La joyeuse revenante

I don't know why so many people have slammed this movie in the comments section. I have seen this film numerous times and find it hilarious and Shelley Long adorable. No, this is not a film that requires a lot of deep thinking and analyzing, but it's not supposed to be. It's a light-hearted, romantic comedy that achieves its goal -- it entertains you, makes you laugh and touches your heart. It need not try to do anymore than that. Shelley Long, Judith Ivey, Gabriel Byrn and Sela Ward all give great performances, as does the rest of the supporting cast.

The stage curtains open ...

I've been catching up on films from the years of my youth that I never got to see. Tonight's viewing was the 1987 comedy, "Hello Again", starring Shelley Long in the starring role. Shelley Long was in her prime and probably at the height of her career during that time, so this movie poster was a fairly common one to see in the video rental stores. It only took me 38 years to see it - and unfortunately, the wait was not worth it.

The story is about Lucy Chadman (Long), the accident prone and clumsy wife of a very successful plastic surgeon, who is having a hard time finding her own identity in a world where she does not belong. She has a sister who is into the occult, and when Lucy chokes on a meatball and dies, her sister brings her back from the dead exactly one year later. She finds the world has changed, her husband has moved on to another marriage, her son has gotten married as well, and she is dealing with the idea that she really was dead, though she can't believe it at first. With the help of another doctor, she finds a way to accept and move forward with her 2nd chance at life.

So yeah ... she is basically resurrected. On the surface, this film is polished and with a solid saxophone featured 80's soundtrack. Shelley Long is her usual charming and inviting self, and the movie had all the earmarks of a comedy. The only problem is that it really isn't that funny. It should've billed as more of a drama, but even on that level, it doesn't score either. Simmering underneath is an uneasy "weird" and "unnatural" feel to it that permeates every scene. She died. This isn't like the film "Chances Are" where he was reincarnated as another person. She comes back as herself, like nothing happened.

I was expecting there to be some sort of morality tale to this, a bittersweet ending where she had to accept the reality of her situation. No ... nothing like that at all. This one just didn't sit well with me. Shelley Long was fun to watch, but as a story, it doesn't work. And the ending was just too cute and tied up for me. I wouldn't recommend this movie. It was just "okay". Not good, not bad ... but not really worth the time spent to watch it either. Highly forgettable.

Hello Again's best characters are Shelley Long and the actress who plays her sister. It offers an unique storyline that isn't beat to death in the movies. The film also provides an array of kooky characters,such as Shelley Long's sister, daugther-in-law, and brother-in-law. As usual Shelley's physical comedy makes you chuckle, even if it is more subtle in this flick. The comedy is off-sets by watching Shelley's struggle through this particular predicament, and although at times you empathisize with her, the movie never brings you down. It generally makes you chuckle and provides a feel-good atmosphere. The combination makes this one of my favorite comedy's of its era. It's a must see.

Hello Again isn't getting the recognition it deserves.It's a funny relaxing movie that does indeed leave you sighing with contentment.It always does for me. It's about a housewife, Lucy Chadman married to an upscale doctor and is unhappy with her present career and comes to an untimely end while eating a south korean chicken ball. Her wacky sister Zelda dabbles in magic and manages to bring her back to life. Now Lucy must piece back her life with help from her handsome doctor and find true love within the next full moon or she has to go back. The movie is memorable because of the quirky story , Gabriel Byrne's admiring eyes for Lucy and the nonstop comedy.

Don't listen to most of the reviews, this movie is definitely worth watching!

my rating: 10/10!

All right, so it's not the great epic of our times, but it's pretty cute. Gabriel Byrne gives a good performance as Kevin Scanlon, the workaholic doctor who falls in love with Lucy Chadman, a nonsensical suburban housewife resurrected a year after her death. Byrne combines wry humour and determination nicely - and is the reason I've seen the movie as many times as I have. Shelley Long bubbles as usual, in the role of Lucy, a woman who must choose between her old life, and her second chance for happiness. It's a cute 80's romantic comedy, and an enjoyable anecdote.