Mr. Church

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2:30

Mr. Church

PG-13

Released Sep 16, 2016

1h 44m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

25%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

When a young girl and her dying mother are joined by a black male cook who comes to live with them, little do they know that their lives are about to change forever.

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Valerie Complex

Black Girl Nerds

Man, this type of role is really out of pocket for Eddie Murphy. He isn't funny, and he isn't particularly interesting.

Jan 1, 2017

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

It's repugnant for its dehumanizing view (however unintentionally so) of a black man, and repugnant for its emptying-out of one of the great black performers of the time into a sanitized symbol of acceptable blackness.

Sep 22, 2016

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Odie Henderson

RogerEbert.com

After helming this, an episode of Roots and Best Picture-winner Driving Miss Daisy, Beresford should be forced to join 'Subservient Cinematic Negroes Anonymous.'

Rated: 1/4

Sep 16, 2016

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Rendy Jones

Rendy Reviews

This is the film is not only the comeback that Eddie Murphy needed but the comeback he deserved.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 30, 2018

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Mae Abdulbaki

Punch Drunk Critics

Certain frustrations aside, Mr. Church does make you feel and on several occasions brings a quiet sense of beauty in a life lived with love and a few heartwarming moments.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 14, 2018

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Meena Iyer

The Times of India

If you're in the mood for some soppy, sentimental stuff, give this film a try.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 6, 2017

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Re' H

I found this story incredibly moving. This movie lets out all the messy entanglements in life and brings a sweetness when people connect and eventually open up our soft insides. Beyond the funny guy, Eddie’s performance is a beautiful one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

Full Review

Audience Member

what a story... really moving

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/07/25

Full Review

Susan M

I loved this movie so much! As I look at the critics reviews, I’m curious as to where their hearts reside. Who couldn’t be moved be the tender grace and kindness in this flick? Many thanks to all involved.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/25

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James D

Mr. Church is a wonderful story of a movie. Bravo to Eddie Murphy for starring in a mature, heartfelt movie befitting of his status as an icon of American culture. To the critics, especially those inserting a racial component, I can only say, rewatch the movie devoid of any personal bias, stereotypes or expectations. Try and take the movie for what it is and you may be surprised.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

Full Review

Rennae A

Mr. Church is a heartfelt and moving film that I thoroughly enjoyed. I couldn’t help but feel that it would make an incredible book—does one exist? (Seriously, I’d love to read it!) A lot of criticism seems to focus on Mr. Church’s character being "underwritten" or "missing" from key parts of the story, but I think that misses the point. His mystery is intentional—he’s a private, reserved man whose impact isn’t defined by how much we know about him, but by the profound way he influences those around him. You don’t have to know someone’s entire life story for them to change yours. The subtle glimpses into his past are enough to paint a picture of who he is without taking away from the film’s central themes. I absolutely adore this movie and highly recommend it, especially to those with a soft spot for stories about found family. Whether you’re a new parent, someone who has experienced loss, or someone who has struggled with mental health or addiction, this film delivers a powerful, emotional message. It’s uplifting yet bittersweet—one that will leave you misty-eyed but deeply moved.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

Full Review

Keelyn 1

I ran across a clip on FB and am so glad I did. I never heard of this film before and it is beautiful. I loved the development of the family and growth each character. It is a drama, not a comedy, and yes there are moments that can bring tears. Such a beautiful story of kindness, compassion and grace.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/25

Full Review

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Bruce Beresford

Director

Eddie Murphy

Henry Joseph Church

Britt Robertson

Charlotte "Charlie" Brody

Xavier Samuel

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Mr. Church: Trailer 1

2:30

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Synopsis

When a young girl and her dying mother are joined by a black male cook who comes to live with them, little do they know that their lives are about to change forever.

Director: Bruce Beresford
Producer: Mark Canton, Lee Nelson, David Buelow, Courtney Solomon
Screenwriter: Susan McMartin
Distributor: Cinelou Films
Production Co: Cinelou Films, Atmosphere Entertainment MM LLC, Envision Media Arts, After Dark Films
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 16, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $685.2K
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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