a thousand words movie essay

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Lessons learned from the movie A Thousand Words

Lessons learned from Eddie Murphy in the movie, A Thousand Words. Here are some quotes and lessons I took away from this film. Enjoy.

I am sure everyone can learn a few lessons from this movie–plot summary: Jack McCall is a fast-talking literary agent who can close any deal, any time, any way. He has set his sights on New Age guru Dr. Sinja for his own selfish purposes. But Dr. Sinja is on to him, and Jack’s life comes unglued after a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard. With every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from the tree and he realizes that when the last leaf falls, both he and the tree are toast. Words have never failed Jack McCall, but now he’s got to stop talking and conjure up some outrageous ways to communicate or he’s a goner.

Butterflies always seem to be a symbol of higher awareness. 

[Jack standing in front of his fathers grave] “I forgive you.” Dig deep and let go of the anger, the emotions that hold you back from your best life. Forgive.

  Take a moment and think about what you would want to say if you only had a thousand words left to say. What would you say & what would you do? Interesting idea, right?

Peace to you.  -H

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The poster art for "A Thousand Words" shows Eddie Murphy with duct tape over his mouth, which as a promotional idea ranks right up there with Fred Astaire in leg irons. The idea is that every time he says a word a leaf falls off the magical bodhi tree in his back yard, and when the last leaf falls, he dies.

Let's stop right there. Why did the bodhi tree magically spring out of the earth fully grown? I don't know. It must have something to do with a guru whose book he is trying to sell. Murphy plays Jack McCall, a literary agent who never reads books, and maybe this is karmic revenge. How is it determined that the tree began with 1,000 leaves? I dunno. It looks healthy to begin with, and the average bodhi tree has about 100,000 leaves. How do I know that? I don't, but it seems likely.

Jack is a motor mouth showboat who lives with his wife Caroline ( Kerry Washington ) and their son in a vast glass-walled bachelor's pad. I guess she's his wife. They have the same last name in the movie's credits, although at one point she indicates they aren't married. It doesn't make the slightest difference to the movie.

Jack's most meaningful relationship is with Aaron Wiseberger ( Clark Duke ), his nerdish assistant. It's Aaron who tapes his mouth shut to save his life when he's down to a few hundred words. Some words he squanders on his cell phone, and even more get used up during visits with his mother Annie ( Ruby Dee ), who has Alzheimer's and thinks he's his own father. You know with a dreadful certainty that sooner or later she will recognize him, and this will be intended as an uplifting turning point.

What "A Thousand Words" needs is some sort of a mystical score card to keep track of Jack's status in the universe. The guru who wrote the book, Dr. Sinja ( Cliff Curtis ), apparently knows something about this bodhi tree, but never explains the rules. When Jack finally apparently redeems himself, it seems to be by instinct or good luck. I say "apparently" because, as heaven's my witness, I'm not completely sure if Jack is alive, dead or reincarnated at the end of the movie. You could build a case for all three.

The running gag is that Jack has to communicate without speaking, or talk himself to death. At one point this struggle is conducted by using several dozen talking dolls and action figures which are conveniently scattered around the literary agency. Jack also does desperate pantomimes and gets so frustrated he seems ready to explode. I'm thinking, what I'd try is writing notes. But no, when he tries that the leaves drop off anyway.

I learn from Wikipedia that "A Thousand Words" was originally filmed in 2008. It was scheduled at one point to open in 2011, but was rescheduled until after the Oscars to take advantage of Murphy being named named to host the ceremony. That didn't work out, either.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

A Thousand Words (2012)

Rated PG-13 sexual situations including dialogue, language and some drug-related humor

Kerry Washington as Caroline McCall

Clark Duke as Aaron Wiseberger

Lou Saliba as Shrink

Alison Janney as Samantha Davis

Cliff Curtis as Dr. Sinja

Ruby Dee as Annie McCall

Eddie Murphy as Jack McCall

Directed by

• Brian Robbins

Screenplay by

• Steve Koren

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Silence Goes Beyond Golden; It Could Save Two Lives

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By Andy Webster

• March 8, 2012

Among the many lessons in “A Thousand Words” is how to manufacture a slick and generic Hollywood comedy-drama. In the simplicity of its premise it embodies the notion of high-concept entertainment. In its execution it demonstrates how technical efficiency can drain the life from a story.

Eddie Murphy plays Jack McCall, a Type A literary agent who, like Ari Gold on “Entourage,” abuses his loyal assistant (an amusing Clark Duke) in his quest to seal a deal, sparing no time for his wife (Kerry Washington) and young son. As he courts a New Age guru (Cliff Curtis) for a book, a magical tree appears in his backyard. Anything it experiences, he experiences: a watering; a dousing with powerful chemicals; a chop to its trunk. Worse, it sheds a leaf for every word Jack utters, bringing both him and the tree closer to death.

Bring on the comic pantomime as the anguished Jack alienates clients and his officious boss (Allison Janney). Add the perennially appealing Ruby Dee for dramatic heft, as Jack’s declining mother, pining for the husband who left her. And unleash the platitudes about the values of silence, listening and forgiveness. And don’t forget diffuse light and lush orchestral swells to hammer the sentiment home.

Mr. Murphy’s mugging skills, at times evoking Harpo Marx, are in fine fettle, and he easily finds Jack’s dark undercurrents. But the director, Brian Robbins , perhaps as a result of his prime-time pedigree, has so carefully engineered this manipulative machine that little emotional residue remains — only a product inoffensive, unsurprising and uninspiring.

“A Thousand Words” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It has strong language, drug allusions and sexual situations.

Opens on Friday nationwide. Directed by Brian Robbins 1 hour 31 minutes

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A Thousand Words

After stretching the truth on a deal with a spiritual guru, literary agent Jack McCall finds a Bodhi tree on his property. Its appearance holds a valuable lesson on the consequences of every... Read all After stretching the truth on a deal with a spiritual guru, literary agent Jack McCall finds a Bodhi tree on his property. Its appearance holds a valuable lesson on the consequences of every word he speaks. After stretching the truth on a deal with a spiritual guru, literary agent Jack McCall finds a Bodhi tree on his property. Its appearance holds a valuable lesson on the consequences of every word he speaks.

• Brian Robbins
• Steve Koren
• Eddie Murphy
• Cliff Curtis
• Kerry Washington
• 132 User reviews
• 72 Critic reviews
• 26 Metascore
• 3 nominations

• Jack McCall

• Caroline McCall

• Aaron Wiseberger
• Tyler McCall

• Woman in Starbucks

• Construction Worker
• Starbucks Customer

• Young Female Agent

• Samantha Davis

• Crying Student
• (as Emily Burton)

• Young Student
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Eddie Murphy Through the Years

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Did you know

• Trivia The movie was filmed in 2008, and released in 2012.
• Goofs Sinja tells Jack that a tree dies when its leaves fall. Many trees lose their leaves in the fall and go dormant in the winter, without dying.

Young Jack : I guess you never know if the last time you see someone is going to be the last time you ever see someone.

• Connections Featured in Bad Movie Beatdown: Review of 2012 (2013)
• Soundtracks You Can Make It If You Try Written by Sly Stone (as Sylvester Stewart) Performed by Sly and the Family Stone (as Sly & The Family Stone) Courtesy of Epic Records By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

User reviews 132

• Mar 6, 2014
• How long is A Thousand Words? Powered by Alexa
• I'm trying to figure out who the blonde actress was that worked for Random House in the scene where Eddie got high from the tree spray and played with the breadsticks.I know I've seen her elsewhere,but don't see her listed in the credits.
• What song was used for the film's trailer?
• March 9, 2012 (United States)
• United States
• Official site
• Ngàn Lời Cuối
• Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA (Jack McCall's home)
• Saturn Films
• Work After Midnight Films
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $40,000,000 (estimated)
• $18,450,127
• Mar 11, 2012
• $22,044,277

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 31 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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A Thousand Words (2012)

Submitted by steve.

Jack McCall (Eddie Murphy) is a literary agent who uses his mouth to get various book deals, and isn’t afraid to stretch the truth to get them. While trying to get a book deal from a new-age self-help guru named Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis), the guru sees through the lies and curses Jack by placing a Bodhi tree in his backyard with 1000 leaves. With every word Jack says, a leaf falls off the tree. When the tree runs out of leaves, the tree will die and so will Jack. Even words that Jack writes count towards the 1000. Also, anything that happens to the tree will affect Jack. When Jack tries to cut it down with an axe, an axe wound appears on him. When squirrels climb the tree, it tickles him. When a gardener tries to poison it with DDT, Jack gets high on the fumes.

With Jack forced to pick and choose his words, communicating with others becomes difficult and full of misunderstandings. These misunderstandings cost him two book deals, his job, and his wife Caroline (Kerry Washington). She walks out on him when she thinks his sudden silence is due to him not loving her anymore. When he tries to explain the tree to her, she doesn’t believe him. Only Jack’s assistant Aaron (Clark Duke) realizes he is telling the truth, and goes to Jack’s house to keep track of how many leaves are remaining.

With his life falling apart and the tree running out of leaves, Jack goes to Dr. Sinja and asks how to end the curse. The guru tells him to make peace with all of his relationships. With just one branch of leaves left, Jack tries to reconcile with Caroline, but she’s still hesitant towards him. He visits his mother (Ruby Dee), who lives in an assisted living center and has dementia. She tells Jack (who she thinks is Raymond, Jack’s late father) that she wishes Jack would stop being angry at his father for walking out on them when he was a kid. Jack, realizing that this is the relationship that needs the most mending, goes to visit his father’s gravesite. With only 3 leaves remaining, Jack tells his Dad, “I forgive you.” With no leaves remaining, Jack collapses and appears to have died.

Jack’s cellphone rings, and it’s Aaron. He tells him that the tree’s leaves have magically reappeared. Jack, who is still alive, asks if any leaves are falling off, and they are not. Jack can now speak freely again. Realizing he has a new lease on life, Jack makes a last ditch effort to get back Caroline by buying the house she always wanted but he didn’t. It works and they get back together. He doesn’t get his job back (Aaron was promoted to Jack’s old position), but he wrote a book about the experience and gets Aaron to make the deal. The movie ends with Jack giving Aaron a branch of the Bodhi tree.

• Actor: Eddie Murphy , Emanuel Ragsdale , Jill Basey , Kerry Washington
• Director: Brian Robbins
• Genre: Comedy , Drama

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A thousand words, common sense media reviewers.

Disappointing comedy about self-reflection has sexy stuff.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

A Thousand Words' basic messages are that peop

Caroline is a wonderful mother and a generous wife

No overt violence, but lots of physical comedy, pl

One extended scene of humorous foreplay featuring

The words "s--t," "bulls--t,"

Starbucks is so prominently featured in the movie

Adults drink hard liquor and cocktails at various

Parents need to know that A Thousand Words is an Eddie Murphy comedy with some adult themes about family and marriage that may not interest or be appropriate for tweens. Language includes frequent uses of "s--t" and "ass," but there are no F-bombs. The nature of a marriage after a baby is…

Positive Messages

A Thousand Words ' basic messages are that people should think before they speak and not spout so many meaningless lies. As in most family dramas, the main character learns that he needs to be there for his son, unlike his own father. He also realizes that his job should come second to his family's needs. The benefits of being quiet and observing are also promoted.

Positive Role Models

Caroline is a wonderful mother and a generous wife who tries to work at her marriage and communicating with her husband. Jack goes from being a terrible role model to someone who's discovered the importance of self reflection, thinking before he speaks, and making every word count. He also realizes that he needs to be a role model to his son, even though his own father wasn't there for him.

Violence & Scariness

No overt violence, but lots of physical comedy, plus a moment in which Jack looks like he has died. Jack playfully slaps Aaron, and later Aaron tackles and pushes Jack to get him to be quiet.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

One extended scene of humorous foreplay featuring Caroline in a dominatrix-style outfit. She handcuffs her husband (who's wearing only his boxers) and demands that he "talk dirty" and "naughty" to her. She makes suggestive comments about all she will "do" if he asks her. Throughout the movie, she wears sexy outfits and a cleavage-baring negligee. Caroline and a friend discuss whether her husband is "getting some" and "getting ass." Aaron makes comments about his "sexual hunger" for a furry fetish he and another assistant have indulged in at the office.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

The words "s--t," "bulls--t," and "ass" are used frequently. Other language includes "damn," "d--k," "goddamn," "crap," "hell," "pecker," "oh my God," and the Spanish word "cojones."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Starbucks is so prominently featured in the movie that it might as well have produced the film. Jack is an espresso addict, and he goes to the same Starbucks daily. Many scenes take place at the Starbucks, and the barista is even a supporting character in the movie. Absolut vodka is shown briefly in one scene.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults drink hard liquor and cocktails at various lunch and dinner meetings, including vodka, martinis, beer, etc. Jack wants to get drunk in one scene and starts drinking straight from the bottle.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Thousand Words is an Eddie Murphy comedy with some adult themes about family and marriage that may not interest or be appropriate for tweens. Language includes frequent uses of "s--t" and "ass," but there are no F-bombs. The nature of a marriage after a baby is discussed several times, and, in one sequence, a wife tries to seduce her husband by donning a dominatrix outfit and demanding that he "talk dirty." Starbucks is featured prominently in the film, and a barista is even a supporting character. On the bright side, there's a positive message about putting family first and finding inner peace and forgiveness. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (7)
• Kids say (22)

Based on 7 parent reviews

Eddie @ His Best

What's the story.

Jack ( Eddie Murphy ) is an overly caffeinated, fast-talking literary agent who's used to closing even the most resistant of authors. To land Dr. Sanji ( Cliff Curtis ), a Deepak Chopra-like spiritual leader, as his client, Jack lies and pretends to believe in Sanji's path toward inner peace. Soon, a mysterious tree shoots up in Jack's backyard, and with every word Jack says, a leaf falls. Desperate for answers, Jack enlists Sanji for help, but the guru only states the obvious -- that he has about 1,000 words left until he, and the tree, die. Unable to speak (or write) words, Jack reverts to outrageous gestures and utterances to communicate with everyone in his life, leaving his wife, boss, assistant, and local barista exasperated.

Is It Any Good?

It feels trite at this point to state that Murphy is a gifted comedian; he obviously is, but he apparently doesn't mind making every movie offered to him at a certain price. It's not that A THOUSAND WORDS is completely unwatchable -- it's simply forgettable. Murphy does this manic shtick by rote after so many years. He contorts his face and moves his body like all experts at physical comedy, but it's eye-rollingly banal.

Even the movie's concept, with its Zen-like message about forgiveness and family, is basically the same derivative plot line as every single other comedy about a slick, overworked dad who finally realizes that he's sacrificing too much for the sake of his day job. It's always fun to see 30 Rock 's Jack McBrayer (who plays Jack's regular barista), but the reliance on Starbucks as not just a product placement but as a repeated setting in the movie is a bit off-putting. Murphy's die-hard fans will be pleased to see him vamp and improvise, but those looking for a worthy new comedy should look elsewhere for their cinematic fulfillment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about A Thousand Words ' message of work versus family life. Why do so many movies feature the same basic premise about a workaholic father who finally realizes his family should come first?

Starbucks is shown again and again. How do you feel about a brand being so prominently featured in a film?

What's the message about how people communicate? How does silence change Jack's perspective and attitude?

Movie Details

• In theaters : March 9, 2012
• On DVD or streaming : June 26, 2012
• Cast : Clark Duke , Eddie Murphy , Kerry Washington
• Director : Brian Robbins
• Inclusion Information : Black actors, Female actors
• Studio : Paramount Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Run time : 91 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sexual situations including dialogue, language and some drug-related humor
• Last updated : January 20, 2024

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A Thousand Words is a 2012 ( filmed in 2008 ) comedy-drama film starring Eddie Murphy and directed by Brian Robbins.

