2927. Just Like Heaven (2005)

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Reese Witherspoon, Dina Waters

Director: Mark Waters

Running Time: 94 mins

Just Like Heaven is an American film about a man who moves into a new apartment, and begins to fall for the spirit of the recently-deceased woman who lived there.

This is a really sweet film. Yes, it’s cheesy and its fantasy story is far-fetched, but it’s a genuinely endearing movie that doesn’t lean too heavily on romantic comedy tropes. And with two lovely lead turns from Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon, it’s a fluffy and enjoyable watch that will make you smile to no end.

Now, if you’re averse to a little bit of Hollywood cheese, then Just Like Heaven might prove a frustrating watch for you. I really liked the film, but even I can’t ignore how schmaltzy it is at moments.

Yet with a fun fantasy premise, some good laughs and above all two wonderful lead performances, it’s difficult not to find enjoyable.

Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo are really lovely on screen together, and apart from some iffy dialogue throughout, their relationship is core of what makes Just Like Heaven such a nice watch.

Unlike a typical romantic comedy, which focuses on the ups and downs of a loving relationship, this film follows Witherspoon and Ruffalo as their characters grow to know each other better, without romance really getting in the way for the most part.

Of course, it all ends just as you’d expect, but I really liked the way that this film tells its story without relying too heavily on generic rom-com tropes. As a result, while it may be cheesy, it’s far from the irritatingly predictable watch that so many films of the genre prove to be.

The comedy isn’t laugh-out-loud hilarious, but it’s perfectly sweet throughout. And in short, that’s what Just Like Heaven is. A wonderfully fluffy, enjoyable and lightweight watch that will put a big smile on your face.

With two delightful lead performances and a fun (albeit) far-fetched story, this movie is a lot of fun, and does well to avoid frustrating genre tropes. So, that’s why I’m giving Just Like Heaven a 7.5 overall.