From a childhood growing up with a new Eddie Murphy movie almost every year, to an adulthood where it now seems like a rarity to hear about the comedy kingpin, let alone see him in a movie, Mr. Church is the 80's and 90's staple newest film and first to release since 2012, allowing us the opportunity to once more see Murphy on our screens.Those wishing to see old-school Murphy will be left sorely disappointed however as Mr. Church is Murphy at his most refined and low-key, perhaps the most he ever has been, as the wisecracking master dials it right down to portray real-life figure Henry Church in Bruce Beresford's dramatization of screenwriter Susan McMartin's upbringing with her kindly and good natured chef/father figure Mr. Church.Well adverse to feel good tales from his direction of films such as Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies and Evelyn, Australian director Beresford dials up the kitsch to 11 in this feel good drama and it's not hard to see why Mr. Church was almost unanimously panned by critics upon its curiously low-key release a few years back, but despite the film feeling rather manipulative and often too convenient in its overcoming's of heavy life events, there's a gentle feel good quality to this tale that is led by Murphy in what's arguably his most assured acting turn outside of his comedy hijinks.Walking that fine line between fairy-tale like guardian figure whose all too happy to be cooking and housekeeping for some white picket fence American's and a layered figure whose mysterious past and life experiences has led him to become the man as we see him, Murphy is Mr. Church's MVP and it's a performance that showcases just what might lay in store for his acting future as he reaches an age where characters like Axel Foley and Sherman Klump are no longer possibilities.It's a shame Beresford's rather uninspired direction and Mr. Church's other acting ensemble don't come to the party as Britt Robertson, who doubles up as our key figure Charlie and the films narrator, fails to make Charlie completely work as a character, while the intriguing but never fully resolved back story surrounding Henry Church never unlocks the way we hope it does making our emotional investment in the characters plight lesser than it could've easily been.While nice not to be spoon-fed everything we expect, Mr. Church's inability to maximise the power of its story frustrates more than it should.Final Say - Mr. Church is the type of film that'll make you feel good, even though you know you've been manipulated into feeling so and while it's a slight piece of cinematic fluff, it's particularly refreshing to see a side of Murphy we've seen very little of in a career built around outlandish turns and his performance here makes Mr. Church a passable middle of the road experience.2 ½ boxes of matches out of 5

This is not a film about church, worship or religion. This is a very touching film about a friendship between a young white child and a black cook. The fact the color differences are not talked about in the film I applaud the writer and the director. This was a great film and I was pleasantly surprised. The title I think should have been different as it some people may think the film is about an actual church or religion. Even though it is not a religious film per say it does border on a amazing film with great Christian values like Love, Friendship, Humility, Sharing, Caring, Patience, Grief, death. It was very nice to see Eddie Murphy in a dramatic role and he did a great job. I wish it was advertised better as Eddie Murphy could have or should have been nominated for an award for his portrayal of Mr. Henry Church. Kudos to the writers, director and cast for an amazing feel good movie.

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 has done such a great job in this movie. We now get to see his dramatic side. I have never heard of this movie before showing on Amazon Prime. I have now seen it 4 times showing it to various family members,and we have enjoyed it so much. Well done Eddie Murphy, well done!!