Loquacious literary agent Jack McCall (Murphy) uses his voice to strike book deals for his company all the while neglecting his wife Caroline ( Kerry Washington ) and baby son Tyler. Jack becomes intrigued with the work of Dr. Sinja ( Cliff Curtis ), whose teachings and philosophies have attracted immense crowds of people. During a discussion with Sinja at one of his many spiritual relaxation classes about striking a possible deal, Jack pricks his finger on a Bodhi tree. Upon returning home, he finds the same kind of tree has sprouted in his backyard, one with many, many leaves.

Jack calls Sinja over to his house to ask him why he put the tree here, but Sinja states that he had nothing to do with it. It isn't before long Sinja discovers with each word McCall speaks, a leaf drops off of the tree, Jack refuses to speak at all, as doing so will keep the tree, and him, alive. However, his work, marriage and friendships are all affected by his choice. Jack has his assistant Aaron Wiseberger ( Clark Duke ) keep track of how many leaves remain. Can Jack figure out an alternative method of survival? Or will he simply have to live the rest of his life to the fullest?

A Thousand Words provides examples of:

• Accidental Misnaming : Jack's senile mother Annie keeps calling him by her recently deceased husband's name Raymond.
• Actor Allusion : Famous French actor and director Alain Chabat shares a scene with Eddie Murphy, playing the French Businessman. Both men have worked on Shrek , the former dubbing for the titular character in French and the latter as the talking donkey.
• Black Bra and Panties : Caroline wears leather ones for a romantic rendezvous with Jack that falls apart due to his silence.
• Disappeared Dad : Jack had one. He has a lot of issues he had to resolve throughout the film.
• Face Death with Dignity : At one point a drunken Jack tries to do this singing along to one of his favorite songs. Also counts as being Driven to Suicide . Later, when down to his last sentence he tires to make peace with his mother and wife, while also doing favors and giving short word goodbyes to the parking valet who’s always been trying to sell him a book and the barista he's been doing charades for in order to get orders.
• Here We Go Again! : At the end, after becoming a materialistic agent himself, Aaron gets a tree of his own (even smaller than Jack's) and gives an Oh, Crap! exclamation (although since no leaves are seen falling off, it might have just been a prank).
• Hit Points : The leaves on the tree are treated like these In-Universe for Jack. For each word he speaks, one leaf falls off the tree, and if the tree is reduced to no leaves, Jack dies.
• I Should Write a Book About This : At the end, Jack is shown bringing the book to his own publishing company to work out a deal.
• Mistaken Confession : Jack's stony silence the first day he learns that talking brings him closer to death causes his assistant Aaron to babble on thinking Jack is mad first about him missing work recently, then about kissing Caroline under the mistletoe at a Christmas party, then about having sex with the secretary in Jack's office while their wearing animal costumes all of which Jack gives incredulous expressions at.
• Scam Religion : Jack openly admits thinking Sinja is running one but he turns out to be sincere.
• Shout-Out : When Jack uses talking dolls to talk on the phone, E.T. , a Terminator doll and a doll with the likeness of Austin Powers are shown.
• Writers Cannot Do Math : When Jack demonstrates the leaves falling when he talks, he says the sentence "It's not a coincidence, you idiot!" out of frustration for the latter thinking so. Aaron then says "You just lost five more" when leaves fall after Jack says this, even though Jack's sentence was six words long, not five.
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A Thousand Words (2012)

A thousand words.

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Eddie Murphy is Jack McCall, a fast-talking literary agent, who can close any deal, any time, any way. He has set his sights on New Age guru Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis) for his own selfish purposes. But Dr. Sinja is on to him, and Jack's life comes unglued after a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard. With every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from the tree and he realizes that when the last leaf falls, both he and the tree are toast. Words have never failed Jack McCall, but now he's got to stop talking and conjure up some outrageous ways to communicate or he's a goner.

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A Thousand Words Blu-ray Deleted Scene [Exclusive]

Eddie Murphy tries to impress Kerry Washington's Caroline without talking in this excerpt from the Blu-ray and DVD, arriving June 26.

