Four years after his last box-office disaster, A Thousand Words, former box-office superstar Eddie Murphy returns in a poignant dramatic role in the upcoming drama, Mr. Church.
The film, which is based on the life of writer Susan McMartin, follows “Charlotte “Charlie” Brody (Britt Robertson) who is not pleased when Henry Joseph Church (Murphy) arrives at their modest home, at the request of Marie Brody’s deceased lover, to serve as their cook. Mr. Church made a solemn promise to Marie’s former lover that he would take care of Marie for six months because Marie is dying of cancer.
Young Charlotte has no idea that her mother is sick and refuses to warm up to the man who is suddenly an ever-present figure in her life. However, Mr. Church’s presence becomes far more important than Charlotte could ever imagine. Marie’s mother lives another six years, and Mr. Church stays on to nurse Marie through her illness. Mr. Church becomes a loving role model and life-long friend to Charlotte, and to Charlotte’s child, long after Marie dies.”
Initially, Samuel L. Jackson was set to star in the film, then referred to as Cook. Murphy’s last truly dramatic performance garnered him a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for Dreamgirls, in 2007. It is truly wonderful to see Murphy back on the big screen. While his days of dominating the box-office may be far in his rear-view window, Murphy still possesses an invigorating screen presence, as well as solid dramatic acting chops to sustain a very viable career.
Mr. Church co-stars Natascha McElhone, Xavier Samuel, Lincoln Melcher, Lucy Fry, Christian Madsen, Mckenna Grace, Lincoln Melcher and Thom Barry.
Mr. Church, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, will open in theaters on September 16. Check out the trailer and the poster, below.
