Oh, God!

A very good movie with a nice message. It's not preachy, overly religious or anti-religious. It's more inspirational and shouldn't offend anyone.

George Burns is terrific as God taking the form of a kind old man. God (Burns) asks a man (John Denver) in the 1970s to relay His message to the world: that, despite the tough times, "it can work" if people get their act together. The man is put in the unenviable position of trying to convince people that he really is God's messenger. In the end, it's not about politics or who's right and who's wrong; it's a friendly reminder that we shape the world in which we live, and we can make it good again.

Carl Reiner's film seems like a fairly realistic (if comical) portrayal of the difficulties that would arise if God appeared to only one man in today's modern society. There's a satirical side to it. But the God in this film isn't concerned with who believes and who doesn't. He realizes He can't win over everybody, but He remains in good humor. He watches over the universe in a hands-off manner.

Personally I'm not very religious, but Burns is the kind of God I'd like. Great casting.

In terms of entertainment value, OH, GOD! might not be the *best* choice for a movie night, but I enjoyed it. I wouldn't want to watch it over and over again, but it's nice to check out once every so often. And I think it's definitely worth seeing once.

7/10

What can I say about a film that stars two of my favorite actors? Its one of my all-time favorite family films.

George Burns is wonderful as God. He is patient, kind and easy to talk to-- everything that God is, in my humble opinion. I do like the fact that he is represented as less than perfect; he shows us the human side of our creator.

John Denver is great as the grocery clerk, the naive, put-upon modern Moses who tries to convince everyone that he's not insane.

The appeal of this film is the underlying message that God cares for us, and also the way the message is delivered in such a non-denominational, non-preachy, non-judgmental manner. Its a fun movie that reminds us that God is always watching us---not to squash us like a bug when we make a mistake, but to be there for us when we need him.

The movie appeals to all ages. 10/10 stars.

I was a little apprehensive renting the DVD of this movie after all of these years since its original release, but most of it holds up remarkably well.

On the DVD commentary tract, the makers of the film, looking back on it after 25 years, seem to be equally as surprised. The director, Carl Reiner, points to an eight-minute scene in which it is just Denver and Burns talking in a bathroom. There is no music, no fast cuts, no special effects, and the scene simply holds our attention on its own. Mr. Reiner indicates that there is no way that the scene would be made that way today.

Some scenes are timeless, such as Jerry's first encounter with the Almighty via intercom in the all-white room. Also classic is the infamous scene in the bathroom in which God first reveals himself in the flesh to a humbled and still somewhat disbelieving John Denver.

Unfortunately, not all of the movie holds up as well. Some things, especially exteriors, seem very dated. And even though it is quaint, it is hard to believe that an intelligent and capable husband and wife team would cherish a Supermarket Assistant Manager Job so much. Ah well, it was another time when people still believed in sticking with one company and working their way up through the ranks.

I wish that the film would explore some of the harder questions of religion a little more seriously, but one wonders if the film would collapse if taken out of its sweet, feel-good movie formula in which it is helplessly trapped forever.

If anything, rent it for the performances of the two leads. George Burns, playing the role at 83, is so good, that it is, (not to be cliched,) awesome. However, what is equally as unbelievable is the performance of John Denver in his first and only acting gig. He hits some of his notes perfectly, and it really shows a significant skill and timing to play straight man to a legend like Burns.

Oh God!, is a smart and funny film. It is truthful, without being condescending. It talks about religion without being religious. It also showcases George Burns' finest screen appearance aside from The Sunshine Boys.

As, God, Burns is astonishing. Whenever John Denver asks questions that every being would ask if confronted by God, Burns replies with a certain, common sense, matter of fact response. There is no grandiose answer. One of my favorite lines is when John Denver's character asks "Why me?", God says, "Why not you? You know those supermarket things, every one millionth customer. Or whoever crosses the bridge at a certain time. Well you're the one millionth customer."

Speaking of Denver, he also is great, playing Jerry, not as a crazed man, but as an average grocery market assistant manager who is suddenly faced with the fact that God has chosen him to carry a message. He plays his character with a certain warmth, and naturalness.

Carl Reiner directed this film, and with a great eye. Notice how Jerry's everyday life is just that, everyday. The way he is with his wife, and kids, and people around him. I've seen it a dozen times, because that's how people actually act. Reiner brought a sense of realness to this movie, which in effect brought with it believability.

"Oh, God!" is similar in many ways to "Bruce Almighty," but for some reason the former has gotten little attention over the years while the latter was a hit. While "Bruce Almighty" has some funny moments, I think this one is far superior.

First of all, George Burns is amazing. Morgan Freeman's God in "Bruce Almighty" had a slightly ominous, don't-cross-me nature, but Burns' is a God you can completely trust. He is caring and optimistic, and wants the world to get better. He doesn't throw Jerry into a situation he can't handle; he is there for him the whole time. Plus he is just a really fun guy to be around. Who wouldn't want to believe in a God like that?

John Denver also does a great job. It is hard to believe he had no acting experience before this, because he is top-notch. He is a kind, honest guy, not a selfish jerk like Jim Carrey's Bruce Almighty. He is nervous about delivering God's message to the world, but perfectly willing to do it.

Unlike that other God movie, this one delivers a good message without getting annoyingly preachy, it is consistently funny from start to finish, it has a likable main character, and it features a God who is a friend, not an opponent. I think everyone could enjoy watching this, whether they are religious or not.

Oh, and on a completely irrelevant note, I think Carl Reiner's cameo (doing an impression of the portrait of Dorian Grey) is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. That scene alone is reason enough to watch this movie.

8/10 stars.