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critics consensus

Despite a promising turn by newcomer Yara Shahidi, Imagine That is another pedestrian family comedy that squanders Eddie Murphy's comedic talents. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Like many busy professionals, Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) is so focused on his career that quality time with his young daughter, Olivia (Yara Shahidi), has fallen by the wayside. When an important promotion is suddenly within reach, stressed-out Evan starts to fall apart while trying to fend off his company rival (Thomas Haden Church). But when little Olivia introduces him to the inhabitants of her imaginary land, Evan rediscovers his inner child and finds the answers to all his problems.
  • Rating:
    PG (Some Mild Language|Brief Questionable Behavior)
  • Genre:
    fantasy, comedy, kids & family
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Karey Kirkpatrick
  • Producer:
    Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Ed Solomon
  • Writer:
    Ed Solomon, Chris Matheson
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $16.1M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Di Bonaventura Pictures

Cast & Crew

Eddie Murphy
Evan Danielson
Thomas Haden Church
Johnny Whitefeather
Yara Shahidi
Olivia Danielson
Nicole Ari Parker
Trish
Ronny Cox
Tom Stevens
Martin Sheen
Dante D'Enzo
DeRay Davis
John Strother
Steve Rannazzisi
Noah Kulick
Karey Kirkpatrick
Director
Ed Solomon
Screenwriter
Chris Matheson
Screenwriter
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Producer
Ed Solomon
Producer
Ric Kidney
Executive Producer
John Lindley
Cinematographer
William Arnold
Production Design
David Moritz
Film Editor
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Designer
Mark Mancina
Original Music
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News & Interviews for Imagine That

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View All

Critic Reviews for Imagine That

All Critics (120) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (71)

  • Quote not available.

    February 18, 2012 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Nell Minow

    Movie Mom

  • Murphy struggles to find work in other genres, but given the way he indulges himself with funny faces and voices, it's equally possible that he genuinely likes acting alongside children.

    September 17, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Jake Wilson

    The Age (Australia)

  • It's anodyne stuff and not funny enough.

    August 17, 2009 | Full Review…
    London Evening Standard

  • Imagine That is a sweet surprise of a film that goes some way to restoring Murphy's reputation.

    August 14, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Chris Hewitt (UK)

    Empire Magazine

  • Murphy at least tries to stay in character rather than overdoing the silly voices and physical knockabout, but maybe the material was so blah that he felt it wasn't worth the effort.

    August 14, 2009 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…

    Trevor Johnston

    Time Out

  • You're left with the feeling that the film-makers don't see a conflict between the profit motive and paternal love.

    August 14, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Toby Young

    Times (UK)

  • Quote not available.

    February 18, 2012 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Nell Minow

    Movie Mom

  • Murphy struggles to find work in other genres, but given the way he indulges himself with funny faces and voices, it's equally possible that he genuinely likes acting alongside children.

    September 17, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Jake Wilson

    The Age (Australia)

  • It's anodyne stuff and not funny enough.

    August 17, 2009 | Full Review…
    London Evening Standard

  • Imagine That is a sweet surprise of a film that goes some way to restoring Murphy's reputation.

    August 14, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Chris Hewitt (UK)

    Empire Magazine

  • A family-friendly movie that presents equal doses of immaturity and seriousness, making the event more evenly entertaining than one might expect.

    November 28, 2020 | Rating: 6/10 | Full Review…

    Mike Massie

    Gone With The Twins

  • While Shahidi shines, the rest of the cast of Imagine That falls woefully short.

    September 11, 2020 | Rating: 2.0/4.0 | Full Review…

    Richard Propes

    TheIndependentCritic.com
View All Critic Reviews (120)

Audience Reviews for Imagine That

  • Feb 09, 2013
    Cute film, but it was so so. Of Murphy's family comedies, I liked Daddy Day Care and Dr. Doolittle much better than this one. In a weird way the film reminded me of movies like Liar Liar and Jersey Girl. The film is very predictable. I did like seeing the Beverly Hills Cop reunion here of Murphy and Ronny Cox. Thomas Haden Church was too over the top here.
    Sol C Super Reviewer
  • Mar 23, 2012
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon13.gif[/img] Shahidi is an extremely promising young actress who i'm sure will blossom her career with great success however it seems to be going in the opposite direction for Murphy at the moment with the exception of returning to his roots in Tower Heist. On the other hand, from what i've seen this is Eddie Murphy's best family film. It's very formulaic and forgettable but the direction is good and the film like Murphy for once, has it's heart in the right place. It's not another Norbit or Daddy Day Care. It's better than that but it's not great either.
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Jul 12, 2011
    a delightfully funny family comedy that has a lot of spunk and eddie murphy in one of his funniest roles. B+
    Juan C Super Reviewer
  • May 22, 2011
    it couldve been funnier, but its a safe family friendly comedy film that is entertaining for the whole family
    Michael E Super Reviewer
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