The Review

(If you’re reading this aloud to someone please read the next sentence in a sarcastic tone). I love movies where the adults mimic the behavior of their children. This is the basic direction of the new Eddie Murphy vehicle; a vehicle which has driven Mr. Murphy’s career in very much the wrong direction.

In the movie “Imagine That” (or should I say VHS video, because that’s were it saw its widest distribution), Eddie plays a divorced single dad and successful businessman

who finds his position in the company threatened by a white guy posing as an American Indian named White Feather. Allow me to clarify, White Feather is not supposed to be a white guy, but he is… in real life that is. The role is played by Thomas Haden Church , more widely remembered as Lowell from the late sitcom Wings.

Now, as a relatively successful white male myself I know what it’s like to face discrimination on a daily basis, but even I am slightly uncomfortable with a so obviously Caucasian male portraying an American Indian in a role this unfunny.

T.H. Church:
A very white man

I’m guessing no self respecting person of Native American decent would submit to this kind of stereotyping. But don’t worry; the whole film is too incomprehensible to be really insulting, unless of course you’re referring to the viewer intelligence.

As Mr. Murphy’s character becomes more discouraged by his shrinking career prospects, his daughter becomes more central to his life. As their time together increases, Eddie becomes involved in his daughters imaginary world. As the father and daughter play together Eddie begins to take career clues from his daughter’s fantasies. Now if I sound vague on how this happens exactly, its not laziness, it’s just that the oracle’s predictions are about as muddled as those of Nostradamus. Suffice it to say, the man-child’s stock begins to rise again.

The film’s climax is as foolish as its premise. The be-feathered antagonist somehow identifies the source of Mr. Murphy’s success, and in an excruciating scene, breaks out his own son, and his son’s blankey, for an evening of imagining.

The Kids

Other than the mindlessness of it, there’s nothing particularly objectionable about “Imagine That.” The kids will enjoy it in spots, but don’t expect them to be glued to the television for the duration.

The Verdict:Headachy

How Annoying Is It? This movie is filled with Mr. Murphy using Childish language like “poo poo,” “pee pee” and “icky,” something intended to be humorous. It is not. The funny, face humor is comparable to something out of the Red Skelton era, only even less funny (if you can imagine that). But the most annoying thing about “Imagine That,” is the predicable, “child teaches parent a lesson” scenario. Oh! And as a quick note to writers and directors, if you’re considering using Beatles music in your next film, please allow them to sing it for themselves. All this being said, this is far from the worst movie I’ve ever watched; but it may be the most boring.