Imagine That (Paramount Pictures)
Another Eddie Murphy Family Film
Eddie Murphy seems to have found a home in family films such as Daddy Day Care and Dr. Doolittle. His latest is Imagine That, a sweet movie that gives Murphy a chance to shine. The film has some flaws but Murphy gives another eager and winning performance.
Murphy plays Evan Danielson, a financial advisor for a big company. His main competition at his office is John Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church), a Native American who uses his nationality to his advantage. The two men are antagonistic towards each other and finally come into a competition whereby one will be the winner and one will be the loser.
Evan is separated from his wife (Nicole Ari Parker). He does get to have his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi) spend some time with him, but usually he is so busy he tries to get out of it. But one week when he has her she tells him that her imaginary friends have some stock tips for him. And they are good ones!
The rest of the film concerns Evan trying to enter Olivias imaginary world and get the tips he needs. In the process he learns to truly appreciate his daughter but it takes a while. For too much of the time he is just using her and that makes the audience a little uncomfortable.
Murphy is a very funny man. He has a rubber face and is willing to play the fool for the good of the role. He can be harsh as well as humorous, brusque as well as brave. Plus he has the perfect co-star in the adorable Yara Shahidi. The two bond on screen and exude the warmth of a solid relationship. Church adds to the fun of the film but he seems a slight bit awkward in his role.
The film is rated PG for adult situations but there is really nothing in the movie that would be offensive to children. They will enjoy the silly scenes featuring Murphy and Shahidi, but might get a little bored with the business sequences.
Murphy has truly found a home in family movies, and seems to enjoy his involvement there. Still it would be nice to see him tackle another dramatic role like the one he played in Dreamgirls. His talent is sufficient to challenge a wide range of roles.
Imagine That is not Murphys best movie but it is one where his talent gets to shine. He is a talented man whose career is not over by a long shot.
I scored Imagine That a fantasy 5 out of 10.
