Murphy Stars in Drama as a Dad Bonding With DaughterHOLLYWOOD--It’s not hard to imagine how nearly every scene in “Imagine That” will play out.
Eddie Murphy stars as a workaholic father, too distracted by his work to engage in flights of fancy with his adorable daughter.
Mr. Murphy mugs and grimaces, pulling off physical contortions with manic energy.
Yara Shahidi, who plays his daughter, fares better.
She has an innate charm that contrasts with Mr. Murphy’s over-the-top efforts. Their few relaxed scenes together are among the movie’s best.
It’s too bad there’s little to distinguish this predictable tale from any other comedy about an overly busy father who finally connects with his child.
Reminiscent of “The Game Plan,” a surprise 2007 hit that benefited from the charisma of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Imagine That” feels like a pallid imitation.
Once a clever comedian, Mr. Murphy lost his edge a while ago.
This movie has even fewer laughs than “MeetDave,” though it’s better than “Daddy Day Care.”
“Imagine” spends too much time in the boardroom and too much time on the adult world to be viable family entertainment, but it does have moments of sweetness.
Mr. Murphy plays Evan, a financial executive who is obsessed with upward mobility.
He and his ex-wife, Trish (played by Nicole Ari Parker), are the parents of spunky 7-year-old Olivia (Yari Shahidi). Evan’s work-obsessed life and sterile-looking bachelor pad are ill-suited for the complications of child-rearing.
At the same time, his career takes a downward spiral.
Evan is annoyed by the new-agey piffle of Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church), an American Indian whose inane pronouncements are taken by clients as financial wisdom.
After his daughter draws him into her elaborate fantasy world, Evan’s work improves.
Olivia’s vivid imagination appears to hold the key to his success: insider stock tips from a queen and princesses who inhabit an imaginary kingdom.
However, it’s not always clear whether Evan is tapping into his inner child to connect with his daughter or to exploit her talent for predicting financial winners.
Yari Shahidi is an endearing, natural presence, and she and Mr. Murphy have some likable moments, but the story doesn’t focus enough on the strengthening bond between father and daughter, instead wasting time on office shenanigans and discussion of commodities and mergers.
Though “Imagine That’s” message is benign, its adult focus is off-base, and every move feels too familiar, formulaic and telegraphed.
