A Thousand Words

Fast-talking Jack McCall (Eddie Murphy) is a shallow, self-absorbed Los Angeles literary agent who doesn't particularly like to read books, leaving that chore to his beleaguered office assistant, Aaron (Clark Duke). Currently, Jack's in hot pursuit of the publishing rights to a potential bestseller by Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis), a revered, New Age enlightenment guru—not realizing that the manuscript is a mere five pages long. Meanwhile, Jack's wife (Kerry Washington) is weary of waiting for a childproofed house in which to raise their young son (Emanuel Ragsdale) and help with his Alzheimer-suffering mother (Ruby Dee). Soon after signing Dr. Sinja, Jack leans on a Bodhi tree that suddenly sprouted near the pool in the backyard and every time he speaks a word, a leaf falls off. Dr. Sinja estimates that there are about a thousand leaves on the tree and that Jack's life will be over when they're all gone. It turns out that written words count and a raised middle finger costs two leaves. But drawing, making animal noises, and grunting don't register, so Jack essentially uses charades to communicate. Directed by Brian Robbins, this ostensibly inspirational comic fable about truly listening, saying meaningful things, and treasuring life is fashioned like a Hallmark card. But it doesn't work: Eddie Murphy miming should be amusing, but it isn't, even when he's torturously trying to order a triple latte at Starbucks. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes (6 min.), trailers, and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are additional deleted scenes (7 min.), and an alternate ending (2 min.). Bottom line: a small extras package for a disappointing comedy.] (S. Granger)