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Mr. Church is a heartwarming drama film directed by Bruce Beresford and starring acclaimed actor Eddie Murphy. The movie tells the story of a young girl named Charlotte (played by Britt Robertson) and her journey to adulthood with the help of a dedicated and passionate chef named Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy). Set in the mid-1970s in Los Angeles, the story begins with Charlotte's mother, Marie (played by Natascha McElhone), discovering that she has terminal cancer. As a single mother, she is worried about how her daughter will manage after her passing, and so she hires Mr. Church to take care of Charlotte and provide meals for the family for the remainder of Marie's life. Initially, Charlotte is hesitant about the situation and sees Mr. Church as nothing more than an outsider invading their family's privacy. However, as time goes on, Mr. Church becomes an integral part of their lives, teaching Charlotte and her mother important life lessons, and becoming a true friend and confidant to them both.

The film takes us on a journey through Charlotte's formative years, from early adolescence to her early twenties, and follows her struggles to come to terms with her mother's illness and eventual passing. Throughout this journey, Mr. Church is a constant presence in her life, offering guidance, support, and love. He is a deeply complex and interesting character, with a mysterious past that is only hinted at throughout the film but never fully revealed.

Eddie Murphy's performance as Mr. Church is truly exceptional, showcasing a depth and range of emotion that has rarely been seen in his comedic roles. He brings a quiet dignity and grace to the character, and his portrayal is both understated and powerful. Britt Robertson's performance as Charlotte is also impressive, charting her transformation from a sullen and resentful teenager to a mature and compassionate adult with sensitivity and nuance.

The film is beautifully shot, with a muted color palette that perfectly captures the melancholic mood of the story. The soundtrack features a mix of original music and classic songs from the era, providing a nostalgic and evocative backdrop to the action.

One of the most moving aspects of the film is its exploration of the bond between Mr. Church and Charlotte. Although they are from very different worlds and have very different personalities, they develop a deep and lasting friendship that transcends social barriers and the passing of time. Their relationship is complex and multifaceted, with moments of both conflict and tenderness. Ultimately, it is their connection that provides the emotional core of the film.

Another standout aspect of Mr. Church is its exploration of themes of love, loss, and redemption. The film does not shy away from the pain and sadness of these experiences, but it also celebrates the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. It is a poignant and inspiring tale that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

In conclusion, Mr. Church is an extraordinary film that showcases the immense talent of Eddie Murphy as a dramatic actor. It is a poignant and lyrical film that explores themes of love, loss, and friendship with sensitivity and nuance. This film will touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Mr. Church is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 37.