It’s a comedy that delves into a deeper meaning. It’s not 100% plain comedy, but is not 100% serious.
I’d give it a 60/40 ratio of funniness to seriousness. It stars Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington, Cliff Curtis, Clark Duke, and Allison Janney.
Here’s the story: “After stretching the truth on a deal with a spiritual guru, literary agent Jack McCall finds a Bodhi tree on his property. Its appearance holds a valuable lesson on the consequences of every word we speak.” With every word that he speaks or writes, a leaf falls off the tree. Once all the leaves fall off the tree, he will die. So he can’t talk. 
Obviously, funny antics come about when Eddie Murphy is trying not to talk. He has one of the most expressive faces in Hollywood, so they made a great choice with him.
The more serious parts involve his family. His mother doesn’t remember him anymore and he almost loses his wife and son because he stops communicating with her (for some reason, he never uses some words to try and explain the whole tree thing with her).
The whole tree connection comes about because of Dr. Sinjah (Cliff Curtis), a new agey non-denominational guru who teaches silence is golden. He makes a deal with Murphy, a book agent,
which causes the weird tree/man condition.
There’s no blatant curse words or sexuality, but there is one scene with Kerry Washington all dressed up in a bondage-looking outfit, tights and stripper boots. Nothing “happens”, but it will make for a very interesting conversation if you have the kids watch it with you.
A THOUSAND WORDS is in theatres March 9, 2012. It’s 1 hour and 31 minutes long. Rated PG-13.
So what did I think?
I wouldn’t pay $12 to see it in the theater. Rent it when you’re bored on a Saturday night.
What do you think?
Does Eddie Murphy mean that much to you? Comment!
Watch the trailer:
