Down To Earth (2001)
A story of premature reincarnation.
Acclaimed as "the funniest man in America," Chris Rock delivers a first-rate performance in this romantic comedy about a man who gets a second chance at life and love.
Struggling black comic Lance Barton (Rock) knows what it's like to die on stage. But when his life takes an unexpected turn - straight to heaven - Lance is sure there's been a mistake. Miraculously, he's right! An angel tells Lance he was taken prematurely but assures him he can be returned to Earth - in the aged body of a ruthless white billionaire. In this improbable reincarnation Lance begins a hilarious quest to realize his showbiz dream and, along the way, discovers the person he never imagined he could be.
Member Reviews
Good idea, could have been better - thenewguy
The idea of Chris Rock being stuck in an old, rich white man's body has a lot of potential. There's wonderful potential here for both comedy and a serious look at different aspects of society, especially money and racism.
This movie doesn't really live up to that potential. It never really takes a serious look at anything. What we mostly see is Chris Rock telling jokes. And, don't get me wrong, Rock is a funny guy and I'm happy to watch him do his thing for an hour and a half, but I was hoping for a little extra from this flick.
The movie sets us up with Rock taking over another man's body. Everyone else is supposed to see the old white man, while Rock sees himself. I was hoping to see a lot of different shots of people seeing the old guy acting and talking like Rock. However, we only get about four shots of the alternative view. The rest of the time we see Rock as he sees himself. This was a bit of a let down.
It's still a funny movie and worth it to see Rock and Sykes crack jokes, but the movie shies away from giving us anything deeper.Chris Rock is funny...even when he is not funny! - Cricri7
Down to earth may not be the funniest movie ever made, but Chris Rock has a quality that many entertainers don't have and that is charisma. He has a face that makes you laugh even when he is not telling jokes.
I don't really recommend this movie, but if you happen on it if it is playing on it while on television, watch it but don't zip it.Not good!!! - Peto
In this custom-molded remake of Warren Beatty's reincarnation comedy "Heaven Can Wait," Rock plays Lance Barton, a wannabe standup comedian. Cinematically and structurally speaking, "Down to Earth" is a real mess. Gimmicks and gags that didn't fly were blatantly chiseled down or chopped out completely, leaving several holes in the movie where plot points should be.
Member Reviews
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Good idea, could have been better - thenewguy
The idea of Chris Rock being stuck in an old, rich white man's body has a lot of potential. There's wonderful potential here for both comedy and a serious look at different aspects of society, especially money and racism.
This movie doesn't really live ...Chris Rock is funny...even when he is not funny! - Cricri7
Down to earth may not be the funniest movie ever made, but Chris Rock has a quality that many entertainers don't have and that is charisma. He has a face that makes you laugh even when he is not telling jokes.
I don't really recommend this movie, but ...Not good!!! - Peto
In this custom-molded remake of Warren Beatty's reincarnation comedy "Heaven Can Wait," Rock plays Lance Barton, a wannabe standup comedian. Cinematically and structurally speaking, "Down to Earth" is a real mess. Gimmicks and gags that didn't fly were blatantly ...