A Thousand Words

Name: A Thousand Words
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: March 9, 2012
Duration: 91 min
Rating: 26
Cast: Eddie Murphy

2012

METASCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 84 Ratings

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4.8

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4.8	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 84 Ratings

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A Thousand Words

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Movie Details & Credits

DreamWorks Distribution | Release Date: March 9, 2012 | PG-13

Starring: Eddie Murphy

Summary: Jack McCall, a fast-talking literary agent, who can close any deal, any time, any way. He has set his sights on New Age guru Dr. Sinja for his own selfish purposes. But Dr. Sinja is on to him, and Jack's life comes unglued after a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard. With every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from theJack McCall, a fast-talking literary agent, who can close any deal, any time, any way. He has set his sights on New Age guru Dr. Sinja for his own selfish purposes. But Dr. Sinja is on to him, and Jack's life comes unglued after a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard. With every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from the tree and he realizes that when the last leaf falls, both he and the tree are toast. Words have never failed Jack McCall, but now he's got to stop talking and conjure up some outrageous ways to communicate or he's a goner. (Paramount Pictures)… Expand

Director: Brian Robbins

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 91 min

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Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck

Mar 9, 2012

The formulaic script by Steve Koren doesn't manage to exploit the absurd premise with any discernible wit or invention, and the star is left floundering. Read full review

A.A. Dowd

Mar 9, 2012

Before this star vehicle devolves into a soggy New Age sermon, Murphy's manic pantomiming offers a few faint flickers of the mad comic genius from 1987's "Raw". Read full review

Kimberley Jones

Mar 14, 2012

If A Thousand Words' formula seems familiar, that's because writer Steve Koren has tripped down this quasi-metaphysical path before in "Bruce Almighty" and "Click." Read full review

Roger Ebert

Mar 8, 2012

The poster art for A Thousand Words shows Eddie Murphy with duct tape over his mouth, which as a promotional idea ranks right up there with Fred Astaire in leg irons. Read full review

Justin Chang

Mar 8, 2012

Alas, even Murphy's largely wordless, physically adroit performance can't redeem this tortured exercise in high-concept spiritualist hokum. Read full review

Liam Lacey

Mar 8, 2012

For a comedy about the quest for inner peace, A Thousand Words reeks of desperation. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Mar 10, 2012

In theory, A Thousand Words should draw on its star's abilities as a physical comedian, but Murphy, miming his order for a triple latte at Starbucks, comes off like Charlie Chaplin on crystal meth; he's strenuously unfunny to watch. Read full review

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User Reviews

zendoa

Jun 16, 2012

This is a classic example of a movie that should have been tested more before release as I could absolutely see the sheer brilliance and potential behind this project. I believe that the public's opinion about this film would have been much better had there been well written captionedThis is a classic example of a movie that should have been tested more before release as I could absolutely see the sheer brilliance and potential behind this project. I believe that the public's opinion about this film would have been much better had there been well written captioned thoughts with comedic value to match Eddie Murphy's facial expressions as that would have held viewers attentions longer and also increased the pace of the story. However, after watching the entire movie I was exceedingly happy with the overall story line and since all other aspects of the film were perfectly fitting- i.e. sound, music, lighting, editing, etc. I gave this a 9.5 (even though metacritic.com doesn't allow half points, hence the10), but never the less it's definitely worth a watch and for many out there it will be a poignant and heartfelt reminder to love your family. The ending could have used a twist as the obvious possibilities were present: I can think of 3, 2 of which could have incorporated the ending already used, but as it stands I absolutely agree that the final cut suits the mainstream audience just fine. Again, I firmly believe that having his thoughts hilariously captioned with good writing could have saved this title, but I have a good feeling that this might be a sleeper in terms of popularity for rental, cable, or streaming internet (IF they can include an alternate cut with good captions- hint hint).… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

JoseAngel47

Feb 22, 2018

This is an interesting film it has an interesting plot It has also good acting my only gripes with this movie is it could have better comedic timing and the script could have been handled better but overall this really is a good movie

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

tropicAces

Oct 17, 2012

It's stupid and corny and out of date, but it's not nearly as painful as everyone is making it out to be. It's got a few laughs and a good message about living life. Still not necessarily a "good" movie, but not a bad one by any means.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MegWhiteley

Mar 9, 2012

A Thousand Words, the new film of Murphy, is not bad, is not good, is regular, the story is same like other movies of the genre, the performance of Eddie is good, but not the better, is a film for watching in a day with anything to do.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

DanielOnFilm

Mar 10, 2012

Is it funny? It is amusing, I'll give it that. I smiled out of pure schadenfreude, and I chuckled several times--but did I actually laugh? Well, there is a scene where gardeners spray insecticide on the tree, which has a drug like effect on McCall, who is at a business luncheon. TheIs it funny? It is amusing, I'll give it that. I smiled out of pure schadenfreude, and I chuckled several times--but did I actually laugh? Well, there is a scene where gardeners spray insecticide on the tree, which has a drug like effect on McCall, who is at a business luncheon. The waiter rattles off a few menu items in French. McCall imitates the funny sounding language, and acts completely out of it, to the shock of the publishers he's meeting for a deal worth millions. There's nothing inherently funny about Murphy on drugs, but in the context of a formal lunch meeting, it works Other than that, there isn't a laugh to be found. Full review on my Blog.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

WhoSane

Nov 25, 2012

Terrible movie. I gave this movie a two solely because the plot was somewhat original. however everything else in the was just plain awful. Its flat, dull, painfully unfunny and the terrible jokes from good ol' funny Eddie Murphy will make you cringe. In fact this movie is just another cashTerrible movie. I gave this movie a two solely because the plot was somewhat original. however everything else in the was just plain awful. Its flat, dull, painfully unfunny and the terrible jokes from good ol' funny Eddie Murphy will make you cringe. In fact this movie is just another cash in from Eddie Murphy himself, avoid this film at all costs.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

RonaldOVOXO

Mar 10, 2012

Eddie murphy is os bad this movie is so bad i regret taking my friends to see this movie. Eddi disappointed me with this movie. It had some ok parts pu this movie isnt worth more than a zero

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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