I don't know what the critics are talking about, or what movie they watched but I loved this movie so much I watched it twice...back to back! It's so weird that I'd never heard of it until yesterday. I didn't even know Eddie Murphy was in it until he came on the screen. He gave an amazing performance, as did the other actors. But don't expect the usual funny guy Eddie Murphy. This is not a comedy. It's a heartwarming, and sometimes sad look at unconditional friendship and what it means to be a family. I'm so happy I found it on Amazon and decided to watch it...twice! 😄