Just Like Heaven (2005) – movie review

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Movie Review by EDF

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Donal Logue, Dina Waters
Director: Mark Waters

There are those who are so dedicated to their work that life just passes them by. When the end finally comes, it is all too late and there is no way to turn back the clock. That is the situation that we find ourselves at the start of this movie. Workaholic doctor Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon) works long shifts and rarely spends time with her friends and family. She is involved in a road accident and soon after her heartbroken sister leases out Elizabeth apartment to David (Mark Ruffalo). Surprised that the apartment comes fully furnished, he feels right at home and starts making the place his home as any ordinary single man would do.

Not long after moving in, David is startled by Elizabeth who suddenly appears, questioning him on what he is doing in her apartment. Before he can answer her, Elizabeth mysteriously disappears. David changes the locks and somehow Elizabeth keeps reappearing, giving out advice about David’s lifestyle. David eventually figures out that Elizabeth is a ghost and they piece together who Elizabeth was when she was alive. They both get closer as they find out more about each other and they also realise that their time together could come to an end.

As far as romantic comedies go, this is slightly less predictable than the usual fare of boy meets girl, losing each other and then they find each other in the end. Instead, the story is creative enough that it will have you believing that the predictable ending won’t happen. The romance is sincere without being soppy and for this the movie gets an extra mark. Both leads are watchable but the scene stealer is Jon Heder’s turn as Darryl, the supernatural bookstore clerk who can feel Elizabeth’s presence. This is an enjoyable movie but it is not one that you’ll remember long after you have seen it.

4 out of 6 stars