Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Heaven Can Wait, an award-winning romantic comedy from 1978, deals with a nonreligious, fantasy afterlife where mistakes are made and worthy characters get do-overs. A timeless story about love, redemption, football, and shady business deals, the movie is contemporary in all but the most mundane details (no cell phones, no Internet, no company bailouts). Action sequences include some brutal football practice scenes as members of the LA Rams attempt to smash an interloper, a scene in which a rifle is used to shoot a central character, and the sounds of a fatal car accident that occurs off camera. Infidelity plays an important part in the story, and there is occasional profanity ("ass," "s--t," "hell," "son of a bitch," and "bastard"). Characters engage in social drinking, with one woman using alcohol to calm her anxiety. The central character's playful innocence and integrity, as well as identity switches and the charm of the attending love story, make this film ideal for mature tweens and teens. Great for a family movie night.
Sexual
Content
Infidelity is core story element. Couple shown in bed in several scenes. One loving kiss. One woman wears revealing clothing.
Violence
Several scenes show hard-hitting football practice, games. Comic character wielding long-range rifle shoots a man.
Language
Occasional profanity: "son of a bitch," "s--t," "ass," "bastard," "goddamn," "crap," "hello." One ethnic slur: "Arab."
Social
Behavior
Values promoted: honesty, integrity, and determination. Good deeds are rewarded; evil is punished. Fairy tale outcome: True love and unconditional friendship will transcend all challenges.
Consumerism
Coca-Cola, Riddell helmets. Story features the Los Angeles Rams.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Social drinking (wine, champagne). One character frequently requests a drink. Cigar smoking.
