'Imagine' making a different movie

0 Comments | USA TODAY, June, 2009 | by Claudia Puig

It's not hard to imagine how nearly every scene in Imagine That will play out.

Eddie Murphy stars as a workaholic father, too distracted by his work to engage in flights of fancy with his adorable daughter.

Murphy mugs and grimaces, pulling off physical contortions with manic energy. Yara Shahidi, who plays his daughter, fares better. She has an innate charm that contrasts with Murphy's over-the-top efforts. Their few relaxed scenes together are among the movie's best.

It's too bad there's little to distinguish this predictable tale from any other comedy about an overly busy father who finally connects with his child.

Reminiscent of The Game Plan, a surprise 2007 hit that benefited from the charisma of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Imagine That...