Mr. Church (2016) User Reviews

A fine movie with murhphy as its heart and soul

[PaxtonMalloy · 7/10 · 16 January 2018]

I usually write those reviews for "extreme" reasons. If everybody hated a movie and I didn't. Or the other way round. Turns out there is another reason. When an actor who was once a star "comes back" with a stellar performance. Mr. Church is that film.

Murphy delivers a heart wearming performance. He is the soul of the movie. I guess we will never know why Murphy so rarely appears on the screen but If you watch him here you can't help yourself wanting to see him more often.

Don't get me wrong. This movie has problems and it is corny, sometimes a bit too much. But it is a film for families about families and a heartwarming one at that. Thats why it surely is no 10 rating but also no 4, 3, 2 or even 1 rating. If you want something for the family, if you like films like Forrest Gump and if you like Murphy, this is your movie.

One thing I wanted to say when I read the official critics. They complain about an Afro-American being the servant. If you think that, you clearly didn't get the movie at all. He is basically father, husband. grandfather in one person. So if you saw him as a servant, you should really think about what that says about you.

Sweet and authentic

[dmdcheney · 8/10 · 15 January 2019]

Mr. Church is sweet and authentic from the first word to the last. It is well-paced and devoid of drag with steller performances turned out by all players. Mr. Church demonstrates that while we may be on a linear path from birth to death, within that trajectory are full circle loops taking us from one gestalt to the next. It reminds us too how we make a difference in the lives of others and they in ours. Mr. Church was Eddy Murphy's movie to deliver and that he did. Unlike books which are meant to be read from beggining to end, sometimes the stories are better understood when we start from the end and work our way back.

Very lovely, unfairly criticized

[HotToastyRag · 9/10 · 28 September 2021]

Normally, I criticize movie previews for either spoiling the story or misrepresenting the genre, but if you watch the preview for Mr. Church, you'll get a pretty good idea of what it's about. You'll see teenager Britt Robinson and her mother, Natascha McElhone living alone in California in the 1960s. You'll see Britt's shocked reaction when she wakes up one morning to find Eddie Murphy, a total stranger, cooking breakfast in the kitchen. You'll find out he was hired to be their cook, and you'll guess that he eventually wins Britt's trust and affection. If you like the preview, you'll like the movie.

I remember reviewers being unduly harsh (as they usually are on Eddie Murphy movies) on this film, claiming it used the "magical Negro" trope and offended audiences. However, their claim held no water. This movie was based on a true story, and was told from the point of view of Britt Robinson's character. She was a teenager, and like most teenagers, didn't really understand or pay attention to other people besides herself. And, the entire point of the story (don't worry, no spoilers) was that she didn't get to know Mr. Church. He was an important fixture in her life, but he didn't let Britt get too close to him. That was the point! It wasn't a cinematic trope.

With those limitations, it would have been easy for the actor portraying Mr. Church to walk through the part without giving him humanity or realism. Eddie Murphy gave a wonderful performance full of layers and subtleties. He fed the audience little tidbits of a mysterious character, making us wonder and guess as to what was really inside him. The more we wondered, the more we cared. He was extremely real - not "magical" without any purpose besides helping out the white protagonist.

There are so many subtleties in this movie, from Eddie's character to his relationship with Natascha, that contrast beautifully with the loud setting of the 1960s and 1970s. Director Bruce Beresford and screenwriter Susan McMartin (who adopted her own true story to the screen) seemed to know exactly what the audience and when they needed it. Laughs, drama, a funky song, and silliness all show up at the right time.

I saw this movie on opening weekend, and it was a treat to see all the details on the big screen. But if you missed this one in the theaters, which unfortunately quite a few people did, rent it on a weekend when you're in the mood for a complex, heartwarming drama.

Excellent Performance From Murphy In A Movie Worth Coming Out Of Retirement For

[slightlymad22 · 10 February 2018]

Continuing my plan to watch every Eddie Murphy movie in order, I come to his last movie to daye, Mr Church (2016)

Plot In A Paragraph: Mr Church (Murphy) goes to work for single Mom Marie and her daughter Charlotte for 6 months. What develops is a deep bond that lasts for years.

