Just Like Heaven (2006, DVD)

What a wonderful movie. After a summer full of dull blockbuster, shoot 'em up, aliens attacking, superhero flicks, I was sooooo ready for the fall fare, and Just Like Heaven is the perfect way to start. Reese Witherspoon is, well, heavenly and altogether lovely, but Mark Ruffalo truly impressed me. And, for the Napoleon Dynamite fans, Jon Heder makes an appearance as an occult bookstore attendent. This character is probably what Napoleon would be doing 10 years down the road. Napoleon aside (please don't see this movie just for him!), this is a very sweet, fun, and surprising romantic comedy.

Reese is Elizabeth, a dedicated doctor who scarcely makes time for herself. About fifteen minutes into the film, she's in a terrible car accident... flash forward three months later. David (Ruffalo) is looking for a furnished apartment to sublet. He just can't seem to find one with a comfortable enough couch, until that is, a piece of paper keeps flying at him in the street, advertising a fully furnished apartment. The couch is perfect, so he quickly moves in and begins his nightly drink-fest. But soon after he begins seeing the spirit of Elizabeth, who tells him that the apartment is hers. Together, they discover what truly has become of Elizabeth (I'm not telling!) and how to get things back to normal.

There are lots of surprising twists in this movie, and I had already read the book. The premise is the same, but this movie reveals a lot of missed opportunities on the author's (Marc Levy's) part. Witherspoon and Ruffalo are wonderful together, a perfect romantic comedy match. Ruffalo actually almost had me crying when he finally reveals the root of his depression to Elizabeth. What a fun movie! Just suspend any disbelief you may have and just have fun! That's what this movie is for! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Absurd Romantic Comedy

I am so surprised this movie has not received any bad reviews! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that, but to me this movie was one of the worst of the year.

Professional woman all caught up in her career gets into an accident and comes back to haunt the man who sublets her place. She does not realize that she is just there in spirit and he agrees to help her find out what happened. I like Reeses Witherspoon and absolutely love Mark Ruffalo - who started as a great indie actor and now is making Hollywood drivel. I am also a sucker for any movie set in San Francisco and love screwball romantic comedies with improbable plots.

Still I was bored beyond tears, there is no mystery as to what happened or will happen to her or to them for that matter. I like a romantic comedy as pure entertainment as much as the next person but this one was just bad. Watch it if you like Reese or Mark Ruffalo.

A Near Masterpiece

I usually wouldn't think of the word "masterpiece" to describe a romantic comedy, but this flick is an exception. I usually am not a big fan of romantic comedies (I hated "Sweet Home Alabama" which also starred Resse Witherspoon) and one reason I think that I enjoyed "Just Like Heaven" so much was because it was a lot more than just that. It starts out as an above-average romantic comedy about a depressed landscape architect (Mark Ruffalo) whose apartment is haunted by the spirit of the previous tenant (Witherspoon). But half-way through there is a plot twist that I didn't see coming and the story becomes more of a drama than a comedy. The film becomes deeper and even better. (I won't spoil the film by telling you what the twist is.) The direction and acting is top notch, with John Heder (of Napoleon Dynamite fame) standing out in the supporting role of an occult bookstore clerk with psychic powers. At times, the cinematography is also outstanding, which is unusual for this genre of film. This is one of the best romantic comedies of all time and I recommend it highly.

A charming love story for all to enjoy

There's very few films that Reese Witherspoon stars in that flop and in 'Just Like Heaven' she notches up another winner. The character of Elizabeth in my view was made for Reese Witherspoon and she does a fantastic job playing the cute, funny and loveable Elizabeth.

The story is an amusing comedy where David is plagued by visits from the seemingly nutty Elizabeth who keeps insisting that he's living in her apartment. David refuses to leave, Elizabeth refuses to leave and after a while it becomes apparent that Elizabeth isn't really in touch with reality. What follows is a film which can be described as a comedy and a love-story all rolled into one. The chemistry between Elizabeth and David is obvious and I doubt there could have been a better pairing.

All in all a sweet film which was thoroughly enjoyable.

DVD: JUST LIKE HEAVEN

This is a great movie. One of those feelgood movies at the end. This one you will want to add to your DVD library. I have enjoyed watching several times. I love Chick flicks since I am a a chick but this movie my husband likes too. So, I do not get ughs when I suggest it. You will laugh and cry in this romatic comedy. Rated PG 13 for some sexual content. Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo are great. I would let my children 13 and above see it and feel fine with it.