For the longest time growing up, films starring Eddie Murphy were almost all I watched. As you may have already guessed, I’m a sucker for comedy, and Eddie Murphy’s films were prime kind of comedy for me. Although my views have since changed, I found myself reminiscing on some of his not-so-old films, and I decided to share one I really enjoyed with you today.
A Thousand Words (2012)
Jack McCall is a shrewd literary agent who is not afraid to stretch the truth to great heights to close his book deals. He picks an interest in self-help guru, Dr. Sinja, and tries to get a book deal out of him. But, Dr. Sinja sees right through him and sagely agrees to the book deal. That very night, a Bodhi tree appears in Jack’s backyard, and he assumes it to be from the guru.
After inspecting the tree, the guru informs Jack that the tree has somehow made a connection to him, and a leaf will fall for every single word he utters, and also extends to words he writes. Not just that, whatever happens to the tree happens to him, so when an aggrieved Jack tries to cut down the tree with an axe, a slash appears on him as well. When he begins to lose everything he holds dear, Jack realizes that his only redemption might be through the one thing he doesn’t want to do.
This film was humorous to me now, as it was twelve years ago. Things may feel cliché at first glance, but it covers profound themes that would make it appealing to those seeking pure entertainment, and those who are looking for something more profound and insightful.
It was weird to me the harsh reviews this film got. I did see that the film is quite underrated, but the reasons given that it lacked depth made me understand that critics may have been expecting something Oscar-worthy, and would give it harsh reviews, whether the viewers loved it or not. Sometimes, a film does not need over the top sage-like scripts that would leave you crying, or comedy that leaves you rolling on the floor from laughter, to still be meaningful and impactful.
Murphy’s performance in this film, as with other films of his, leaves nothing lacking. It is even more beautiful because, by virtue of the script, he didn’t have much to work with. An amazing comedian, true and true when you realize that he mostly had to use facial expressions to pass his message. His performance alone was beautiful, and added to the unique script this film had, making A Thousand Words the very okay movie it was. Hope you enjoy!
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