June 11, 2006
Just when you thought they didn't make them like that anymore - here's one to buck the trend. Far better than most off-the-peg romantic comedies, Just Like Heaven stars Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo as an Odd Couple thrown together in very odd circumstances.
Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is a bright, attractive, workaholic young doctor, clocking up too many hours and with zero social life. Driving to her sister's for a set-up blind date, she’s involved in a head-on collision. When landscape designer, David, rents her old apartment, Elizabeth's spirit haunts the flat, convinced it's still hers. And she’s none too pleased with David’s slovenly ways. But as he’s the only person who can see her, she’s going to need his help if she’s to find out exactly what happened to her. Is she really dead? Or is David losing it? And does he really want her gone?
Chuck away all thoughts of Ghost. Neither too sentimental nor too self-conscious, Just Like Heaven’s premise never runs out of steam. Witherspoon is coolly classy as Elizabeth, while Ruffalo brings a rough-hewn ordinariness to the bewildered David. While it pushes all the usual rom-com buttons, there are enough twists and dilemmas to keep you wondering just how it will work out. Even the obligatory rock 'n' pop soundtrack is more than just tacked-on - The Cure's song giving the title to the film.
The breezy pace and well-judged set pieces keep things ticking enjoyably. Sex-free and with an emphasis squarely on the romance and comedy, it makes a refreshing change from so many so-called 'contemporary' rom-coms.
Just Like Heaven got only a limited cinema release. But at least on DVD you can rewind to your favourite bits or just slap it on again. And this is such a charmer, you’ll want to see it twice.
Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is a bright, attractive, workaholic young doctor, clocking up too many hours and with zero social life. Driving to her sister's for a set-up blind date, she’s involved in a head-on collision. When landscape designer, David, rents her old apartment, Elizabeth's spirit haunts the flat, convinced it's still hers. And she’s none too pleased with David’s slovenly ways. But as he’s the only person who can see her, she’s going to need his help if she’s to find out exactly what happened to her. Is she really dead? Or is David losing it? And does he really want her gone?
Chuck away all thoughts of Ghost. Neither too sentimental nor too self-conscious, Just Like Heaven’s premise never runs out of steam. Witherspoon is coolly classy as Elizabeth, while Ruffalo brings a rough-hewn ordinariness to the bewildered David. While it pushes all the usual rom-com buttons, there are enough twists and dilemmas to keep you wondering just how it will work out. Even the obligatory rock 'n' pop soundtrack is more than just tacked-on - The Cure's song giving the title to the film.
The breezy pace and well-judged set pieces keep things ticking enjoyably. Sex-free and with an emphasis squarely on the romance and comedy, it makes a refreshing change from so many so-called 'contemporary' rom-coms.
Just Like Heaven got only a limited cinema release. But at least on DVD you can rewind to your favourite bits or just slap it on again. And this is such a charmer, you’ll want to see it twice.