We recently rented Just Like Heaven and, I must admit, I approached the film skeptically. My wife just loves romantic comedies, as most women seem to do, and I honestly enjoy watching them with her from time to time. Of course some are better than others. I’m pleased to report, however, that Just Like Heaven was surprisingly nice.
The more I watch movies (or TV for that matter), the more I’m convinced that what separates good movies from not-so-good movies is good casting (and, of course, good writing). Just Like Heaven is very well cast. Reese Witherspoon (I guess it was a RW weekend for us – see below) and Mark Ruffalo seem perfect for the lead roles, adeptly combining humor and authenticity. Jon Heder (whom you probably know better as Napoleon Dynamite) is a perfect fit in a very funny supporting role. The movie is also pretty clean.
Sure the plot is a little predictable and unrealistic. But at heart it really is a nice story that will give you some laughs and make you feel good, and sometimes that’s all I really want in a movie.