If there was a movie worth coming out of retirement for, this was it. He is superb. Of rank this up there with Dreamgirls in terms of his performance, he is that good!! Murphy is ably backed up by Natasha McElhone, who is as reliable as always and Britt Robertson is impressive too.

I watched this with my youngest, and we both enjoyed it!! I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried towards the end, if this is the last movie makes, it is a fitting movie to go out on!! He made me laugh with his first movie, and cry with his last.

I admire the fact that he said he would retire at 50, and with the exception of this movie, he has done it. If he comes out of retirement to make a solid movie like this every couple of years, I'd be happy.

Mr Church only received a limited release in theatres, which is a shame.

Excellent movie

[sheldog-57864 · 10/10 · 23 October 2016]

I am so sad that this movie hasn't been advertised like other movies. I happen to find it on a whim. In this crazy world, this movie helps you remember that there are still good people who truly care, who are selfless. Eddie Murphy deserves an Oscar and so does the movie. I wasn't familiar with the young lady who acted with him. The character Charlotte

showed acceptance, love, hope and friendship. What a true friend really is and should be. This movie sees past racial lines and shows love. Best movie I have seen this year. It pulls at your heart strings. It is a must see.

Best Heartfelt Movie in a very long time

[arizona-43561 · 10/10 · 22 October 2017]

Best heartfelt movie I have seen in a long time. Hollywood finally got it right. This is the kind of movie that hardworking people want to see. Not the trash at theater's now days. Great messages, one will experience all feelings and, yes, people can be friends. Eddie Murphy is excellent in this role.

"He was like the moon - cool, calm, and always there."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 27 October 2018]

My best takeaway from the film is that it's not only possible, but probably occurs more often than one usually would consider, that a healthy relationship along biracial lines can exist on the order of "Mr. Church". Having mentioned that though, I did find it odd that through all the circumstances that Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) and the Brooks's were engaged in, no one came across with a snide remark or was derisive in any way. Especially when Charlie (Britt Robertson) wound up living with him during and after her pregnancy. It seemed like pains were taken by the filmmakers to specifically avoid racial situations that could have blown up due to intolerance or simple ignorance.

What bothered me had to do with the intense secrecy that Mr. Church demanded regarding his personal life. The fact of an unhappy childhood due to a father's verbal and physical abuse didn't sound like something that someone like Marie (Natascha McElhone) or Charlie wouldn't have been able to process. In fact, a heart to heart conversation between the parties might have led to an even deeper understanding between them. Mr. Church appeared to be exceptionally well disciplined in matters of personal decorum around the Brooks home, making it that much more unlikely for him to spend two nights a week getting wasted at Jelly's. So that entire dynamic didn't seem credible to me as the story progressed.

As a feel good movie, the movie hits a lot of the right marks and is well recommended for family fare. Yet situations like Charlie's pregnancy and Mr. Church's wild tantrums when people get too close to him negate some of the positive vibe that the picture strives for. It was fascinating however to see a different side to Eddie Murphy's acting range. It wouldn't have hurt though, to see him crack a smile every now and then.

If there was ever a time the critics were wrong!!

[sonofjorel316 · 9/10 · 26 September 2020]

Then this is it.

I seriously do not know what film the critics were watching but, this is an absolutely fantastic film. You will see a performance from Eddie Murphy you haven't seen since Dreamgirls. In fairness, I think his performance in this film is a country mile better so, If you enjoyed him in Dreamgirls, You will be floored by his acting in this film.

Its an actual crime he got no Academy nomination for this film.

No spoilers here. I implore you to give this film a view. Emotions you thought you might have lost, will all of a sudden come back to you.

If you are still reading this review .....Why? Go watch Mr Church right now!

Eddie Murphy's surprising come-back in a predictable tearjerker.

[peterp-450-298716 · 7/10 · 13 December 2016]

"The wise son seeketh the father's instruction, but the scorner heareth not rebuke. I don't give a sh*t."

