A podcast I listen to mentioned “Heart and Souls” as an arcane comedy that should be watched. Indeed, the film somehow managed to slip past my cinema radar for three decades. I watched it for the first time last night and was left thinking that had I known about it when it came out in 1993, it would have become a favorite.
“Heart and Souls” was written and directed by Ron Underwood – famous for 90s gems like “Tremors”, “City Slickers”, and “Mighty Joe Young,” opening with the old Universal logo that perfectly sets the mood. The cast is loaded with big names, and packs with it the type of true laugh out loud comedy only found in decades past.
The Setup
Filmed and set in San Francisco, the movie opens in 1959. We’re introduced to four distinct characters; Harrison (Charles Grodin) is an aspiring singer riddled with stage fright. Julia (Kyra Sedgwick) has rejected a marriage proposal in favor of hitting the big city. Milo (Tom Sizemore) is a small-time thief. Penny (Alfre Woodard) is a single mom who works long hours and misses being with her kids.
The casting is perfect, and we like all these folks despite their hapless and despondent lives. Charles Grodin and Tom Sizemore are excellent comedic actors. Kyra Sedgwick and Alfre Woodard bring the emotion and, dare I say, the heart to the story.
Don’t get too attached, at least, not in the mortal sense. Our four friends perish in a bus accident, handled in a safe and silly way by a driver (David Paymer) distracted by a beautiful woman. At the same time as the crash, a baby is born nearby. The four become attached to the child, Thomas, played by Eric Lloyd a year before he would star in “The Santa Clause.”
The Plot
Young Thomas is the only one who can see and hear the four ghosts. They form a tight bond, serving as real but invisible friends. They are stuck with him as he grows up. Now an adult, Thomas (Robert Downey Jr.) must help his friends resolve unfinished business so they may join the afterlife.
Yes, it’s ridiculous. But the acting and writing make us accept the goofiness with nary a negative thought as to the plausibility. While Thomas helps the ghosts, the ghosts must help Thomas, who has fallen out with his loving girlfriend (Elisabeth Shue).
Old School Humor
“Heart and Souls” doesn’t waste time with forensic analysis of the spirit world. It’s funny when the characters die in a bus crash, and it’s funny that they follow Thomas through life, dressed in old timey garb and trying to keep up with modernization.
The framing of each scene is flawless, as we see Thomas interacting with living people and the ghosts, invisible to everyone else, lurking behind him. The bond young Thomas has with the ghosts is special. We see an early musical/dance scene that plays out later as one of the best moments in the film.
Robert Downey Jr. demonstrates amazing talent as a comedic actor. Thomas is self-centered at first. It takes time, and humorous moments like the ghosts sabotaging a board meeting, for him to start caring about them and their personal plight. Once he comes around, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get them on their way.
Any Issues?
I suppose the 104-minute running time could have been snipped a touch. The movie doesn’t lag and was fine for 1993. It’s not fair to judge it now, watching with modern mosquito attention, but that’s really the only gripe. And I had numerous options that would have bested the abrupt ending, but its nothing to complain about.
The Verdict
“Heart and Souls” is a charming comedy that’s not often referenced. With perfect acting and storytelling, It’s a relic of a bygone and enviable time. The simplicity will make you smile, and the humor will keep you laughing.
