Today’s quick review: Just Like Heaven. David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) moves into a new apartment so he can drink away the pain of losing his wife. But as soon as he gets settled in, he starts seeing the spirit of the apartment’s previous resident: Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), a young doctor who was in a car crash. Stuck with each other for the time being, David begins looking into Elizabeth’s life so he can help her move on.
Just Like Heaven is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. David, an isolated man suffering from deep emotional scars, and Elizabeth, a caring doctor who never found time for a life of their own, bond over the inexplicable fact that David can see her spirit. Well-matched leads, an interesting premise, and a well-balanced tone make Just Like Heaven a refreshing and enjoyable watch.
Just Like Heaven plays its cards just right. Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon have a natural chemistry that doesn’t need the usual crutches to make it work. Their connection emerges naturally as David learns about Elizabeth and her plight. The romantic angle almost becomes an afterthought, something so organic that it barely has to be stated. Their easy, subdued relationship is the foundation that makes the movie work.
Beyond that, Just Like Heaven does a few clever things with its premise. The sequence where David and Elizabeth get to know each other is fun. The mechanics of Elizabeth being a spirit open up some good opportunities for comedy. The supporting cast is a series of modest successes, making the world an entertaining one to spend time with. The plot also progresses well, building to an ending that has everything it needs.
Give Just Like Heaven a shot if you are a fan of romantic comedies or are just in the mood for something light. Not everyone will like what it has to offer, but it does belong to the fraction of the genre that’s more concerned with telling its own story than checking boxes. The result is a nicely scoped story with likable characters, a dash of comedy, and a plot that moves at its own pace. Worth a shot for those interested.
For another romance about a person who communicates with a spirit, try Ghost or Ghost Town. For another romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, try Sweet Home Alabama. For one with Mark Ruffalo, try 13 Going on 30.
[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425123/). I give it a 7.0 for a sweet and well-judged story.