DOWN TO EARTH
Released: February 16, 2001
Ahh, yes. The very next film from the Weitz brothers (Chris and Paul) after their hugely successful "American Pie". So, what did they decide to do to one up the raunchy hit comedy about sex with baked goods?? Well, in the Weitz's wisdom, they felt it was the best choice to do a remake of Warren Beatty's "Heaven Can Wait". To add in a twist, they have Chris Rock play the Beatty character who dies prematurely and is given a loaner body of a middle-aged white guy. Despite the possibilities, we pretty much only see Rock as Rock on screen. In other words, you have to imagine 99% of the time that, while we see Chris Rock, the rest of the cast sees a fat old white dude instead. There's a love interest played by Regina King that is virtually implausible as shown and there are two angels that act as Rock's "loaner body brokers", as played by "American Pie" vet Eugene Levy and Chazz Palminteri in otherwise easily forgotten roles. It all makes sense however - this is an otherwise easily forgotten movie. A few laughs here and there may make for an OK rental if you are looking for something at the neighborhood Blockbuster...
98 Minutes
Paramount