A Thousand Words

It was really interesting to see Eddie Murphy stretch and evolve in his acting in 2012’s ’A Thousand Words’. Audiences around the world are accustomed to ‘Eddie Murphy’ comedy which is fast-paced and witty, but for this film even though less was said, he still delivered the laughs. The extension of hhis dramatic muscles though were quite evident and it left the heavy comedy to his co-stars. I was really impressed with the versatility of actor Clark Duke who played Murphy’s assistant, I felt that he stood out a lot in this film. I also enjoyed Kiwi Cliff Curtis whom you may remember from ‘Training Day’, ‘Three Kings’ and ‘The Fountain’ who played the perfect ‘Dr. Sinja’ (Deepak Chopra). Award-winning sweet-heart Kerry Washington also displays good range (not in this film) but in comparison to her heavier dramatic characters.  

Written by Steve Koren and directed by Brian Robbins the estimated budget of $40 million USD, sadly the film did not gross nearly as much in the box-office. I think more viewers were expecting the ‘usual’ Eddie Murphy comedy and not such a dramatic movie. In my opinion this film’s message was a lot more powerful than the numbers portray and despite it’s poor release, it was a valuable story that needed to come to life (no pun intended). Reminiscent of 1997’s ’Liar-Liar’ the story sheds light on the negativity and loudness in life that many of us need silenced in order to know our true selves and pay attention to what’s important around us.

This movie was heart-warming with a solid directive and I felt all actors portrayed their roles well.

Boomerang

Yes, it’s true. I only recently saw this film for the first time. Hard to believe seeing how much I enjoy Eddie Murphy films. In my defense in 1992 I wasn’t allowed to see Rated R films. With an estimated budget of $40 million USD, this comedy/drama/romance raked in a cool $70 million at the box-office.  It received one win and 4 other nominations. 

Written by Eddie Murphy and developed into screenplay by Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield and directed by Reginald Hudlin. This was the standard case of the importance of ‘doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you’; or in other words, ‘the player’ who get’s ‘played’. Eddie Murphy stars and does a fine job as usual, and black beauties Robin Givens, Halle Berry and the provocative, unique and talented Jamaican Grace Jones join in on the fun. 

Tables turn quite easily and so it’s important to do the right thing and be careful how you treat others; the audience learned the unrest, pain and trauma that can be caused when one does the opposite and they instantly became empathetic for our main character when he’d learnt his lesson.

It was a joy to recognize beautiful and talented legend Eartha Kitt on screen with her distinct voice and elegance as I’d first had the pleasure while watching the 1958 film called ‘Anna Lucasta’. Chris Rock, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Martin Lawrence and David Alan Grier also performed exceptionally and comedically bringing the giggles consistently.