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.

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.

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.

Burns is effective in dual roles, as God and the devil in this third installment of the Oh, God! series. This time God tries to save Bobby Shelton (Ted Wass), who was once a nobody and now a rock star, from the clutches of the devil. The story works for a while and doesn't take itself too seriously. For fans of Burns, you'll be satisfied.

This is a classic! Great comedy from George Burns in both roles! The story leaves such a good message with the viewer, that it's hard to forget this film, even now, 37 years later. See it, it will stay with you.