The quote above is, believe it or not, pronounced at a given moment by Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) while he was drunk. Apparently alcohol has such an impact on him that he starts to use a vocabulary in such a way, an ordinary mortal can only guess the ultimate significance of what he's saying. This was also the first time I totally didn't understand what Eddie Murphy was talking about at that very moment (maybe it's due to my limited knowledge of English). In "Mr. Church"you'll see a totally different Murphy at work. No smooth talking and witty one-liners. Don't expect to hear that catchy, infamous laugh from him. Not once it'll echo through the living room. Nope, here he puts himself in the shoes of a gentle, helpful and warmhearted cook who tries to accomplish a given task with conviction and empathy.

This task was entrusted to him by Richard Cannon. He was once the lover of Marie Brody (Natascha McElhone) who left him after discovering that he was already married. However, he promised that he would always take care of her. Even after his death. If it turns out that Marie is terminally ill and only has six months to live, her daughter Charlie (Natalie Coughlin) discovers one morning there's a "black man" making breakfast in their kitchen. And from that day on Mr. Chruch conjures delicious dishes out of his culinary magic hat. So, you can expect a whole series of hunger-arousing images. It's almost similar to a Jamie Oliver TV show. Afterwards we come to know that Marie is still fighting her terminal illness after six years. Church's role as family cook slowly disappears into the background and over time he becomes the paterfamilias and acts as a father figure to Charlotte (Britt Robertson).

Here, where I live, the remark after watching this movie would be "Wow, what a lovely film this was!". Granted, it's packed with cliché elements as used in any melodramatic coming of age film. The course is extremely predictable. Not much imagination is needed to realize that the roles will be reversed at any given time and how it's going to end. Both at the beginning and at the end they used the same text fragment "Henry Joseph Church could have been anything he wanted. He chose to cook.". A subtle clue pointing at the cyclical nature of the film. But despite being a typical tearjerker, this film was able to captivate and fascinate me. Maybe because from time to time I need to watch a more positive film. Most films are about the evil side of a person. This film is about loyalty, affection, offering some help during hard times and the importance of family ties. You can start whining again about the possible racist tone and thus seeing Mr. Church as the happy, cheerful house negro who serves a white family. A kind of modern "Uncle Tom" in other words. It didn't feel like that for me. And I'm convinced you missed the essence of the story.

But what's Mr.Church's big secret, anyway? He loves jazz. That's clear from the first moment. He's probably a jazz pianist. I noticed that he was pretending to play a piano on his knees while smoking a cigarette outside and listening to a jazz song in the background. He also mentioned it in a subtle way to Marie. And his visits to the nightclub Jelly (Charlie discovered this by accident when she was driving around the city with Poppy), a neon-lit bar you instantly have feelings about that it's a jazz club, seemed to me the appropriate place to find an audience for his talent. He paints, reads literature and uses secret ingredients while cooking. But are these really such big secrets that one should remain silent about it? Hearing what Mr. Church said when he came home drunk ("Yeah, that's right! I'm a sinner! Who's a fagot? You the goddamn fagot. "), I have a feeling it's more about his sexual orientation.

It stays a secret all the way. Nothing but praise for Eddie Murphy who attempts to get rid of his stand-up comedian label. And he succeeds perfectly. It's a pleasure to see him playing the two opposing Mr. Churches. On the one hand a dutiful and human figure. On the other a tormented person who still hasn't come to terms with his past. Also the acting of both Natascha McElhone as Britt Robertson can be called excellent. Especially the moments with Murphy and McElhone are sublime. Maybe it all feels a bit corny and old-fashioned. But it still remains a lovely film.

More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT

Loved it!!

[redkrypto-16659 · 10/10 · 24 March 2018]

Do not want to give away any spoilers here. Just have to say that this movie is absolutely beautiful. Bravo Eddie Murphy and entire cast. Kept my wife and I on the verge of tears for the duration. Just beautiful! Thanks!!

Yes - a good movie, actually - a VERY good movie

[kenfromcanada · 7/10 · 16 October 2016]

I guess I have come full circle when it comes to Eddie Murphy movies. It was 1984, I was a newly wed and Eddie was a slightly racy movie star, but, perfect for a couples evening at the cinema! And we cried with laughter. I would never have believed that some 30 plus years later I would be watching an Eddie Murphy movie and crying in a different way. This is a fairly simple movie, easy to follow, no special effects, just the type of movie Hollywood used to do so well. I guess there is still hope. Along with Eddie there are a couple of known actors,no spoiler alert - but Eddie has aged very well! Full circle - I watch movies on my own now..

