A Thousand Words – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Thousand Words

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

38%

WISE Score

Eddie Murphy learns to shut up in this critically panned 2012 comedy that's more painful to watch than the magical tree premise suggests.

A Thousand Words

movie

PG-13, 2012

38%

WISE Score

Eddie Murphy learns to shut up in this critically panned 2012 comedy that's more painful to watch than the magical tree premise suggests.

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this movie is a slog. The magical tree concept had potential, but the execution is so weak that even the decent message about communication gets lost in unfunny jokes and predictable plot beats.

With a Metacritic score of 26 and a Letterboxd rating of 2.5/5, critics and audiences agree this is bottom-tier Eddie Murphy. The film sits in that awkward zone where it's too mature for kids (14+ due to crude humor and heavy themes) but too poorly made for teens or adults to actually enjoy.

If you're looking for a family comedy with heart and a message about communication, there are dozens of better options. This one's only worth considering if you've literally exhausted every other option on Showtime or fuboTV and need background noise.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media recommends 14+ due to mature themes, crude humor, and adult situations. Honestly though, most teens would find this dated and boring—it's really only for die-hard Eddie Murphy fans or families desperate for something 'safe-ish' on a streaming service they already have.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The premise involves a self-centered character learning to value communication and relationships, which offers a redemptive arc. However, Eddie Murphy's character starts as manipulative and selfish, and the film includes crude humor and some mean-spirited moments typical of early 2010s comedies. The emotional journey is present but undermined by tonal inconsistency.

Imaginative

The magical Bodhi tree concept is mildly creative—a literal countdown on someone's life tied to their words. But the execution is formulaic and predictable, following a standard redemption comedy template without exploring the premise's deeper possibilities. It doesn't invite curiosity or creative thinking; it's a one-joke concept stretched thin.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some mature content. The film contains crude humor, some sexual references, mild language, and adult themes around infidelity and selfishness. No graphic violence or gore, but the emotional content (dealing with a dying parent, marital strain) could be heavy for younger viewers. Generally safe for teens but not younger kids.

Enriching

The core message about the importance of meaningful communication and listening is valuable, and there's a subplot about reconciling with an estranged parent. However, the film is widely considered unfunny and poorly executed (Metacritic 26, RT audience 46%, Letterboxd 2.5/5). The lesson is buried under tired comedy tropes and doesn't offer much genuine insight or entertainment value. It's more tedious than enriching.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

The core concept about valuing words and meaningful communication has potential merit
Explores themes of reconciliation with family and being present for loved ones
Eddie Murphy attempts physical comedy when his character can't speak, which could provide some laughs for his fans
Touches on the importance of listening over talking, a lesson that resonates

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What to Watch For

Crude humor and sexual references throughout make this inappropriate for younger kids
Themes of infidelity, manipulation, and a parent dying of illness are heavy for sensitive viewers
The film is genuinely boring and poorly reviewed—even if the message is decent, the execution is painful
Some language and adult situations that earned it a 14+ recommendation

Conversation Starters

"If you only had a limited number of words left, what would be most important to say?"
"Why do you think Jack was so focused on talking instead of listening at the beginning?"
"Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? What did you learn from it?"
"What do you think the movie gets right (or wrong) about how we communicate with people we love?"

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