IMAGINE THAT

RYAN: I thought the trailer for “Imagine That” was so cute; and to be honest, it was because I heard the word “princess” in it.

CAROLINE: Oh honey. I, of course, ran screaming from this movie because it’s for children. Eddie Murphy is really doing a lot of this genre lately.

RYAN: I’d like to move away from calling it a children’s film because it’s really a family film. And like the best family films, it will appeal to adults as well as kids.

CAROLINE: Maybe I’m just bitter because the premise of this movie was already done on “Medium” and I love that show.

RYAN: Well, I don’t watch it so it’s new to me. Can we take a minute to talk about the fact that Eddie Murphy is looking as good, if not better, than he has in his entire life?

CAROLINE: Well, as Oprah says, black don’t crack.

RYAN: [laughs’ He has a shirtless scene in this movie and I’m telling you he’s in Hugh Jackman “Australia” shape. He’s looking fine. I’m shocked to say it.

CAROLINE: I’m shocked to hear it! How’s the little girl who plays his daughter?

RYAN: She’s equally gorgeous. She beat out over 3000 other girls for the role. I think she’s going to be The Next Great Young Actress. Dakota Fanning should be jealous. She’s so cute and she gave a great performance.

CAROLINE: Thank God it wasn’t Willow Smith. So is the movie funny or heartwarming or both?

RYAN: It played with every emotion. Eddie Murphy plays a single father and he doesn’t have a girlfriend in it, so it doesn’t focus on a love story. It is, however, a very romantic film because it’s very much like a fairy tale – just inspiring and sweet.

CAROLINE: I’m so glad you enjoyed it… without me.

RYAN: It’s seriously one of my favorite movies of the year. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It didn’t lag at all. It was shot beautifully and it’s very sentimental, and I don’t know why but it really struck a chord with me. I might get the DVD.

CAROLINE: Wow, that’s a commitment.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: It’s an adorably sweet, sentimental movie. Its strength is really in the story and casting. It has just the right amount of drama and joy with a touch of magic.

— RATING —