I freely admit I'm a sap. Give me a good story line and decent acting and I'll be in tears at the end. (When Peter Falk says "As you wish" at the end of "Princess Bride", I'm a mess. When Danny DeVito's daughter finds the telescope in "Renaissance Man", same. And so on.) And like I am every time I see this one. When God joins in at the end in the singing, wow!
One thing bothers me. In the bet between God and the devil, they agree that if the devil wins, Bobby Wayne will die. But God wins the hand - and still Wayne dies. Even a sap likes a movie to be consistent.
The story line of the movie reminds me of "Damn Yankees". Guy makes deal with Devil to realize his dream, finds he prefers his real life to the reality of dream. Of course, divine intervention isn't required to save Joe Hardy/Joe Boyd; just the devil's bad temper. But wife and family win out. Hooray for us saps! Middle of the movie drags a bit but there are enough high points to bring it through. Cast is excellent. George Burns carries of both persona beautifully. Ron Silver is at his slimy best. Can't think of another actor who matches him at this. I think of "Time Cop" or "Blue Steel". He's horrible and great all at once!
The movie is good, satisfying fun.
One thing bothers me. In the bet between God and the devil, they agree that if the devil wins, Bobby Wayne will die. But God wins the hand - and still Wayne dies. Even a sap likes a movie to be consistent.
The story line of the movie reminds me of "Damn Yankees". Guy makes deal with Devil to realize his dream, finds he prefers his real life to the reality of dream. Of course, divine intervention isn't required to save Joe Hardy/Joe Boyd; just the devil's bad temper. But wife and family win out. Hooray for us saps! Middle of the movie drags a bit but there are enough high points to bring it through. Cast is excellent. George Burns carries of both persona beautifully. Ron Silver is at his slimy best. Can't think of another actor who matches him at this. I think of "Time Cop" or "Blue Steel". He's horrible and great all at once!
The movie is good, satisfying fun.