Two A Thousand Words Clips

Eddie Murphy stars as a fast-talking agent who learns he only has one thousand words left to speak before he dies in this Paramount comedy.

Second Poster for A Thousand Words Starring Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy stars as a literary agent who realizes he only has one thousand more words to speak before he dies.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters Moves to January 2013

Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton star in this action-adventure based on the fairy tale, which opens January 11, 2013.

A Thousand Words Poster

Eddie Murphy only has a thousand words left to speak before he dies in this Paramount Pictures comedy.

A Thousand Words Trailer

Eddie Murphy stars in this Paramount Pictures comedy about a man that learns he only has a thousand words left to say before he dies.

A Thousand Words Moves to March 2012

Paramount Pictures is shifting the Eddie Murphy comedy to capitalize on his Oscar hosting gig, with The Devil Inside being pushed to January 6.

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The trio of actors have all joined the cast of M. Night Shyamalan's new film.

Kerry Washington's Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

The actress signs on for the new Eddie Murphy film

Allison Janney Joins This Must Be the Place and A Thousand Words

The actress joins 2 new comedies.

“A Thousand Words” Directed by Brian Robins Essay Example

• Pages: 3 (579 words)
• Published: July 29, 2017
• Type: Film Analysis

Jack McCall is a book agent working in a company. One twenty-four hours he propose to sell a book that will be written by Dr. Sinja a religous leader who is popular to many people for his instructions and mending. Jack visit on of Sessionss of Dr. Sinja while he is chew overing he move like he sees the blue pearl but he doesn’t he merely move like that doesn’t have knowledge about the bluish pearl. he merely do it so he can speak and negociate to Dr. Sinja about composing a book for him to sell. While they are speaking Jack saw a tree called Bodhi at Sinja’s backyard he touch and have a abrasion. stating that the tree bite him afterwards Dr. Sinja agree to compose a book to be publish for Jack and to the company he

On the other manus Caroline talk to Jack about purchasing and reassigning to a new house but Jack diminution and suggest that to merely restitute a room for Tyler but Caroline gets huffy so a temblor occurs but really a tree same as at Dr. Sanji’s topographic point appear at Jacks yard. non cognizing why it happens.

The book written by Dr. Sinja is delivered to Jack and his secretary Aaron inquiry him if he read the book but Jack doesn’t read a whole book merely looking a the first words of the first and last pages of it. but so Aaron inform him that it’s merely five pages and he demo it to Jack. He hastily goes to Dr. Sinja and inquire why it is merely five pages Sinja said that it’s a drumhead. He

besides said that Sinja sent him a tree but Sinja doesn’t so he takes a expression at it. At Jack’s yard Sinja observe the tree and state Jack that every clip he speak the tree leaves fall that Jack and the tree is connected and when all the foliages fall he will decease as the trees. Jack doesn’t believe it at first but afterwards he conserve his words have a difficult clip covering with his work and every bit good as to his married woman in consequence he lose his occupation and he lose his household.

He lost hopes Sinja doesn’t know what to make but he gives him a pieces of advices. He got drank play a cadmium and sing a vocal makes all the foliages few. When he awakes he see his ma and he said that he love his ma and adieu. he visit Caroline and Tyler he said that “you. me. we. infinity and so go forth. He visit his father’s grave and said “I forgive you” . so the staying leaves gone he died but he return to life once more he got a call from Aaron told him that all the foliages are back.

After what happen Jack decided to compose a book named “A thousand words” do his yesteryear company which he works publish it as Aaron have his past place in the company and moving like Jack’s character before so a tree same as Bodhi tree was delivered to him. Jack bring Caroline and Tyler to the place Caroline what to lived in and state Caroline that he have the house and purchase it for them. Then Tyler talk

copying Jack Stating “boom. roar. roar Jack and Caroline became a batch happier.

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Reviews of a thousand words 2012.

