‘Just Like Heaven’ a divine escape
Aristotle said that the unexamined life isn’t worth living. “Heaven” argues that life isn’t worth living if all we do is examine. But the theme is almost irrelevant, as this is a movie made for entertainment. If you like lighthearted, bubbly, romantic comedies, this is a film for you. Although chemistry between the leads fails to ignite, the strong cast and original comedy make this an entertaining movie.
Based on Marc Levy’s novel “If Only It Were True,” “Just Like Heaven” is competently written by Peter Tolan (“America’s Sweethearts”) and Leslie Dixon (“Freaky Friday”). They spin a tale about Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), a workaholic doctor who can’t find time to date, let alone sleep. After a car accident, Elizabeth is shocked to find David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) occupying her apartment (you guessed it, she’s not there in body, only in spirit). David is an aloof, big brother type, who seems determined to wallow in his mysteriously painful past. The thing is, only he can see her, and they go on to form a strangely real relationship.
The story is put together well – particularly nailing a few scenes that have big comedic payoff. Yet, the biggest tragedy in this movie is Witherspoon’s character, Elizabeth. Not that the character by herself was poorly written, and not that Witherspoon did a poor portrayal. The problem lies with the match. Witherspoon is like a treadmill, just taking us to the same places. If you’ve seen “Sweet Home Alabama” you’ll find something boorish about watching Elizabeth, and consequently her romantic relationship. Why not write in a quirk or flaw to give Witherspoon a challenge, or even a different direction to go? Was she a workaholic for a reason? Was she trying to compensate for something else? Exploring these avenues would have paid off.
But here’s the good news. Ruffalo and the supporting cast were ingenious selections, and their performances engaging. Ruffalo breathes quirky life into David, and it’s a delight to watch his childlike charisma. Donal Logue (“The Tao of Steve”) is a great pick for David’s faithful buddy who is always intelligent enough to get the girls. And last but not at all least is Jon Heder (Napoleon of Napoleon Dynamite), who naturally provides laughs as David’s happenstance psychic, Darryl. But watch out – Heder has been wrongfully pigeonholed as a character actor; he shows inklings of playing more than just a ticked off nerd.
All in all, “Just Like Heaven” is a romantic comedy that emphasizes the latter. Despite Witherspoon’s misguided role, the film plays on its strengths and succeeds. Here’s a movie that’s good for entertainment. And with all the terrible news of late, a good laugh may be just what the doctor ordered.
Chris Blakesley is a Film Critic for the Utah Statesman. Questions or remarks may be sent to: cblakes@gmail.com