On D List of Movie Reviews

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Defending Your Life (1991)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 12/15

12/15: Defending Your Life is an interesting movie about what happens after a person dies, especially the judgment hearing whether he can move forward or go back to earth and try again.

Unfortunately, the concept is too complicated to tackle. At least, Albert Brooks gives a good try. My problem with the whole thing is: "why fear?" I prefer an examination of person's life that's based on morality. It'll makes more sense this way because criminals tend to have no fear.

The examination of Daniel Miller's life is sort of sad in a funny way, yet it's unfair to him to be judged in this manner; all of the acts he committed are just human nature. The other problem is the insistence to deliver one-liners. Sure, they're funny and witty, but can we stick with the main premise? By the way, Meryl Streep and Rip Torn (one of his better roles, reminding me of Artie from The Larry Sanders Show) are excellent.

All in all, Defending Your Life feels unsatisfying, but it's a good Albert Brooks film.

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