Just Like Heaven [DVD] [2005]

There's something not quite right about Elizabeth's afterlife; against his better judgement, David agrees to help her investigate her life...but finds himself digging into his own as well. The plot takes a twist that some viewers will see coming, but Just Like Heaven doesn't rely on the surprise alone; the revelation takes the story in a new and just as entertaining direction. Witherspoon and Ruffalo are two of the best romantic leads around, but the surprise is how well their contrasting flavors (perky and moody, respectively) mesh, creating a sparky, engaging chemistry. Also featuring Dina Waters (Freaky Friday), Donal Logue (The Tao of Steve), Ben Shenkman (Angels in America), and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite). Crisply directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls), who carefully keeps the supernatural from getting silly and the romance from getting gooey. --Bret Fetzer

An under-rated hit film. The Ghostbusters homage is pure genius!


Heavenly Romance   April 24, 2006
Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Dr. Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon) is a workaholic striving to get a permanent job at the hospital she's working at in San Francisco. But on the day she gets the job, she's in a horrid car accident.

Meanwhile, David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) is looking for a furnished apartment with a comfortable couch. He's running out of options until a flier for a sub-lease flies across his path. It's perfect, and David is excited about moving in.

Until he sees Elizabeth in his apartment. She insists she lives there and he is the one trespassing. When she appears and disappears, David decides she's a spirit and tries everything he can to get rid of her. When that doesn't work, he agrees to help her find out who she is so she can get peace and leave him alone.

The pieces begin falling into place, but by then, David and Elizabeth have grown beyond their initial dislike and enjoy each other's company. Will the truth about Elizabeth be good news or bad news?

I went into this movie expecting a light romantic comedy, and there are some very funny moments, especially at the beginning as David and Elizabeth must come to grips with each other. However, as the movie progressed, the story grew more serious. I was amazed at how much I grew to care for the characters. The scene where David thinks Elizabeth is out of his life choked me up, and I did need tissue for the climax.

The story itself is basically predictable. Several major plot points are obvious long before they happen. However, there was a twist or two I didn't see coming. And the movie has some themes worth thinking over after it ends.

The movie is carried by the leads. Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo do a great job in their rolls. The movie really focuses on them, and the two have lots of screen time together. The chemistry builds over the course of the movie. I found this noteworthy because in most comedies it seems to either be there or not. I liked this because shows the changing relationship that Elizabeth and David have.

The praise for the leads isn't to detract from the supporting actors. Dina Spybey especially stands out as Elizabeth's sister. However, Jon Heder of Napoleon Dynamite fame steals every scene he is in. His paranormal expert is hilarious.

The DVD extras include some hilarious bloopers and about a half dozen deleted scenes. Both are worth watching and are pretty funny, although I'm glad the alternate ending was left on the cutting room floor.

This movie is a pleasant way to spend a couple hours. Not terribly original, but it tries harder then many films out there today.


feel good romantic comedy   November 16, 2006
grumpyyoungwoman (Edinburgh, U.K.)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I'm usually picky with romantic comedies and was initially sceptical about "Just Like Heaven" when it first came out. It was only when my husband & I saw it being played in PC World when we became curious.
The film did not disappoint, it was well written, funny and touching. The soundtrack was good as well.


Feelgood and fun   November 15, 2006
C. Chambers (Shenfield, UK)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Just Like Heaven is a great movie - full of twists and turns and the characters are fabulous. There are some simply wonderful one-liners in there.

The basic plot you can read above in the main Amazon review if you want - I won't spoil it here. As a romantic comedy with a ghost twist, it does a good job and is very entertaining.

Reese Witherspoon is great as Elizabeth and turns in a witty and well timed performance, as does her leading man Mark Ruffalo. But the ultimate prize goes to John Heder as the psychic who runs a bookstore who is quite simply very very funny. The whole ensemble piece is tight, pacey and very well done.

Get a nice bottle of wine out, kick your shoes off and indulge yourself in a piece of great entertainment that will keep you laughing (when you're not crying) to the very last frame. Enjoy!