At the Movies with Fatwayne

Here is the setup. Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) is a successful financial guru who’s career is being challenged by a co-worker named  Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Hayden Church). Evan is a workaholic and has neglected his family consisting of his estranged wife, Tricia,  and his six year old daughter, Olivia. Quite by accident while caring for Olivia, Evan discovers that her goo-gaa (security blanket) has magical powers to predict financial matters while in the hands of Olivia. Evan sees this as just the edge he needs to be more successful on the job.

The movie concerns itself with the relationship that develops between Evan and Olivia and how they become much closer because of the goo-gaa. As you might surmise, Evan realizes that success in business is not the only important thing in his life but is he willing to give it all up to get his family back?

Eddie Murphy more or less just goes through his paces. He seems fairly content to portray this type of individual (Haunted Mansion, Dr. Doolittle). The real scene stealers are Yara Shahidi and Thomas Hayden Church. Yara plays Olivia and she is the most relaxed and convincing child actor I have seen is a long time. She is simply adorable as Murphy’s daughter. Thomas plays the crazy and unbelievable Indian account executive, Johnny Whitefeather. He talks in nonsensical phrases and he really gives us a “far out” performance. He tells Evan (after Evan’s presentation goes badly) “Hey man, sometimes the best spear is the one you don’t throw! Ain’t nothing but a thing!” Meaningless and wacky, that’s Johnny Whitefeather!

So this turns out to be a fairly amusing movie that delivers a few tugs at the old heartstrings. Having seen some of the junk currently playing, you could do worse.

Johnny Whitefeather and others are quoted for your pleasure at this site: http://www.tvmoviequotes.com/imaginethat.htm

Rating  – PG -

Fatwayne’s rating –  -