Just Like Heaven (2005)

Reese strikes again!, by Griz Bear Man

Reese Witherspoon may be only about 5'4" but she is such a ball of fire that she fills the screen like Shaquille O'Neal, especially when she is given a great role like June Carter in "Walk the Line" where she scores a triple-double in my book (extending the basketball metaphor). This film is no exception. She is the shining star, but her supporting cast is not too shabby either, including Mark Ruffalo, who is a subtler, more low key perfect compliment to the feisty Reese, who gives a (pardon the pun) spirited performance.

As a romantic comedy, this film is one of the better ones. It is crisp, energetic, wryly funny, and it pulls off what could have been a sappy premise by having some real emotional substance. It largely avoids most of the the annoying cliches of romantic comedy, including, especially, falling in bed and having sex (the premise of the film provides a perfect excuse to avoiding this cliche). As a matter of fact, sex scenes are to romantic comedy what car chases are to action adventure, an overused, tired-out, tedious cliche. Fortunately, we are spared that in this film and are treated to a light-on-its-feet, sweet, original storyline. The cinemaphotography is first-rate and adds some real class to a classy script and cast. Admittedly, this is light fare but there is nothing wrong with that. While I do not consider this among the great films I have seen, it does what it does about as well as it can. So, guys, I speak as hard drinking, outdoors, roughneck kind of guy--you can be a real man and still enjoy a good romantic comedy, especially if it is as good as this one. And your female companion I am sure will concur with your opinion and you should be able to spend an enjoyable evening watching "Just Like Heaven."