La porte de l'au-delà

"Living With The Dead" is an excellent and very compelling film. I am not a huge fan of horror films and I hated "The Sixth Sense" for some odd reason, anyway when I first saw this film advertised on CBS I promised myself that I would resist at all costs and watch "Taxi Driver" on DVD instead, but then this made for television film started and to my surprise I was totally involved with the story and felt a connection to the character of James (I don't see dead people, if that's what you're thinking). I sat there by the tv totally mesmerised by this spectacular story. The story, directing, dialoge, acting, and suspence are all top-notch. I really loved the performances in this mini-series, I thought every actor played his/her part perfectly, but there are two people that I was really impressed with, when I saw the previews I didn't expect much out of Queen Latifa because I never really considered her to be an "actress", but she was just excellent in this film, gave me a newfound respect for what she does. The other performance I was surprised by was given by Ted Danson. You see I have always thought of Danson as a comedic genius because of his work from "Cheers" and most recently "Becker", but I have never thought of him as a dramatic actor so I didn't expect much from him either, but once again I was taken by surprise as this man really became the character and played the part perfectly. He was extraordinary in this movie.

Bottomline: It's a really great film that I hope to see again sometime.

Final-Grade: 8/10

I didn't expect much from that film. I was wrong. A man who can see the dead and talk with them is a risky subject. Besides, made for television movies dealing with supernatural events are often disappointing. Producers and directors seem to be afraid to scare audience in any way, and network self-censure doesn't improve that. "Living With The Dead" is a miraculous exception that could break the rule - if television gives us more like this. The actors are all excellent, with a special mention to Ted Danson, who probably gives here his finest performance. Mary Steenburgen is fine too, and both Jack Palance and Diane Ladd are too famous for I say how good they are. The screenplay is excellent, one of the best in TV's history. It alternates chilling and moving moments without any false note, using misdirection and red herrings with consummate skill. The whodunit is remarkably held and will let you guessing until the end. Characters are well-drawn, three-dimensional, not the puppets that one usually see in that kind of productions. A closer look reveals an intelligent reflection on death and how deal with it behind the thriller elements. And don't forget the most important thing: it REALLY SCARES. As I've said above, TV movies are rather weak on that. Not "Living With The Dead", that had me starting, shouting and shuddering more than once, without any gory effect. Kudos to the director. So if you like first-rate ghost stories, that one is a must-see for you. Don't miss it. Maybe the dead are behind you... Don't displease them!

I've accidentally found this movie on the Hallmark channel as there's no better choice on HBO and other movie channels that night. Without knowing anything about this movie I started watching it, and thinking that it might be just another horror movie. I must admit that I was kinda disappointed while I saw Ted Danson appeared on the movie cos I never really like Cheers and neither do I interested on any of his movie at all. But now, I must say Thank God I didn't switch to other channel which I almost did that night. This is an excellent movie with great actors, the performance of Ted Danson, Queen Latifah and Jack Palance impressed me a lot, and other actors were amazing in their roles too. I was stupid to ignore Ted Danson's movie in the past, he is really a great actor that acted with his heart and soul. This is not just a horror movie but a movie about forgiveness , understanding and most of all - LOVE!

I love this movie very much, so much so that I watched the repeat again the next morning.

This film is kind of like "Sixth Sense" (he sees dead people) only, in my opinion, a fair amount better. The guy is on one hand trying to help a detective solve a series of murders but also cope with his new found "talent" along with other personal troubles. Thoroughly watchable, I found myself eager for the adverts to end and get back to the excitement. It ends well and will surprise you.

I have to admit I didn't have much faith in Ted Denson- he usually plays in comedies, and this movie is a drama. But after watching this movie, I have to beg for forgiveness for my lack of faith. :-) Denson was excellent and I was very impressed. The same can be said about Queen Latifah. They made me feel their fear, confusion, happiness etc. The plot was very good. I was in suspense the whole movie. Great direction, too. I loved the whole aura of the movie- dark and mysterious, spooky and creepy at times. It managed to be a suspense/horror movie, without being a standard horror movie. I mean, they don't show blood or disgusting things like in "Scream" (for example), but psychologically horror, like "The sixth sense". Hope you got my drift... :-)

Bottom line: this movie was great, I really enjoyed everything about it: acting, script, photography, direction, plot...everything. If you have the chance to watch it- watch it. I think you'll enjoy it... Have fun!!!