Wow! When was the last time Eddie Murphy was in a movie this good!?

[subxerogravity · 8/10 · 18 September 2016]

I went to my local theater and saw a poster for Mr. Church, with Eddie Murphy's face as big as day on it. Never even herd of this movie and the lack of campaigning from anywhere was strange for me as I sill feel Murphy has that movie star status, but he chooses to do this very quiet under the radar film, that's totally worth seeing.

It's a story told by Charlotte Brooks, a young girl living with her mother, who had a relationship with a married man and got written into his will, that a cook, played by Murphy would prepare meals for her until she dies, which was supposed to be in six mouths do to breast cancer but ended up being way longer and the experience would create a lifelong friendship for all evolved.

Very heart pulling motion picture about the type of friendships that you make with certain people that make them family.

Eddie Murphy picked real good with this one. He could have some new legs in his career if he plays his cards right. After all, Sam Jackson and Morgan Freeman are not getting any younger, and Hollywood will be looking for someone to take their place.

It's definitely a departure greatly from what you expect from Murphy. Not the adult laughs of Beverly Hills Cop or the family get together of the Nutty Professor. Murphy might be on the poster but he takes the role of supporting Britt Roberson as she tells Charlotte Brooks story, but his performance is not phoned in at all, showcasing the magic that made him a force worth seeing back in the day.

I'm very impress as I did not think I would get an amazing film out of Mr. Church.

You should add this to the must see before you die list :)

[Q8-MarronGlace · 7/10 · 19 October 2016]

First just ignore negative racist reviews which unfortunately I found them in some other rating movies websites and you might see them here as well !

This is a very good well written plot about a unique friendship which you'll dream of having your own Mr. church , Its more of a family relation when some families member are missing that with one another at these time .

It started when a girl is telling her story with a stranger cook in her kitchen house from there things started to feel differently since she saw him at the first time ..

That relation starts to grow over the time with all the events they both have experience together from starting of a six month arrangement then that time have extended into years .

It's one of a great drama films I have seen since a long time .

Mr. Murphy is Memorable in Implausible Sobstory

[lavatch · 5/10 · 26 October 2016]

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.

Shocking!!! Hidden secret bravo!! Mr Murphy

[jefflang-71026 · 10/10 · 1 January 2019]

This movie was recommended by my lady and I must say I am shock I've never heard of it till this day. Kept me in tears the whole movie. I don't usually write reviews but this one is a must see. After you've seen please tell all your friends. Especially those whole love a heart felt movie that shows true love beyond all barriers. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!!!!!

Mr Church is a MUST SEE!

[kchantung · 10/10 · 16 September 2016]

Mr Church was a phenomenal film. Eddie Murphy delivers an Oscar worthy performance and almost certainly will win a Golden Globe. Well paced, written, and acted, this movie will captivate you from beginning to end. Although its predictable, the movie evokes the perfect amount of emotion to visualize the best parts of life's journey. Mr Church is a must see and should not be Ediie Murphy's last serious film role. Britt Robertson is always lovely and is an excellent actress with award winning performances in her future. Perfect start to the Fall film season with this masterful performance by Murphy. His on screen chemistry with Robertson is palpable and the evolution of their relationship over time is heart warming and leaves you wishing we all had a Mr Church in our lives.

Very nice, quiet drama based on real people, Eddie Murphy shines as Mr. Church.

[TxMike · 4 January 2017]

My wife and I saw and enjoyed this movie via Amazon Prime streaming movies.

As the author explains it is based on a real person in her life, although the name is changed and that person did in fact die some years ago. Some of the events and ages are changed for purposes of making the movie flow better but the core of it is the devotion and friendship that the relationship represented.

Here Eddie Murphy is "Mr. Church", Henry Church who was hired by a wealthy man, to go daily to his ex-lover's home to cook for her and her 10-yr-old daughter, and perhaps do other appropriate things. The lady, Natascha McElhone as Marie, had breast cancer and was only given 6 months to live. The 6- month plan turned into an almost 20-year relationship starting in 1971.

