A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in the US on YouTube TV and Cinemax Amazon Channel. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 1,420 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Eddie Murphy is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on YouTube TV.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, A Thousand Words is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate A Thousand Words from the crowd. 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. The chemistry Eddie Murphy and Kerry Washington bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. It hit screens in 2012. A Thousand Words earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

A Thousand Words is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Eddie Murphy sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.