For some reason I always feel the need to offer excuses when I view a romantic comedy at the theatre. But this time I'm just going to say that when someone puts Mark Ruffulo and Reese Witherspoon in a movie together you go - end of story. And, for the most part, Heaven lives up to the charm that you would expect from its leading pair. Reese is the same American sweetheart realizing what's important in life that she was in Sweet Home Alabama. Ruffulo is the same kind-hearted guy we all loved in 13 Going on 30. (A note on Ruffulo - he once again elevates his material beyond the genre again. He has one confession scene that is sincerely moving!) And really, that's about it.
Okay, there is a fantastical twist that employs "seeing spirits" but is it laboured rather than inspired. Really, if the above-mentioned films had never been made then this one would not exist as its enjoyment-factor rests solely on the likability of the stars being the romantics we expect.
The story is transparant and full of holes - my favourite is how Reese can't "touch" anyting but never falls through the floor, or the chair, or the truck. I mean, when a film like Ghost handles these details better you know there is a problem.
In the end, Heaven is a weak Ghost retread. It deals in the same themes of loss and fated love. But it never has that "kiss" moment (or a really good love scene) that makes you sigh in your soul. In the continuum of poetic comments on romance, this one is barely a Hallmark card.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
I know this flick isn't the usual type of film to end up on my review pages - at least not without me pleading peer pressure. But you know what? It was entertaining.The 40-Year-Old Virgin is Bridget Jones for men. It's not all that serious but in the midst of laughing you find some fuzzy feelings. This comparison became clear to me in the first 10 minutes as Andy (Steve Carell) is introduced by going through the paces of his day. The details may be different (boners, video games, action figures, a bicycle) but the intent is the same - establish a portrait of adult alone-ness. As Bridget's self is defined by a longing for love that she believes may never arrive, Andy is a man who has given up on sex thinking that getting laid is just not in the cards for him. Really, its a man's take on the entire scenario because as women lament that lifelong solitude is likely a fate worse than death (lest they die and be discovered two weeks later half eaten by wild dogs), the manly equivalent must be a life without sex, ever.
And so with this premise in mind, Virgin runs wild in a field of juvenile jokes and crude comments. The entire film is truly in guy-speak overdrive and you can't help but laugh at most of it. There are no sacred cows here. It would be completely offensive if it didn't also ring so everyguy true. Women may swill cocktails and buy shoes for solace but the men insult each other while playing video games. Even the soft moments (such as when Larry asks one of his "buddies" for an opinion on his looks) are surrounded with guy energy (such as Dawn of the Dead in the background). The redeeming feature (beyond Carell's incredible likability) is the casting of Keener as Larry's potential de-flower. It is refreshing to see an age-appropriate, intelligent (and flat-chested - OMG!) women selected as the leading lady. The fact that she's a "hot grandma" just adds to the vibe of overcoming relationship obstacles outside of one's 20s.
In the end, Virgin hits all the right marks: the funny bone and the heart. And although it is presented in a boys locker room wrapper, this male written and directed tale shows that guys just wanna be loved as well.
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