Chris Rock stars in this lousy attempt to remake "Heaven Can Wait" with only one thing going for it: Chris Rock's style of comedy; even though that only carries the film so far. Rock replaces Warren Beatty, but as a stand-up comic (which is, honestly, his only talent because his acting abilities aren't refined.) But even with a funnyman such as this, "Down to Earth" is only good for about three and one half laughs. It's certainly not all Rock's fault; the usually terrible supporting cast deserves some blame. In "Heaven Can Wait," Charles Grodin and Dyan Cannon, the sleazeball secretary and wife were hilariously funny, but in the remake, their replacements are reduced to only being sickening characters (as well as actors.) There is no reason to see this movie when there's "Heaven Can Wait," or if you want to get adventurous, see "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941) which is what "Heaven Can Wait" is based on which is hailed to be the superior.
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Starring:
Chris Rock, Regina King, Chazz Palminteri, Eugene Levy, Frankie Faison, Mark Addy, Greg Germann, Jennifer Coolidge, Wanda Sykes, John Cho
Directed by:
Andrew Fleming.
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2001 fantasy/comedy
Rated PG-13.
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Don Ignacio's score: C-