Just Like Heaven

A rom-com with a twist of the supernatural, which makes the story original. This movie plays wonderfully with the audience's expectations at whether Reese Witherspoon's character Elizabeth is real as her and David (played by Mark Ruffalo) try and figure out why he can only see her etc. There are a couple of good twists later on as they piece things together. Though on meeting they resent each other, they soon start to bond and the resentment turns into romance. The transition between dislike and love is handled extremely well at just the right pace making it believable. The script is surprisingly witty making it smart and the acting between Ruffalo and Witherspoon is really good with a lovely chemistry between them. They are so likable particularly Witherspoon at the start, that you care deeply about them and just root for them to be together.

This isn't really funny though I laughed a few times. It's more the comedy that makes you smile as it's charming. There are also some touching scenes as well that tug at the heartstrings but not in a way that's too sentimental like slush. In the end this was a lovely rom-com and even though this came out in 2005, after the recent ones I've seen at the cinema like The Bounty Hunter, The Proposal and The Ugly Truth (which were awful with leads that act sexist and immature and who you can't root for making it unlovable and not funny). Just Like Heaven joins my list of others like Date Night, (500) Days of Summer and arguably the best ever rom-com Love Actually in the likable category. Enjoyable entertainment for it's length that puts a smile on your face. If you haven't seen this yet and want a good rom-com. I would recommend Just Like Heaven because I felt like I was on it with feeling happiness as I watched it. Just lovely.

It has been a good season for romantic comedies. Earlier on Diane Lane and John Cusack proved that comedies didn't have to be stupid, as it was properly demonstrated in a recent sex comedy. Stick to the conventions, find people with good chemistry and good looks, and you might strike gold. Witherspoon has shown incredible amounts of charm in previous outings, and this time she is on fire. The amazing surprise is Mr. Ruffalo, as her smitten "friend". He is a pleasure to watch, matching Witherspoon scene by scene and stealing a few on his own. He has fantastic comedic timing and knows how to charm his audience.

The film itself will not break any grounds, instead it pays tribute to a few classics in the past. What it doesn't do is draw too much attention to itself by being too clever, dry, or indulge in the use of four-letter words gratuitous. It recalls comedies of the past, when characters were developed and actors work their magic on the screen.

There are a couple of interesting twists along the way, and some of the romantic scenes are lovingly shot and directed. The supporting cast is very effective, making the experience light and yet very fulfilling. A+

Its been a long while since i've enjoyed a romantic comedy so much - possibly the last romantic comedy I enjoyed as much was Two Weeks Notice in 2002. The cast is fantastic - Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon make for great on screen chemistry and the script is sharp yet it is not all out and out comedy, it has subtle moments and enough tender moments to make it gel and become believable. Even the men in the group enjoyed the film, they were laughing and sighing along with us girls, which is quite impressive as usually they regard romantic films as girly trash to be avoided like the plague. While we didn't set out to see this film, we actually wanted to watch King Kong but tickets had sold out, it is well worth watching and I can't wait to see it again on DVD!

For a romantic comedy, I felt that this was one of the better one's. Reese and Mark are so adorable in this movie together and all you do is root for their characters for fall in love with each other because it's such a sweet story. I did have one problem that I felt was a plot hole, if Reese's character didn't remember who she was, how did she remember that she spilled cough syrup on her pillow? When you watch the film you'll understand. But besides that plot hole, I did enjoy watching the awesome chemistry between Reese and Mark. They are two great actors who make fun comedies. I would highly recommend this fun little love story, it takes me back into the unchained melody days. :D Seriously, folks, enjoy!

7/10

Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon) is a hard charging San Francisco ER doctor. She is all about her job and she just got a promotion. Her sister sets her up on a date but a truck crashes into her. Landscape architect David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) is a heart broken widower and moves into Elizabeth's old apartment. It turns out that her spirit is haunting the place and doesn't really know it. His best friend Jack (Donal Logue) doesn't believe him. Darryl (Jon Heder) runs the occult bookstore.

Witherspoon and Ruffalo are a great rom-com duo. They are charmingly combative which is great for passion. This is a light comedy with a romantic heart. Jon Heder is a fine wacky side character. It is funny and likable. It's a fine take on the rom-com formula.