A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words ~ Eddie Murphy doesn't have much luck in the movies any more, Shrek and Dream Girls excepted. Whenever he releases a theatrical starring vehicle, even one like this that is actually pretty good, it fails. At least theatrically and critically. I, on the other hand, liked A Thousand Words, just as I've liked more than a few Murphy films of the last dozen or so years.

A Thousand Words is a fantasy flick with a simple premise. Eddie plays a publishing agent who is cursed by a client to only be able to speak 1000 words before he dies. This forces Eddie to be very selective in his words, and he must use other ways to communicate. It is fierce physical comedy, something Murphy loves and excels at, and he is a delight to watch here. He is supported by a wonderful cast, including in terrific parts - Clark Duke, Jack McBrayer, and John Witherspoon.

It doesn't help the film that much like the infamous Pluto Nash that this movie was made a few years ago and was just released this spring. It's sad that had this been forty or fifty years ago, this would have been a perfect vehicle for Jerry Lewis, one of Murphy's idols. It's also a matter of being out of favor with Hollywood - think about it, this would have been a hit if it starred Jim Carrey or Ben Stiller, right?

I liked it. It's a good comedy with a happy ending, a good message, and an excellent flick for the family with humor for kids of all ages. Some scenes might be a bit risqué however. Recommended.