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Defending Your Life | Year: 1991 Classification: Comedy Actors/Actresses: - Albert Brooks - Meryl Streep - Rip Torn A good first encounter Defend Your Life was a movie I saw with a friend in a theater when it first came out. We laughed until we were tired and had a great time; it was one of those random moments with a friend when all your cares seem little ones and the movie is both funny and validating. Something my husband said one evening recently reminded me of the film, so I got it to share with him. Although he enjoyed it as much as I had on first viewing, I felt that some of the humor was a little lame on seeing it again. Streep was superb, of course, as the relaxed, carefree, and heroic Julia. She leaps into the new experience of pleasure without consequences with a simple and delightful abandon, eating whatever food she likes and, as the end of her stay in Judgement City nears, propositioning the neurotic Daniel. Albert Brooks is perfect as the latter, a fearful and self-defeating man who has missed the boat for his entire thirty odd years. Although I think most people will enjoy the film on first viewing, I suspect that a repeat will find it much too predictable, perhaps even a little cliche. Although it's worth watching, and I could see buying it at the video price, I think I'd recommend a rental rather than a purchase for those with a DVD player. Witty and Full of Smiles Story: Albert Brooks plays Daniel Miller, an advertising executive who has had his ups and downs in life and not always lived up to his potential. Then, he gets hit by a bus and killed. Of course, that can't be the end. Daniel finds out there is no Heaven or Hell. Instead, the dead go to Judgment City, where they go through a four-day trial or hearing, where they have to defend their lives. Apparently, the main purpose of life on Earth is to overcome fears and live to one's potential. If you succeed, you become smarter (you get to use more than 58f your brain and stop being a "Little Brain") and go on to a bigger and better existence. If you fail, you go back to Earth in a different life/incarnation to try again. This goes on until you move on or "they throw you away". Daniel is a marginal case. His defender is Rip Torn and his prosecutor is Lee Grant. Meryl Streep is Julia, a near-saintly woman who is undoubtedly ready to "move on". Daniel and Julia fall in love, but struggle with the fact that, in four days, they might be going in very different directions (not up or down, but onward or back). Commentary: This is a different movie. It is a good comedy that will seldom make you laugh aloud, but will make you smile a lot. It also has a lot of heart. Brooks is wonderful as a somewhat-hapless good guy who isn't quite good enough (or is he?). Streep is cheerful and joyous; I've never seen her be this human, this real, this light, and this approachable. She's usually a great actress playing a serious role in an important film, but not necessarily someone you'd like to have lunch with. Julia is someone you'd want to have lunch with (at least). Grant is great as the tough-but-basically-good prosecutor, and Torn is glib, polished, and upbeat, but you're never sure he's sincere about anything or really knows what he's doing. Overall, this is a different kind of comedy that makes you think a little. It is well-acted and well-written. No tissues needed, but be ready to smile a lot. Four-and-a-half stars. I'm glad I bought it instead of just renting. It's re-watchable. Brilliant Comedy! Albert Brooks, Muriel Streep and Rip Torn...what a combination of acting talent. This is a great idea for a movie, and all the characters are so enjoyable to watch! This one is a winner...pure entertainment..without guns and violence. Buy Defending Your Life at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Defending Your Life Search with the Priority Search Engine on Defending Your Life This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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