Mr. Church remained a mystery to others, he would show up each morning and would cook marvelous meals. He also was an artist and a musician, a piano player. He was always proper and spoke kindly, but had a nasty cigarette habit. In the evening he would walk away, never wanting to discuss where he lived or what he did on his own time.

Marie had a young daughter of 10 when Mr. Church showed up, and that character, Charlie, is based on the author herself. Charlie grew up and was played by Britt Robertson as a teenager in high school, a young college student, then a young single mother.

The acting is uniformly good, and I especially like Eddie Murphy. While most know him for his comedy he is even better, in my mind, in dramatic roles. He is a marvelous Mr. Church. Good movie.

SPOILERS: In real life the mother did not die from the cancer, she is in fact still alive. Mr. Church did contract lung cancer and died after Charlie came back to L.A. from college in Boston, pregnant with her soon to be born daughter. But the role Mr. Church played essentially was the only father that Charlie ever knew and clearly had a positive effect on her life and career. The end of the movie shows her activating her typewriter and writing a story called "Mr. Church."

Surprisingly not funny. That's a good thing.

[Kdosda_Hegen · 7/10 · 24 November 2020]

It's rare to see a comedian in a serious role. He nailed it so good. This film has no comesy elements which was suprising. I'm not sure why cast a comedian in a serious drama, but it worked flawlessly. This film was great, just the protagonist was terrible, she was so annoying, ruined this great drama.

Who wouldn't want a cook?

[nogodnomasters · 10/10 · 15 September 2017]

Marie Brooke (Natascha McElhone) had an affair with Richard, a wealthy married man. Upon his death he gave his cook, Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) a stipend to take of Marie and her child Charlie (Natalie Coughlin/Britt Robertson) as Marie was dying from breast cancer in 1971 LA. Mr. Church has a private life he prefers not to share as the film jumps to 1977.

This is a simple heart warming film which incorporates the best in all of us, emphasizing a forgiving and loving nature. Love touches everyone's life in positive ways. If you want to watch a film with heart, character, but not much action or high tension drama, this one was well performed. Should get a nomination.

Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity

Eddie Murphy deserves a much better film than this, to show off his underused talent.

[Hellmant · 6/10 · 8 February 2017]

'MR. CHURCH': Three Stars (Out of Five)

The new drama starring Eddie Murphy as a family's cook, that bonds with the young woman he's helping take care of. The movie also stars Britt Robertson and Natascha McElhone. It was directed by Bruce Beresford, who also directed the 1989 Oscar winner 'DRIVING MISS DAISY' (also about a beloved black man helping white people), and it was written by Susan McMartin (who also co-wrote the 1993 Pauly Shore vehicle 'SON IN LAW'). The film has received mostly negative reviews from critics, but Murphy's performance has been mostly praised. I found it to be a mildly enjoyable movie, but it's definitely nothing memorable.

The story begins in the 1970s, when Charlie Brooks (Robertson) is just a young girl (Natalie Coughlin). She lives with her single mother, Marie (McElhone), in a small apartment, and she's surprised to find a strange man, named Henry Joseph Church (Murphy), cooking in their kitchen one morning. Charlie later learns that Mr. Church was hired by her mom's ex-lover, to take care of the two of them (and specifically cook for them). She also later learns that her mother is sick with terminal cancer. Charlie forms a very strong relationship with Mr. Church, that lasts many years after her mother's passing.

The movie is overly sentimental, and quite cheesy at times, but Murphy is great in it. I think the character of Mr. Church could have been a classic character too, in a much better film than this. The movie looks, and feels, like it could have been an Oscar contender, before you actually sit down and watch it. It's a shame because Murphy deserves a much better film than this, to show off his underused talent.

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Excellent movie! Eddie Murphy's finest work

[sixcartrane · 10/10 · 19 January 2017]

This movie was wonderful to watch and so thankful I had the opportunity to see it! A touching, caring and very moving story of humanity at its finest. To know that it's based off of a true life story makes it all the more incredible! The world would be a much better place if we all had a Mr. Church in our lives.

Eddie Murphy's deliverance of Mr. Church I believe, is his finest quality work. His portrayal of his character captivated me from the beginning. He made the film. I hope he continues in the future with movies of this caliber and beauty.

