1st watched 6/5/2010 -- 7 out of 10(Dir-Carl Reiner): Simple, thought-provoking comedy with George Burns playing the wise-cracking grandfather-like God character. The movie was written by television comedy writer Larry Gelbart and directed by TV icon Carl Reiner. John Denver, in his first acting role, plays the character who talks to God and has to convince everyone that he exists. There aren't really any huge laughs in this movie, but it has some funny parts and the movie and it's message are just genuinely appealing. The idea that a normal guy can be chosen by God to spread his simple message to the world is something we want to believe in. Denver's character is an assistant manager at a supermarket when he gets a letter to meet God for an interview on the 27th floor of a building that only has 17 floors. At first he only hears God's voice, but then he appears in the form of George Burns -- supposedly a form the character can understand -- and then tries to convince his wife and kids(unsuccessfully) and then others. God is eventually given a test which he answers and delivers to an evangelical preacher but also expresses that he's a phony. The preacher then sues him and sets up a courtroom scene where God reveals himself to others(in his own George Burns-like way, of course). This is a very well done simple movie done by a couple of TV icons who then were able to do bigger things in the film world because of the success of this movie. A low-key gem that's not perfect but well done and good for the whole family. Don't miss it.
