The Story Australian audiences will most probably appreciate comedian Chris Rocks efforts in "Down to Earth" far more than those acid american critics did, after all we in the land down under have seen very little of this black american comedian with a big reputation. Rock has appeared in two other movies, both of which made the big time. He has had parts in "Lethal Weapon 4" and the much acclaimed "Nurse Betty" [starring the infectious and highly talented Renée Zellweger]. "Down to Earth" is a remake of a remake that won't set the world on fire but never the less is pleasant enough, funny enough and entertaining enough to keep most people happy. The one thing I soon picked up on [that many parents will appreciate] is that there is no filthy language, no sex scenes, no smoking and no violence. This is a film that provides good clean fun for a change and thats what may be hard for some to take. Fans are so used to being bombarded by the latter in films these days that it may appear all too boring for some to actually have to sit through a film that has only the actors working hard at providing that rush audiences require. Having now seen "Down to Earth" at two public sessions it appears as though fans are getting plenty of laughs as poor Lance Barton [Chris Rock], a young black man with ambitions to become a successful standup comedian goes from boby to body after he is allowed to die before his appointed time. Thanks to the bingling Keyes [Eugene Levy, "American Pie", "American Pie 2", "Best in Show"] Lance has been killed off 43 years too soon. When Lance arrives in heaven he's not impressed and neither is Gods right hand man Mr King [Chazz Palminteri] who agrees to send Lance back, but in a temporary body until they can find something more permanent. Lance's last vision before he died was that of the beautiful Sontee [Regina King] and the two are to meet again when Lance is given the chance to take over the dead body of Charles Wellington [Brian Rhodes]. The trouble is Charles is a hard arsed businessman who treats everyone like crap, everyone hates his guts, he's old and to make matters worse, he's white. There are some very funny moments as we see Lance but other people see the despised white dude Wellington, unfortunately we don't see enough of the real Mr Wellington and this is the one let down of "Down to Earth" that most told me they thought would have rounded out the film better. Never the less there are some magic moments as the aged decaying and soon to be killed off Wellington woos the younger Sontee. Theres fun and laughs, tears and romance and of course there's a happy ending to "Down to Earth", a film I think is well worth taking a good look at.

What The Critics Say "Often uproariously funny, blessedly short and never forgets it's a screwball romance for teen and adult moviegoers." David Hunter, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "It's pretty consistently funny, if far generations removed from anything original." Stephen Hunter WASHINGTON POST "Cute, predictable and sporadically funny." Jon Popick PLANET SICK-BOY "Doesn't feel fat or padded, like so many contemporary comedies, and its very leanness is appealing." Stephanie Zacharek SALON.COM "A two-word review: Chris rocks." Joel Siegel GOOD MORNING AMERICA

The Verdict Good clean comedy with enough laughs, romance and fun characters to keep most people happy .. RATED PG The Cast

Chris Rock .... Lance Barton Regina King .... Sontee Frankie Faison .... Whitney Daniels Chazz Palminteri .... King Eugene Levy .... Keyes Mark Addy .... Cisco Wanda Sykes .... Wanda Greg Germann .... Sklar Jennifer Coolidge .... Mrs Wellington John Cho .... Phil Quon Mario Joyner .... Apollo MC Bryetta Calloway .... Gospel Singer Martha Chaves .... Rosa Brian Rhodes .... Charles Wellington Herb Lovelle .... Trashman

Directed by Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz ©2001 - Paramount Pictures Corp - All Rights Reserved