A Thousand Words

Jack McCall is a fast talking literary agent who can close a deal with a wink and a flourish. He uses others as stepping stones to reach his own goals, especially in pursuing a New Age guru named Dr. Sinja. A magical Bodhi tree appears in his backyard and everything changes. For every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from the tree. The more he talks, the faster the tree loses its leaves and the more danger builds for both of them. Faced with a countdown he cannot outrun, Jack must find nonverbal ways to communicate and seek new ways to connect. The premise blends comedy, fantasy and heart while keeping the tension light. Fans of light fantasy will enjoy the way the film mixes office banter with a fable like setup, while families will appreciate the gentle moral that words carry responsibility.

Directed by Brian Robbins, A Thousand Words builds on Steve Koren's concept about a man whose words exact a price. Released in 2012, it aims for family friendly drama with humor and fantasy, anchored by Eddie Murphy.

Box office figures show a worldwide gross of 22,044,277 dollars against a 40 million budget, marking a modest return that did not fully cover production costs for the studio.

Critics offered mixed notes, some praising Murphy's charm while others found the tone uneven. The film probes how words shape trust, influence behavior, and reveal what a person values. It suggests authentic connection matters more than status, even when humor softens the lesson.

The movie did not spark lasting phrases or a clear cultural touchstone, but it sits in the late career arc of Eddie Murphy as a light hearted, family friendly performer. For some viewers it provided a gentle reminder that words carry consequences and that communication goes beyond talking.