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Defending Your Life (1991)

Defending Your Life (1991)
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Albert Brooks wrote, directed, and stars in this philosophical comedy about a man having a hard time making a case for himself in the afterlife. When advertising executive Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) finds himself in a fatal car crash minutes after taking delivery on a new BMW, he's whisked away to Judgment City, where the recently dead are put on a sort of trial to decide their fate. If in your time on Earth you were able to face your fears and learn from your mistakes, you get to move on to a life in a better world. However, if you didn't, you have to go back to Earth and try again. As he spends the next several days watching various episodes from his life, Daniel gets the impression he doesn't stand much of a chance of moving on -- and his representative, Bob Diamond (Rip Torn), seems to have little confidence in his case. In the meantime, he frequents Judgment City's many restaurants (where the food is delicious and you can eat all you want without gaining an ounce), pays a visit to the Past Life Pavilion, and meets Julia (Meryl Streep), who seems so kind, sweet, and noble that her advancement is practically assured. Daniel and Julia fall in love, but what's going to happen if they don't end up in the same place? Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep make a witty and engaging romantic team in Defending Your Life, and Shirley MacLaine appears in a highly appropriate cameo. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Albert BrooksMeryl Streep, (more)
Director(s):
Albert Brooks
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Defending Your Life

Albert Brooks wrote, directed, and stars in this philosophical comedy about a man having a hard time making a case for himself in the afterlife. When advertising executive Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) finds himself in a fatal car crash minutes after taking delivery on a new BMW, he's whisked away to Judgment City, where the recently dead are put on a sort of trial to decide their fate. If in your time on Earth you were able to face your fears and learn from your mistakes, you get to move on to a life in a better world. However, if you didn't, you have to go back to Earth and try again. As he spends the next several days watching various episodes from his life, Daniel gets the impression he doesn't stand much of a chance of moving on -- and his representative, Bob Diamond (Rip Torn), seems to have little confidence in his case. In the meantime, he frequents Judgment City's many restaurants (where the food is delicious and you can eat all you want without gaining an ounce), pays a visit to the Past Life Pavilion, and meets Julia (Meryl Streep), who seems so kind, sweet, and noble that her advancement is practically assured. Daniel and Julia fall in love, but what's going to happen if they don't end up in the same place? Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep make a witty and engaging romantic team in Defending Your Life, and Shirley MacLaine appears in a highly appropriate cameo. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
111 mins

Complete Cast of Defending Your Life


Director(s):
Albert Brooks
Writer(s):
Albert Brooks
Producer(s):
Michael Grillo
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Adult Humor)
Categories:
ComedySci-Fi & Fantasy
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    Member Reviews
     
    Ronald J C.

    Good movie to watch. Makes one think how close to reality this might be.

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    Michael B.

    I have seen this movie a bunch of times now. It still makes me laugh. I don't get some reviews personally. It's a comedy and the lines are totally funny. The acting is good and the idea of Judgement City is completely witty. Give it a try. As long as you have a sense of humor you will like this flick. It's a lot of fun.

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    Larry H.

    'Nudes Nudes' on the way to LAX has closed and is now a parking lot. If you don't understand the reference, give the movie a try. I really enjoy this movie. Call it a guilty pleasure. Most of the cultural references still hold true [frozen yogurt and nail shops in every strip mall?].

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