Taglines: A story of premature reincarnation.
It seems everyone is trying to get into heaven; at least those whose time is up. For Lance Barton, a struggling comedian and bicycle messenger, it’s the last thing on his mind. His due date upstairs is 50 years away. In the meantime, he’s got big dreams to pursue on Earth, such as landing a slot at the final Amateur Night Contest at the famed Apollo Theatre.
Lance’s has one little problem though – he ain’t that funny. Thanks to an over-cautious emissary from heaven, Mr. Keyes, he’s going to get hit (literally) with a much bigger problem. Showing that even God has difficulty finding good help these days, the inept minion mistakenly plucks Lance from a traffic accident – before it takes place. Transporting him to the Pearly Gates, or more accurately, the velvet roped-lines of the hottest club around, the error is finally addressed by Mr. King, the streetwise, no-nonsense head angel who manages the place from his plush windowed office.
Since returning to his own body on Earth is impossible, the urban dwelling Lance reluctantly agrees to a normally unthinkable proposal. He’ll occupy the body of a wealthy old white mogul, Charles Wellington, until a more suitable body can be found. Strangely enough, in a Park Avenue penthouse, servants and butlers become his new homeys as Lance works on his streetwise comedy routine for the big Apollo showdown.
Living in the body of a callous old white man would be bizarre enough for Lance without falling in love with Sontee, the beautiful woman publicly battling Wellington’s company at the same time. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s got to deal with the love affair between Wellington’s wife and his personal assistant, and their plot to have him killed. Can reincarnation lead to self discovery, true love and a better stand up routine? Lance Barton is about to find out.
Down to Earth is a 2001 American comedy film directed by Chris and Paul Weitz and written by Chris Rock, Lance Crouther, Ali LeRoi and Louis C.K. It is the third film based on Harry Segall’s stageplay Heaven Can Wait, preceded by Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) and Heaven Can Wait (1978).
The film stars Chris Rock as Lance Barton, a comedian who is killed before his time on Earth is through. He is given another chance to continue his life, but in the body of a middle-aged rich white man. The film was released on February 16, 2001, received generally negative reviews from critics and grossed $71 million against its $49 million budget.
Down to Earth (2001)
Directed by: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Starring: Chris Rock, Regina King, Mark Addy, Eugene Levy, Frankie Faison, Greg Germann, Jennifer Coolidge, Chazz Palminteri, Wanda Sykes, Bryetta Calloway
Screenplay by: Chris Rock, Lance Crouther, Ali LeRoi, Louis C.K.
Production Design by: Paul Peters
Cinematography by: Richard Crudo
Film Editing by: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly
Costume Design by: Debrae Little
Set Decoration by: Beth Kushnick, Gordon Sim
Art Direction by: Dennis Davenport, John Kasarda
Music by: Jamshied Sharifi
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language, sexual humor and some drug references.
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: February 16, 2001
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