Search - Heart and Souls on DVD

Truly Heartwarming, Soulful and Inspiring

Laura De Giorgio | Canada | 12/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie revolves around one question "What one thing, if you did it, would've made a difference in your life?"

It is a good question for all of us to consider in the course of our daily lives. In this movie, four people die prematurely in a bus accident - OK, four people plus the bus driver whose mind was preoccupied with sex and instead of watching where he was driving, he swerved off the bridge. All of these four people had some unfinished business, so they remain earthbound. They find themselves attached to a body of a kid and stick around until he's all grown up. Not knowing at first what to do, or the reason for them being earthbound, they are attempting to be of help to the kid, but seeing that they are causing him more problems than help, they stop interfering with his life and mind their own business, still wondering why are they stuck.

Eventually, it is revealed to them that they were still earthbound so that they could resolve one thing that would've made a difference in their lives. Now, the challenge begins, because it is not just a matter of doing the thing, but about overcoming inner obstacle, and having guts to follow one's heart. After all, that is what life is about, that is what every day is about - having the courage to follow one's heart, having the courage to listen to one's soul - and in this movie it is a team-spirit of one individual helping another to do that one thing that would've given meaning to his life, that would have left him enriched and empowered in some way, that would've justified the reason he had the body in the first place. One may here also developed a new appreciation for one's body and one's life on earth because there are some things that just can't be done without it.

The characters and the cast in this movie are utterly delightful and as you watch the movie, it's not only that you may enjoy the movie, but perhaps it helps you to look at your life in a different way and consider what it is that you would like your life to stand for and to just go for it.

The movie is not only heartwarming but also full of humorous tidbits and at the end of the movie there's a part with B.B. King playing that sent thrills and shivers of delight throughout my body.
"

Heart and Souls

Kelly | Littleton, Colorado | 03/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those thought provoking movies. Everyone faces a crossroads in his or her lives that is a turning point. Four people at those crossroads die prematurely before they are able to make a decision, and are fated to roam the earth until they resolve unfinished business. Their only human contact to figure everything out is Robert Downey Jr. The entire cast was actually very good, and well chosen - Kyra Sedgwick, Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, and Tom Sizemore give emotional heartwarming performances.
"

Your Typical Boy Meets Angels Story...

allismile0 | Washington, DC | 05/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the history of film there are a masterpieces made almost every year. These films are judged by the intellect as well as societal reactions to them, and finally how they measure to the achievements that went before them.
BUT...
What is much more rare, are the films that successfully and creatively focus on the issues of the heart. Films that are able touch the beauty and innocence of the human condition- reminding us not what is wrong with the world, but what redemption can do for the world. Films that do not manipulate the emotions of the viewer, but have the grace to warm our hearts.

Heart And Souls is one of those special films that takes a tender and joyous look at redemption and true humanity, but with a humorous approach. Robert Downey Jr., Kyra Sedgwick, Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, and Tom Sizemore all give wonderful performances. The film is poetic, humorous, and touching all at the same time. I think it's the type of film that can fit any mood regardless of if you want to be moved or just laugh and have fun. When you get down to it, Heart And Souls is just wonderful entertainment."

Played me like a violin

Nabih B. Bulos | Baltimore, MD USA | 07/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is definitely schmaltzy, of this there can be no question. However, as another reviewer so eloquently stated said, it works. After all, it's not so often that one feels quite so shamelessly manipulated by a movie yet remains wearing a smile to the end.
The four actors comprising the four "limbo-ed" souls are excellent in their own right, with Tom Sizemore being especially good in a comical role quite unlike his other star turns. Elizabeth Shue must be one of my favourite heroines (you could tell she had it even back in "The Karate Kid"), and it is downright unbelievable that she hasn't appeared in any major releases as of late. She is utterly winning in her appearance here. Still, even her performance is eclipsed by Robert Downey, Jr., whose ability to capture his fellow actors' personal mannerisms (or I should say their characters' mannerisms) is a lesson in the art of imitation/impersonation. The sheer talent of Mr. Downey is a joy to behold, and it is a tragedy for the acting community (and the audience) that such a phenomenal actor has been so shackled by drugs and forced to act in such dreck as "Gothika".
"Heart and Souls" is a marvellous movie, well worth the 5 stars given. It reeled me in hook, line, and sinker."