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Heaven Can Wait
Heaven Can Wait
1978 ·101 min ·United States of America ·PG 12+
7.6
IMDb 6.9 КП 6.6 RT 82% MC 72
Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Director: Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
🎭 Based on «Here Comes Mr. Jordan»
Trailers Heaven Can Wait
Trailer EN
EN

Joe Pendleton is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the superbowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An overanxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn't ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently-murdered millionaire is chosen. His wife and accountant—the murderers—are confused by this development, as he buys the L.A. Rams in order to once again quarterback them into the Superbowl.

Budget: $15M
US Gross: $81.64M
Worldwide: $98.8M
Warren Beatty
Actor
Julie Christie
Actor
James Mason
Actor
🏆 Golden Globe 1979 — Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
🏆 Golden Globe 1979 — Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
🏆 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Supporting Actress
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Adapted Screenplay
🏆 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Supporting Actress
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Cinematography
🏆 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Fantasy Film
🏆 Golden Globe 1979 — Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Production Design
🏆 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Actor
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Picture
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Actor
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Supporting Actor
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Supporting Actress
🎬 Academy Awards 1979 — Best Director
🏆 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Screenplay
🎬 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Director
🎬 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Costume Design
🎬 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Original Score
🎬 Saturn Awards 1979 — Best Supporting Actor

Heaven Can Wait is widely regarded as a charming, lighthearted tragicomedy that balances its fantastical premise with genuine romantic warmth. While some critics find the plot predictable, the film's ensemble cast and effortless tone make it an enduringly watchable experience.

Acting Dyan Cannon delivers a standout, memorable comedic performance.
Score Dave Grusin's musical score effectively complements the film's light, romantic atmosphere.
Theme The film successfully maintains a casual, accessible tone that avoids excessive philosophical baggage.
Direction Warren Beatty and Buck Henry's direction manages a unique, blending tone that satisfies those enjoying the genre-mashing, though others find the narrative trajectory predictable.
Acting Opinions on James Mason's contribution are divided; some praise his presence as a highlight while others find his performance underwhelming.
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