 13 सित॰ 2021
- परमालिंक
This movie was wonderful to watch and so thankful I had the opportunity to see it! A touching, caring and very moving story of humanity at its finest. To know that it's based off of a true life story makes it all the more incredible! The world would be a much better place if we all had a Mr. Church in our lives.
Eddie Murphy's deliverance of Mr. Church I believe, is his finest quality work. His portrayal of his character captivated me from the beginning. He made the film. I hope he continues in the future with movies of this caliber and beauty.
This movie is now on the top of my list of all time favorites and I will watch it again and again. It was that good.
Eddie Murphy's deliverance of Mr. Church I believe, is his finest quality work. His portrayal of his character captivated me from the beginning. He made the film. I hope he continues in the future with movies of this caliber and beauty.
This movie is now on the top of my list of all time favorites and I will watch it again and again. It was that good.
- sixcartrane
- 18 जन॰ 2017
- परमालिंक
Eddie Murphy may have missed his calling as a dramatic actor. He played the role well. I hope he continues to explore this side of his talent. This is a touching movie. I can go as high as 7 or 8 stars, but not ten. Ten would mean this is among the best dramas ever made. It is a very good movie, but it is not among the ten star dramas I've seen. Very close but not quite.
If you are in the mood for a family connection movie with a very sad undertone, you will likely love this film.
If you are in the mood for a family connection movie with a very sad undertone, you will likely love this film.
- chi_town_fed
- 30 अप्रैल 2021
- परमालिंक