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Mr. Church

Play trailer 2:30 Poster for Mr. Church PG-13 Released Sep 16, 2016 1h 44m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Mr. Church

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Greg R Critics were incredibly harsh... it's a nice story with solid performances, especially by Eddie Murphy. Worth a watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/11/25 Full Review Audience Member This was such a departure for Eddie Murphy. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quiet dignity he portrayed in this role. No action, no comedy It's a gentle, heartwarming movie. I'd never heard a thing about it, and stumbled across it while searching for a movie to watch. I would certainly recommend it. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/24/25 Full Review s c Firstly, I am not a fan of Eddie Murphy’s comedy-neither stand-up nor movies. However, this dramatic role as Mr Church is amazing. He is such a great actor. I have wondered since watching Mr. Church why Mr Murphy chose a career in comedy instead of drama. I have watched this movie many times and recommend it to everyone. Try it. You will not be disappointed. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/22/25 Full Review Eddie L By accident ran into this movie and ended up watching it. First time seeing only half the movie and then determined to watch the whole movie again. This is a heartfelt and moving movie. Such a beautiful story with kindness, compassion and grace. I do like this movie. It is a movie about relationships. This movie has its ups & downs in relationships which showing that we human do need friends and family (even acquaintance and somebody in the streets you don’t know). This movie also showing forgiveness can bring people together. Anyone can make and form a family, live together as a family as long as they care for each other and treat each other respectfully with love. I have no complain about the story line and how the story is written. The movie is fine with me. We always know that nothing can be perfect, nothing can be explained fully in such a short time in a movie. After all, we just want to watch a movie to escape in a way and bring back the love and memory that we can have. Just one thing though, the actors cast in this movie playing their role is important. I am glad that was Eddie Murphy playing Mr. Church instead of Samuel L. Jackson. Eddie Murphy’s has a look and feels as a kinder and more caring person. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/25 Full Review Fred L After watching this film on the plane, I realized most so-called professional critics were self-righteous, empty talking heads. Instead of appreciating actors for expanding their range, these critics forced them to crawl back to their roots. Their negativities destroyed a well-written, thoughtfully crafted film. I hope Eddie Murphy continues to seek out dramatic roles, as his initial attempt was exceptional. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/19/25 Full Review D. A Without a doubt Eddie Murphy's BEST performance on film hands down. Murphy does MORE with less in his understated powerful performance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Mr. Church

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Movie Info

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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