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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Since 1996 |
Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Just like Heaven Every now and then a movie will surprise you. Maybe not in the Fight Club ending sort of way, but a pleasant more subtle over all way. There is the well-known saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover” and in the case of Just like Heaven, you can’t judge a movie by the plot line. Sure this film falls squarely and perfectly into the 90-minute romantic comedy film can, but unlike most in this genre it does it with above average writing and sincere, relatable acting. See what your mind conjures up from this description. When a lonely detached landscaper named David (Mark Ruffalo) moves into a new apartment, he is stalked and later falls for the spirit of the former tenant Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon). In the end they both bring life to what once was dead or hoaky, chic-flic? Yeah me too, but I was pleasantly surprised at how this film rose nicely above those preconceived stereotypes. This is due in part to the screenplay’s funny banter written by the team of Peter Tolan (America ’s Sweethearts, Murphy Brown) and Leslie Dixon (Mrs. Doubtfire, Pay it Forward). But lines do you no good if your actors can’t make them live. Ruffalo fits well in this role for the same reason he added so much to his other romantic comedy, 13 Going on 30. He is sincere and likable. Girls dig him and guys aren't threatened by him. You want to be his friend. You feel for him. Add to the mix the wholesome down to earth yet feisty Witherspoon and you have a very lovable onscreen duo that are perfect in delivering this type of role. Another element that helps push this movie along is that it is heavier on the comedy side without neglecting the romantic touch. Jon Heder plays Darry a spiritualist of sorts who tries to help David work out his differences with the out of body Elizabeth. Heder will have a hard time breaking free of last years Dynamite of a smash role but he definitely has no problem delivering unforced humor and quirkiness. Just like Heaven is rated PG-13 for some sexual content that was kept to one brief scene. Otherwise you have a truly decent comedy that I feel is safe for 11 and up. This movie may not have the depth of _Constant Gardener_ or stir up the Oscar buzz. But most moviegoer's and certainly fans of this style will find it a truly decent theater experience. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Call me a girly man if you want. I honestly don't care. With a spin on Just Like Heaven, I’m Matt Mungle The Mungle 9/13/2005 "Matt hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com"
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