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Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 6/08

HeavenW
6/08: Heaven Can Wait is highly similar to the TV show Quantum Leap but is less subtle.

The plot isn't bad and is typical of Warren Beatty. There's a specific moment in the room among corporate execs that reminds me of Bulworth. Meanwhile, the acting is fine. The only one whom I don't like is Charles Grodin who seems miscast. Jack Warden is a treat; he's very good and funny and has an enjoyable presence. James Mason is a charmer as well. Julie Christie gives off a pleasant aura. Warren Beatty is all right himself.

Although Heaven Can Wait is a semi-football film, the football scenes aren't interesting and thus can be better to achieve balance. After Joe Pendleton claims to be dead and can't touch humans, I find it weird that when he runs through different rooms, the flowers can be seen moving. Also, when Joe runs downstairs, he touches the stairway rail for support. After showing up at Way Station, Joe acts incredulous as if he doesn't know what's happening, yet the escorts are shown surprised.

On the other hand, it would help if I knew what Mr. Farnsworth looked like. Hell, his name was mentioned so many times that I had conjured a mental image of Richard Farnsworth. Also, the film isn't original as it's been done before in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and countless others.

All in all, Heaven Can Wait is a decent lightweight fare that ends well.