I saw this one in the theater many years ago and thought it would be a good fit for our family. I was also glad to have the opportunity to introduce the kids to Warren Beatty, who was a big 70s era film star.
Specs:
An hour and a half; rated PG
Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:
7.63
More about the film and our reaction to it:
A very odd little premise to this movie. Clever but odd. In less-talented hands, it might have been a big mess, but instead the film is believable, sincere, and winning. Buck Henry and Warren Beatty directed as well as starred and are supported by a hugely talented cast. I hadn't realized how star-studded this one was, until I started typing the big names into the labels box. (See below this post).
So, the odd and clever plot goes like this: Warren Beatty plays a football player (Joe Pendleton) who is training with his team and excited about his chance to be in the super bowl this season. Heading home from practice, Pendleton hops on his bike and enters a tunnel where he is struck in a collision. Unfortunately, the angel who is sent down to claim him when he dies, pulls Pendleton away too soon, in order to save him some pain; but it turns out that this was a big goof, because Pendleton wasn't supposed to die. The angels then have to find another body for Pendleton to occupy on earth and it is settled that Mr. Farnsworth will do. Farnsworth is a millionaire who has just been killed by his wife and her lover/Farnsworth's aide. When Pendleton occupies the millionaire's body, and he springs back to life, hilarious comedy ensues from Dyan Cannon and Charles Grodin (who play the conniving pair.)
Under Pendleton's spirit, Farnsworth undergoes major changes in how he runs his business, treats others, and mostly, in his lifestyle - as he begins training to play football and even manages to convince Pendleton's old trainer of who is really is. Due to Beatty's charm and strong performance, none of this feels trite or cheesy, but earnest and charming.
This is a really great movie for some Warren Beatty appreciation. He is in top form here -- warm, likable, athletic and smart, and this film a perfect vehicle for those talents. The film is a nigh blend of quirky drama and absurd humor.
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