Imagine That (2009)

Directed by: Karey Kirkpatrick | 100 minutes | drama, comedy, fantasy | Actors: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Yara Shahidi, Ronny Cox, Stephen Rannazzisi, Nicole Ari Parker, DeRay Davis, Vanessa Williams, Martin Sheen, Lauren Weedman, Timm Sharp, Daniel Polo, Stephen Root, Richard Schiff, Marin Hinkle, Bobb ‘e J. Thompson, Blake Hightower, Michael McMillian, Catherine McGoohan, James Patrick Stuart, Tonita Castro, Charlie Koznick, Talen Ruth Riley

At first glance, ‘Imagine That’ seems doomed to take its place in Eddie Murphy’s list of recent film failures, and to have the dubious honor of being yet another sluggish family film in which the irresponsible, selfish father restores his bond with his child and sees what really matters in life (: a harmonious, loving family!). And although ‘Imagine That’ differs structurally in little of these kinds of films and indeed falls prey to hopeless clichés in the second half, the film manages to convince for a long time as the perfect combination of family entertainment and Murphy’s comedy magic. Murphy’s last really successful comedic appearance took place ten years ago when the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ star co-created the movie parody ‘Bowfinger’ with fellow comedian Steve Martin. Since then, a series of mediocre or downright bad material from the actor has been released, which left little hope for a successful comeback return. ‘Pluto Nash’, ‘Daddy Day Care’, and ‘Norbit’ are just a few of the misfires Murphy has poured out on movie audiences. Only in animated form, as Mushu in Disney’s “Mulan” or as Donkey in the popular “Shrek” films from Dreamworks, Murphy proved to be just fine, with a manic energy that has lost none of its strength. And, although he often has to show the sensitive or “family-friendly” side here, in ‘Imagine That’ you can see some of this in some scenes. When he goes crazy at a presentation at work, scolds his competitor Johnny Whitefeather (a hilarious Thomas Haden Church), or makes a fool of himself during an imaginary adventure in his living room with his daughter, we see another nice open-minded and old-fashioned funny Murphy. Two things turn out to be (or have been) of great importance in this film. The casting of Murphy, Church, and the little girl Yara Shahidi, and a few narrative choices that manage to keep clichés at bay for a relatively long time and allow the viewer to build a bond with father and daughter.

‘Imagine That’ is suspiciously similar to films like ‘Jersey Girl’, ‘About a Boy’, and ‘The Game Plan’, and when Murphy’s character Evan Danielson practically ignores his daughter at the beginning of the film as he sits at his computer with business, and she walks crestfallen looking at her bedroom, you as a viewer fear the worst. There is of course a long build-up of the conflict between the two where he does not look after her and she continues to ask for his love. Ultimately, he will only come to an understanding when she (or himself) gets into trouble because of his irresponsible behavior. But luckily in this case things are different. Danielson is not an exaggerated bogeyman who initially treats his daughter like dirt and later overflows with love for the little sprout, as was the case in ‘Jersey Girl’ for example. No, in that respect the course of this film is a bit more realistic. As soon as she walks sadly to her room, Daddy already regrets it and goes to apologize. And even though self-interest is the reason for his immersion in his daughter’s fantasy world, he does treat her with love in their games together. Another good choice – consciously or by necessity or not – is to leave the fantasy scenes in the minds of father and daughter (and spectator) and not to depict them literally (as in ‘Bedtime Stories’). So when Murphy and Shahidi walk into a forest and encounter a dragon and two princesses, you just see them walking through his apartment and ducking behind a table or chair. And when they look at the creatures in fear, full of joy, awe, or amazement, they just stare out the window, at the stairs, or at a painting on the wall. It makes the whole thing so much more believable and charming. Now you really see a child’s imagination in action. And Shahidi knows how to sell it very well. Because of the sparkle in her eyes and her really coming across laughter, you believe as a viewer that they really see a dragon or a princess, so that as a spectator you actually see them. In addition, Murhpy appears to have a natural father-daughter bond with Shahidi. At least, that’s what it looks like on screen when they’re having fun or hugging each other. This credibility and apparent authenticity is important to the viewer’s investment in the characters. This ensures that ‘Imagine That’ turns out to be just a fun outing for an hour and not too much caught in the obligations of a movie script.

Unfortunately, this changes in the final act of the film, when ‘Imagine That’ is hopelessly clichéd, culminating in a dime-a-dozen, now almost sickening finale, in which the child plays a stage and the irresponsible father takes the lead. instance doesn’t seem to come, but still makes a surprise appearance. The worst part is that the film wants to eat from both sides. In fact, in order to be at his daughter’s performance, Evan has to give up his career. When he then, quite admirably, chooses for his family, this already brings enough joy to the viewer. There is absolutely no need, as happens here, to restart his career in the second instance because the boss he left is impressed by his choice and therefore still gives him the job. disfigured. The value of choice lies precisely in the fact that so much is at stake. But luckily ‘Imagine That’ has more to offer than hopeless clichés and a lousy ending. The film is saved by the bond between father and daughter, the fun fantasy scenes and the comedic powers in the film. Not only is Murphy on a roll, Haden Church steals every scene he appears in, with his fake Native American philosophies and identity, winning over his business associates time and time again. It makes ‘Imagine That’ a hit for families and fans of Murphy’s (and Haden Church’s) humor alike.