Eddie Murphy stars in ‘A Thousand Words’

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The movie: "A Thousand Words"

When: Opening Friday at local theaters

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington, Cliff Curtis

Director: Brian Robbins

The story: A fast-talking literary agent stretches the truth on a deal with a New Age spiritual guru — and finds his life coming unglued when a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard, prompting the agent to rethink his say-anything style.

The buzz: This comedy-drama reunites Murphy with director Robbins, a TV veteran ("Smallville," "One Tree Hill") who has called the shots on two previous Murphy movies. Unfortunately, those movies were "Norbit" and "Meet Dave" — which means the Murphy-Robbins duo has nowhere to go but up.

— CAROL CLING