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★★★ Watched by dirtylaundri 19 Apr 2024

High concept comedy with a concept that does not really work, which becomes clear early on and yet the film hustles on, milking its premise for all it isn't worth, and even turns it into some kind of religious parable in the end. That's true commitment, and I guess the moment films like this one stopped being released in theaters was at least one of the moments cinema died.

★½ Rewatched by mari 11 Jul 2022

sessão da tarde be like

★★★★★ Watched by honey 🧚🏻‍♀️ 22 Apr 2024

Idc what you'll think. My 4rth grade classmate burst into tears watching this movie.😶‍🌫️

★★★★½ Watched by whyalial 17 Apr 2024

a ideia desse filme é genial

★★★★½ Rewatched by 0juan 16 Apr 2024

BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

½ Watched by Jawad El-Ghaddaf 15 Apr 2024

Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words…

★★★★ Rewatched by crakotanx 16 Apr 2024

★ Watched by HarshTakes 15 Apr 2024

2/10 How fucking stupid and boring can a movie get? Does Eddie Murphy realize his whole filmography is horrible besides his animated movies? I genuinely want to know.  How do I sum this up? It’s about a complete arrogant asshole that you cant relate to.  It’s wild this guy has a wife and a child when he only cares for himself.  A tree grows in his backyard, he soon realizes everytime he talks, a leaf falls off of it. Yep,…

★★ Watched by kakhzzy 14 Apr 2024

eu chorei de desespero vendo esse filme (eu tinha 8 anos e vi na sessão da tarde)

★★★ Watched by reeseavery 12 Apr 2024

i put this on because i remember watching it once as a kid and finding it really funny. eddie murphy manages to be so funny despite not being able to talk through most of the film, but i felt most of my laughs came from his office assistant. not anything crazy, but the message of the film is really sweet.

★★★ Rewatched by bella 13 Apr 2024

its hard to focus on how deep its trying to be at the end when all i can think abt is his pathetic little bisexual furry assistant

★★ Watched by Joshua 11 Apr 2024

Been wanting to check out some Eddie Murphy features I've yet to experience and this was first up to bat.

This has a great concept to me. Eddie plays Jack McCall, a fast talking sales agent who's such a workaholic that his life has no real meaning or substance. His family is slowly falling apart. He's verbally abusive to his receptionist. His Mother, having dementia keeps mistaking him for his Father than he didn't have a good relationship with. Early…

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The Best 'A Thousand Words' Quotes, Ranked

Movie fans everywhere have come together to vote on this list of A Thousand Words  movie quotes. This Eddie Murphy comedy film, released in 2012, tells the story of a fast-talking literary agent who only has a thousand words left to speak before he dies. The movie's unique premise and witty dialogue have made it a fan favorite, inspiring many memorable quotes that continue to resonate with audiences today.

From humorous one-liners to poignant reflections on life and death, A Thousand Words delivers some truly unforgettable lines. Fans of the film will recognize classic quotes like "Words are sacred...they deserve respect," as well as more lighthearted quips such as "I talk for a living; I can't shut up." Whether you're looking for inspiration or just want a good laugh, this list has something for everyone.

What makes these quotes so special is their ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few short words. They remind us that every word we speak has power and meaning, and that sometimes saying less can say so much more. So if you're ready to relive some of your favorite moments from A Thousand Words , be sure to check out this definitive ranking of its best quotes.

And don't forget – your voice matters, too. Be sure to vote up your favorites on the list and let us know which lines spoke to you most deeply.

I Want My Baby Back Ribs

Dr. Sinja: "Jack, look at the tree and say something." Jack: "Say what?" (Two leaves fall from the tree) Dr. Sinja: "This is amazing, don't you see? Jack: "You know it almost seems like everytime I say something..." (More leaves fall) Hello? Hell...lo! (Two more leaves fall) "I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, I want my baby back, baby back ribs." (Many leaves fall)

A Thousand Words Left

Dr. Sinja: "You only have a thousand words left...and then..." Jack: "I could die?!?"

She's in Labor?!

