2008 Woodie Awards
'Heaven' on Earth
Nick Santoni
Issue date: 9/28/05 Section: Valley Life
- Page 1 of 1
"Just Like Heaven" is an entertaining comedy for all ages that succeeds in resurrecting a feel-good cinematic experience much like the classic Whoopi Goldberg/ Patrick Swayze, "Ghost." While 'Heaven' is not of the same caliber as "Ghost," it is still a good date-flick.
Director Mark Waters does a good job of balancing the comedic elements that originate from the film's premise along with the love story that is rooted at the film's core. While the film does not necessarily offer anything new to the formula, it is still well executed and finely acted.
The film follows the relationship of David (Mark Ruffalo) and Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon). Elizabeth was involved in a bad auto accident and her spirit has returned to her old apartment. Only thing is, David has moved into Elizabeth's former residence. David has to come to grips with the fact that the only way of getting rid of Elizabeth's spirit is by helping her. But the two were not expecting the feelings that would develop. Eventually, the two work together to return Elizabeth's spirit with her body, as fright and uncertainty gives way to the powers of love and healing.
Along the way each learns a few things about the many mysteries life has to offer. For David, it is learning that he is capable of loving again, and for Elizabeth it is learning how to love for the first time. As their journey continues each learn that the love they yearn for is right in front of them.
The screenplay, written by Peter Tolan and Leslie Dixon, addresses all of the usual scenarios associated with a typical romantic comedy. David must first overcome sanity issues regarding this new "predicament," while Elizabeth copes with the adjustments she has to make lacking a body, and essentially being dead.
Ruffalo and Witherspoon have a believable on-screen chemistry, and by the film's end it is hard to hold back the rooting and cheering that the relationship evokes. Jon Heder provides strong comic support in a variation of his star-making "Napoleon Dynamite" role, this time as a bookstore clerk with "the gift" of seeing into the spirit realm, and helping them realize that love is the only thing that can save them.
Waters successfully weaves the "destiny" theme into the plot, as well as the concept that even in death, life could, and should be cherished. Even though this type of story has been done in the past, Waters still manages to keep the idea fresh and fun.
"Just Like Heaven" proves to be more than just a recycled formula, but an advancement of an entertaining premise that will often make you laugh, and for some, even cry.
"Just Like Heaven"
Director: Mark Waters
Features: Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo
3 1/2 out of 5
Director Mark Waters does a good job of balancing the comedic elements that originate from the film's premise along with the love story that is rooted at the film's core. While the film does not necessarily offer anything new to the formula, it is still well executed and finely acted.
The film follows the relationship of David (Mark Ruffalo) and Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon). Elizabeth was involved in a bad auto accident and her spirit has returned to her old apartment. Only thing is, David has moved into Elizabeth's former residence. David has to come to grips with the fact that the only way of getting rid of Elizabeth's spirit is by helping her. But the two were not expecting the feelings that would develop. Eventually, the two work together to return Elizabeth's spirit with her body, as fright and uncertainty gives way to the powers of love and healing.
Along the way each learns a few things about the many mysteries life has to offer. For David, it is learning that he is capable of loving again, and for Elizabeth it is learning how to love for the first time. As their journey continues each learn that the love they yearn for is right in front of them.
The screenplay, written by Peter Tolan and Leslie Dixon, addresses all of the usual scenarios associated with a typical romantic comedy. David must first overcome sanity issues regarding this new "predicament," while Elizabeth copes with the adjustments she has to make lacking a body, and essentially being dead.
Ruffalo and Witherspoon have a believable on-screen chemistry, and by the film's end it is hard to hold back the rooting and cheering that the relationship evokes. Jon Heder provides strong comic support in a variation of his star-making "Napoleon Dynamite" role, this time as a bookstore clerk with "the gift" of seeing into the spirit realm, and helping them realize that love is the only thing that can save them.
Waters successfully weaves the "destiny" theme into the plot, as well as the concept that even in death, life could, and should be cherished. Even though this type of story has been done in the past, Waters still manages to keep the idea fresh and fun.
"Just Like Heaven" proves to be more than just a recycled formula, but an advancement of an entertaining premise that will often make you laugh, and for some, even cry.
"Just Like Heaven"
Director: Mark Waters
Features: Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo
3 1/2 out of 5
