Imagine That - out of 5 reels, this film receives **+ (2 1/2 reels)

This project falls victim to inaccurate commercial marketing.  Rather than being a movie tailored for children with an adult entertainment edge, the opposite is true.  This film is more of a heartfelt adult movie with funny kid entertainment qualities.  If you watch the movie with the wrong expectations, you may find yourself a little disappointed.

Evan Danielson's professional self is on target.  He is successful at his job, but completely failing at being a father.  Evan's daughter, Olivia is having a hard time coping with her parent's divorce.  To keep from completely crumbling she has created a wonderful imaginary world, but she can only get there when she has her comfort blanket.  After Evan is left with no choice, he tries to bond with Olivia and discovers a secret that only the blanket unlocks.  Not only does this secret become a key to his career success, it also brings him closer to Olivia.  Evan learns how to become a kid again.

Eddie Murphy (Meet Dave, Shrek) delivers his expected charm, wit, and comedic flair.  The chemistry between him and his on-screen daughter, newcomer Yara Shahidi is real and makes the movie truly flow.  Thomas Haden Church (Smart People, Spider-Man 3) as Johnny Whitefeather, Evan's Native American peer work competition adds an original twist to a familiar story and offers a great performance.  If you are an Eddie Murphy fan - by all means, go see the movie.  It's kind of fun to watch him in this film and see glimpses of the Klumps from Nutty Professor, Donkey from Shrek, and his zany characters from Norbit. 

Taking the family to see this movie may be a little tricky.  You might find the story not completely holding the attention of young viewers.  It is hard for children to relate to work office circumstances, but they will be totally entertained with Olivia's imaginary world adventures.

Although Imagine that is not a 'must see', it is most appropriate as a family fun night movie rental.  This way the younger kids have an option to wonder off and play around the house until the next funny kid-scene comes along.  I'm a fan of Murphy's work, so I was entertained throughout the movie.