Jack (answering phone): "She's in labor?!" (Patrons in coffee shop line let him up front) "Thank you, thank you so much, I've got a baby on the way..." (Runs into two very large guys at the front of the line) "Twins? It's twins?! It's on the house? Thank you..." (Patrons applaud)

Safe to Cross?

Blind Man: "Can you tell me when it's safe to cross?" Jack: "Mmmmhmm." Blind Man: "It is? Thanks pal..." (walks into heavy traffic, cars crash and Jack grabs him) "Was that a drive by?!?"

You Have My Word

Dr. Sinja: "You agree to have my book published?" Jack: "That goes without saying - you have my word, sir."

More Lap Dances

Aaron: "Come on what is this, Mickey D's? Let's get some service up in here! Got a man with a bad case of the dry mouth. (To client) Why don't you sit your a** down, come on..." Waiter: "Good afternoon, can I get you something to drink?" Aaron: "How about the distillery, to start off with, huh? Vodka rocks for me, four waters for the table and and uh, this fine guy right here, he's gonna have a hot toddy - his voice is shot. But you know what? That's what he gets for screaming for more lap dances all night! You crazy bittard..."

Client (To Jack): "So what do you say we make a deal? Hello? Jack?" (Jack stays silent)

Jack (to his psychiatrist): "You ever stop to think about what people are thinking about when you're not in the room? I know you think something when I'm there, but when I'm not there, what do you think?"

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The greatest, funniest, and most iconic movie and TV quotes from your all-time favorite comedies (and a few you probably haven’t seen).

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A Thousand Words Reviews

While it's certainly not unwatchable, the mood is rather muddied and the laughs are never big.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Dec 2, 2020

One word will do - Sucks.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.0/4.0 | Sep 26, 2020

None of it really works though. Instead of garnering laughs it only serves as a painful reminder on how funny Murphy can be when given the right material.

Full Review | Original Score: F | Apr 12, 2019

The rest of the film is the kind that'll either put you to sleep or have you cringing over the fact that Murphy, one of the biggest names in comedy, has been reduced to doing this.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | Sep 28, 2017

A disastrous comedy at times, with a few unexpected touching moments sprinkled throughout, A Thousand Words fails to come together like it should, and becomes a forgettable mess.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Sep 8, 2017

A thousand words? Try two words: stay away. Murphy does a pretty good job keeping up with the various indignities heaped on him but the movie as a whole ends up sinking.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/10 | Sep 15, 2012

a poorly conceived and startlingly miscast comedy that works to every one of its stars' weaknesses.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Aug 30, 2012

You've got one of the funniest verbal actors in the business in Eddie Murphy, and you put him in a movie where he can't talk. It's already a recipe for disaster.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Jun 22, 2012

'A Thousand Words' is not unspeakably awful.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 21, 2012

The sort of awful formulaic crud that 30 Rock brilliantly mocked just before Leap Day.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4 | Mar 28, 2012

Hopelessly underwhelming from start to finish...

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 28, 2012

Murphy, without the words to go along with his bug-eyed double-takes and the mugging, is lost here... He's never been a silent comic, and never will be.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Mar 23, 2012

... equal parts labored allegory without resonance and forced comedy without laughs ...

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 20, 2012

Like a bad penny, Eddie Murphy is back again, in a family-friendly PG-13 comedy that nobody wants to see.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Mar 19, 2012

There is something almost poignant in the way Eddie Murphy so palpably desires to make a meaningful film about enlightenment. The almost comes from the difference between that aspiration and the painfully ill-conceived follow-through

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 18, 2012

The idea of Murphy, that famously motormouthed actor, suddenly tongue-tied is not a punchy enough punch line to carry a whole film.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 16, 2012

This lame, wannabe comedy is an unmitigated disaster.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/10 | Mar 15, 2012

Maybe Murphy should give future scripts a less cursory perusal.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Mar 14, 2012

A Thousand Words ends up incomplete and disingenuous, and worse, not a frame of it is funny.

Full Review | Original Score: D+ | Mar 13, 2012

Not the worst Eddie Murphy movie but certainly not his best either

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Mar 12, 2012

A Thousand Words

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