In this "sobstory," Eddie Murphy delivers a memorable performance as the quiet and deferential Henry Church, a man who is retained as a cook for a woman dying of cancer.
The former lover of the woman left a bequest in his will for Mr. Church's services as a cook for a six-month period. However, the woman battles the cancer for years, instead of months, and Mr. Church dutifully carries out his chores, becoming more and more attached to the woman and her little daughter. With the final passing of the woman, Mr. Church then takes on the role of cooking and carrying for the daughter, after she becomes pregnant. In time, the new baby arrives, and it is clear that Mr. Church is now catering to a third generation of single women.
While the bonus section of the DVD indicated that "Mr. Church" was based on a true story, the film itself was wildly implausible. The utterly selfless nature of Henry Church's character stretched credibility beyond the pale. It was also disappointing that the true story of Mr. Church's private life was never fully revealed. The viewer learns only that he was a piano player in a jazz club and that he had a troubled relationship with his father.
Murphy is great in the role of Henry Church, and Britt Robertson turns in an excellent performance as the daughter. The film delivers some memorable and empathetic moments. Still, the filmmakers never explain how or why Mr. Church could support three generations of women and what kind of a "family" environment he really enjoyed in their company. The women undoubtedly adored his doting. But the viewer looking at the film from the perspective of Mr. Church has to wonder what on earth he is getting out of the relationships.
In the end, there are too many unanswered and troubling questions about the unorthodox American "family," as depicted in this film.
The former lover of the woman left a bequest in his will for Mr. Church's services as a cook for a six-month period. However, the woman battles the cancer for years, instead of months, and Mr. Church dutifully carries out his chores, becoming more and more attached to the woman and her little daughter. With the final passing of the woman, Mr. Church then takes on the role of cooking and carrying for the daughter, after she becomes pregnant. In time, the new baby arrives, and it is clear that Mr. Church is now catering to a third generation of single women.
While the bonus section of the DVD indicated that "Mr. Church" was based on a true story, the film itself was wildly implausible. The utterly selfless nature of Henry Church's character stretched credibility beyond the pale. It was also disappointing that the true story of Mr. Church's private life was never fully revealed. The viewer learns only that he was a piano player in a jazz club and that he had a troubled relationship with his father.
Murphy is great in the role of Henry Church, and Britt Robertson turns in an excellent performance as the daughter. The film delivers some memorable and empathetic moments. Still, the filmmakers never explain how or why Mr. Church could support three generations of women and what kind of a "family" environment he really enjoyed in their company. The women undoubtedly adored his doting. But the viewer looking at the film from the perspective of Mr. Church has to wonder what on earth he is getting out of the relationships.
In the end, there are too many unanswered and troubling questions about the unorthodox American "family," as depicted in this film.