Review of Mr. Church (2016) by Nuclear Mike R — 24 Sep 2016

HIGHLY UNDER-RATED by the critics, I found "Mr. Church" to be a touching and well down tribute to a "real life friend" and remarkable human being, Harry Church. I feel that Eddie Murphy did a splendid job in this purely dramatic role by not injecting the slightest trace of his signature comedic personality, which is exactly what was necessary to portray this consistently stoic and private man.

..a veritable rock. The plot, seen predictable or contrived by some critics, to me illustrates just how everything happens just as it should - how everything happens for a reason - when decent people strive to do what is good [when viewing "the story from the end to the beginning"].

Given that this is a period piece (beginning in 1971, only a few years post civil rights changes), yet the main character was recounted as a brilliant and gifted self educated epicurean who was formerly a private executive chef merely by his own choosing, I felt the film was by no means derogatory toward people of color.

The character was professional, respectful, and consistently polite, while never suggestive of being an "Uncle Tom". To me, this was more of a color blind testament that there really are remarkably decent and dependable men in the world [despite a snob remark.

..which was more of a high brow swipe at someone being a mere cook than a racist jab] - a breed of which I am proud to belong. Steadily, sometimes tearfully, the film unfolded as being an uplifting and positive nod to all that is truly important in life,.

.being faithful, being learned, being trusting, finding redemption,and more. But most of all, it was a sweet tribute to the powerful bond and beauty of family love.