"Just Like Heaven" was under-appreciated the first time I saw it 15 years ago. Only now do I recognize the impact these two power house actors have imprinted on Hollywood. Had this movie been made just a few years later, the budget could not afford them both.
Witherspoon's and Ruffalo's charm shimmers, and they have an immediate best friend vibe. Their magnetism undeniable and the more time they spend together, the more fun we have taking part in this romantic journey with them. But, when he suddenly professes his love for her, we as an audience are dazed, and ill-prepared, and it's too much to comprehend. It's okay, because there is a reason for this premature act on his part, which we eventually learn as the movie progresses.
I've fallen in love with Reese Witherspoon many times, and this is no exception. She gives us one of her most subdued on-screen personalities, but she pairs it well with Ruffalo's character, who shares her out-of-sorts position in life. The theme is derived from this sentiment, because they were supposed to meet; but due to a freak accident which threatened to sabotage destiny, they did not. As the story unfolds, fate was not lost, but only diverted for a time.
Put simply, this is about how fate and soulmates intersect. This movie shows how fate may NOT ONLY extend beyond the grave, it exhibits power over death itself. It's an almost tragic love story where one must find himself, and she must see herself through his eyes in order to live.
Are you prepared to challenge your pre-conceptions?
This movie is placed partly in the comedy genre, however it seems more romance, save one hysterical scene shared with Donal Logue, who briefly ignites a string of intensely humorous events, and the chemistry he and Ruffalo share is undeniable.
If you enjoy fairy tale adjacent romances, you must see this. I'd recommend "13 going on 30", "Begin Again", or "Thanks for Sharing", for Ruffalo fans, and "Four Christmases", "Water for Elephants", or "Sweet Home Alabama" for Witherspoon fans.
I've seen some better romantic/comedy/drama/fantasy movies, and so I'd give this 7 stars, only because of Ruffalo and Witherspoon. Each of them adds a full star to this otherwise so-so movie.
Witherspoon's and Ruffalo's charm shimmers, and they have an immediate best friend vibe. Their magnetism undeniable and the more time they spend together, the more fun we have taking part in this romantic journey with them. But, when he suddenly professes his love for her, we as an audience are dazed, and ill-prepared, and it's too much to comprehend. It's okay, because there is a reason for this premature act on his part, which we eventually learn as the movie progresses.
I've fallen in love with Reese Witherspoon many times, and this is no exception. She gives us one of her most subdued on-screen personalities, but she pairs it well with Ruffalo's character, who shares her out-of-sorts position in life. The theme is derived from this sentiment, because they were supposed to meet; but due to a freak accident which threatened to sabotage destiny, they did not. As the story unfolds, fate was not lost, but only diverted for a time.
Put simply, this is about how fate and soulmates intersect. This movie shows how fate may NOT ONLY extend beyond the grave, it exhibits power over death itself. It's an almost tragic love story where one must find himself, and she must see herself through his eyes in order to live.
Are you prepared to challenge your pre-conceptions?
This movie is placed partly in the comedy genre, however it seems more romance, save one hysterical scene shared with Donal Logue, who briefly ignites a string of intensely humorous events, and the chemistry he and Ruffalo share is undeniable.
If you enjoy fairy tale adjacent romances, you must see this. I'd recommend "13 going on 30", "Begin Again", or "Thanks for Sharing", for Ruffalo fans, and "Four Christmases", "Water for Elephants", or "Sweet Home Alabama" for Witherspoon fans.
I've seen some better romantic/comedy/drama/fantasy movies, and so I'd give this 7 stars, only because of Ruffalo and Witherspoon. Each of them adds a full star to this otherwise so-so movie.