Oh, God! You Devil

I think this installment of the Oh God series is very good. When Satan said the contract was a trial period, that just shows how Satan likes to lie and manipulate. Even though George Burns is gone, I think they should make a fourth installment to the series and have Bill Cosby play the role of God and the devil (If the devil wants to be in this one)

To explain Bill Cosby in the role, the beginning of the movie could have God saying that this time he has decided to take on a different form, than the one he used in his last three visits to earth, and then the movie picks up from there just like the other ones did.

Since George Burns can't star in another sequel, I think Bill Cosby would be the perfect alternative, as he would give the character a very similar touch.

I don't care what anyone says. I have a thing for this movie. It's a great and simple script. Right down to the choice of that great old song that they sing a pivotal points and at the end (Fugue for Tinhorns from 'Guys and Dolls') George Burns' reprisal of this role was and is pure gold. The little things he says, those simple eternal truths hit home every time. They offer us a few words to live by and things to think about...in essence telling us that God's vast plan for the universe is really quite a simple one.

Ted Wass, I am convinced, is the only actor that could have pulled it off with so much charm and sensitivity. He's never been a glittering star, but he will always shine brilliantly for me in this role as the object of the devil's temptation and God's redemption.

Call this a too-religious-sounding review and I will say God is everywhere, even in this typeface.

I recommend this movie to sensitive people only. All others, I am sorry you will never get it.

Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) is a down-on-his-luck songwriter watched over by God (George Burns) after his father prayed for him as a sick child. He reluctantly does a Beverly Hills wedding. He asks to sell his soul to make it in the business and Satan (George Burns) obliges by signing him. Instead of the standard 7 years deal, he gets a trial period. He becomes superstar Billy Wayne in an instant. His wife Wendy Shelton (Roxanne Hart) is with another man in his place as Bobby but is pregnant with his baby when he was still Bobby. He tries to break his deal with the devil and goes in search for God. He's told to go to the desert and he goes to Las Vegas.

George Burns is good as a cigar smoking Satan. The movie could probably use more Burns. Ted Wass is not that great. This is a little darker and doesn't have quite the same humor as the original. I do need Bobby to do more to break the contract than simply finding God. It would be great if he does good deeds to appeal to God. There are opportunities for drama and humor that aren't taken. I do love the irony of Bobby going to Vegas to find God. It's definitely not as good as the original but it's good to see Burns again anyways.

A piano player in Los Angeles (Ted Wass) wants to make it big and so the devil (George Burns) offers to turn him from a Barry Manilow wannabe into a stud-ly Rick Springfield rock star. Will he stay with his wife (Roxanne Hart) and simple life as a struggling musician or give into temptation and the 'success' he craves?

"Oh, God! You Devil" (1984) was the third and final "Oh, God!" film. It's superior to the sitcomy precursor from 1980 while the first half is just as good as the original 1977 film. Shortly after the midway point, though, it starts to lose its mojo and becomes a little tedious, but things perk up when 'God' (Burns) appears for a showdown with the devil. If you ignore the paranormal elements, it's reminiscent of "The Rose" in ways (1979).

Lovely Roxanne Hart is a highlight in her brief role. Too bad it wasn't bigger. Meanwhile Wass is surprisingly convincing as the Rick Springfield-like rocker.

The film cost $5,560,001 and made $21,538,850 in the USA alone in late 1984, which means it was a modest box office hit. Roger Ebert & Gene Siskel gave it a positive review, calling it "charming" and "delightful" "with a wicked sense of humor."

The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes done in Las Vegas.

GRADE: B

You can tell that George Burns is really enjoying himself immensely, here: he gets to play not only his signature role of God, but the Devil as well. Old Scratch, passing himself off as a super talent agent, gives aspiring musician Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass) a real Devils' deal. In no time, Bobby is having great success. But Bobby is not happy, because this also means saying goodbye to to the great love of his life, Wendy Shelton (Roxanne Hart). God and Satan ultimately have a show-down poker game in Vegas as they fight for Bobbys' soul.

Written by Andrew Bergman, this third entry in the series doesn't contain a lot of comedy fireworks. It only really comes to life the more that that old fountain of youth Burns is exploited for his full comic potential. He's a joy, although it is interesting that "Oh, God! You Devil" is played more straight, and for more pathos, than one might expect.

A top notch cast brings to life a variety of colourful characters: Ron Silver, Eugene Roche, James Cromwell, Robert Picardo, Robert Desiderio, John Doolittle, Jason Wingreen, Susan Peretz, Arthur Malet, etc. Silver is especially funny as a music industry insider. Wass actually delivers a very appealing and sympathetic performance, and naturally one actually cares about whether his rock star will be redeemed.

But it's Burns fans will be in Heaven, as the veteran star lights up the screen whenever he's around.

Six out of 10.