Review of Defending Your Life (1991) by Bill D — 15 Jan 2009

Most romantic comedies try way too hard, but what stands out about Defending Your Life - well, besides the whole "the main characters spend the entire movie dead" thing - is how quiet, unassuming, and effortlessly sweet it is.

And what's more impressive is that amidst the cosmic-level backdrop of the story, the focus remains tightly on the love story and the idea that we really need to chase after what's important to us.

Albert Brooks' stand-up was always sort of subtle and heady, and he really brings that aspect to his moviemaking, too.