This movie is now on the top of my list of all time favorites and I will watch it again and again. It was that good.

Eddie's return

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 14 September 2021]

It's 1971 Los Angeles. One morning, Charlotte "Charlie" Brooks finds a black stranger cooking breakfast for her and her mother (Natascha McElhone). She's not happy and distrusts him. What she doesn't know is that the stranger is Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy). He's been hired by her mother's late rich boyfriend to cook for six months and her mother has that time left with her hidden breast cancer. Six years later, Charlie (Britt Robertson)'s mother is still hanging on and Mr. Church is still cooking for the family.

Eddie's last movie "A Thousand Words" is fine. He may have changed over the years but he never lost his inner charisma. It's well within him to play Mr. Church although I would have wanted him to be less the magical negro in the beginning. It may be the intention to start the movie that way but I don't think that intention serves the movie well. The magical reality continues with the drunken homeless guy but it feels like a literary creation. He's the magical drunk. Well, I guess Mr. Church is also a magical drunk. It's the type of movie where everybody returns later in the movie. If the movie could cut out some of the magical thinking, it could become more flesh and blood. The reality rather than magic would be even more powerful.

Must See

[tommywindham · 9/10 · 8 September 2016]

Very good screenplay. "Mr. Church" tells the story of a unique friendship that develops when a little girl and her dying mother retain the services of a talented cook - Henry Joseph Church. What begins as a six month arrangement instead spans fifteen years, and creates a family bond that lasts forever (copied from IMDb). Was blessed be invited to the Premier. Very well directed, Eddie is magnificent in his roll as Mr. Church (Oscar performance). One of the better movies you will see this year. Madison Wolfe who plays young Poppy is fantastic. Believe me you will see her in the future. Very talented actress. This film will make you cry. Lucy Fry plays the older Poppy and just kills it. You will see her in the future films as well. Make sure you see this film. It will uplift you.

I'm Getting Jaded

[Stoshie · 7/10 · 12 May 2019]

I must be getting jaded, because I didn't find this film as inspiring or heartwarming or great as many other people did. It's the story of people living their lives. We all have our stories. We all have tragedy and death in our lives, we all have joy. I learned nothing from the movie, I felt nothing I haven't felt in my own life. But I guess people looking for a good cry would enjoy it.

I did really, really like one thing about the film, though; Eddie Murphy's performance. It was nice to see him tone it down for once. Plus he showed some acting chops too, able to express emotion with no or few words. I'd like to see more of the same from him.

9 stars for him, 5 stars for a stereotypical script = 7 stars overall.

Eddie, you deserved better

[adamyshoe · 3/10 · 27 June 2017]

It looked like a sure thing. "Driving Miss Daisy" in the 70's and 80's in California. Eddie Murphy must have jumped at the chance to be part of what seemed like surefire Oscar-bait. And the acting is not bad. Eddie Murphy is the clear standout, although he doesn't have much to work with. Natasha McElhone really classes up the first third of the movie (as you may know from the preview, she doesn't last too long). Even Britt Robertson is fun to watch, although her character is one of passivity - things happen for her and to her, there is not much that she takes an active role in. She explains in the film that after her mother was gone, she "lost her way" but it's never clear she has much of a way to begin with. Plenty of interesting characters with potential.

The real problem is the writing. None of the people that we meet are fleshed out fully and are end up tropes of people we've seen before. Dying Cancer Mom. Independent Daughter Who Never Knew She Needed a Dad. "Magical Negro." Mr. Church's life and motivations are a mystery, never even fully resolved at the end of the film - why? The film hints toward the beginning about some great reveal as to why Mr. Church has come to live with Marie and Charlie, but there is never any satisfying payoff. The narration from Robertson's character is annoying to the point of distraction at points in the film, bless her for not laughing her way through hackneyed narrative like "my mother was the sun, Mr. Church was the moon..." Most everything is predictable and telegraphed, or sometimes plot points are telegraphed with little resolution. Mr. Church goes to that "naughty" jazz club twice a week and also somehow plays a mean jazz piano...OMG, what to make of that? Sounds like an important life choice to keep secret from the only people in your life!

This smacked of an important story about a non-traditional family, but ended up being a glurgy mess.