Over Her Dead Body (2008)
Directed by Jeff Lowell
Written by Jeff Lowell
Starring Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Eva Longoria, Jason Biggs
Release Date February 1st, 2008
Published October 10th, 2008
Why such an inelegant title? Over Her Dead Body is a phrase that conjures up images of a fumbling, olde timey Catskills comic. The film however, is meant to be a modern romantic comedy about ghosts, psychics and the afterlife. Written and directed by first timer Jeff Lowell, Over Her Dead Body combines a bit of the plot of Ghost with a dash of every other random rom-com you have ever seen. And, unfortunately, the familiarity of this enterprise isn't its biggest problem. An overmatched cast of low watt stars fails to spark any tension or romantic chemistry.
When Kate (Eva Longoria Parker) was killed on her wedding day she had no idea that she would be sent back to earth to take care of unfinished business. A difficult woman, Kate refused to listen to the heavenly messenger who was to give her an assignment back on earth. Thus, Kate takes things into her own hands. Feeling that it is her job to keep her would-be fiance, Henry (Paul Rudd) safe from any woman who might replace her in his regard, Kate begins tormenting poor Ashley (Lake Bell). Ashley claims to be a psychic, she performs readings in her apartment between gigs as a caterer.
Ashley was approached by Henry's sister Chloe (Lindsey Sloane) who is determined to get Henry out of his funk over Kate. Her theory is that if Henry could contact Kate one last time maybe he can finally move on. Henry however, is not a believer and needs some convincing. With the aid of Kate's diary, Ashley manages to know enough to get Henry's attention. Soon both are distracted from the psychic stuff because they are falling for each other. Then, enter Kate with her unfinished business.
Jeff Lowell wrote and directed Over Her Dead Body and despite the clunky, obvious title, his writing shows a good deal of potential. His direction is a bit slipshod and he misses some important moments, but it is easy to see that there could be some very strong work in Jeff Lowell's future. Where Lowell needs improvement is in his direction of his actors. The performances of each of the three leads are often flat and thus fail to stoke what should be a tensely comic situation. Each of the actors is affable and good natured but many of their most important and dramatic moments are played as if the actors didn't realize it was a real take.
Paul Rudd is an actor who has really grown on me in the past few years. His spot on wit and timing honed with help from the absurd school of New York comics from the Stella crew to the long unheralded Eugene Mirman. The improv shows, some of which can be found on YouTube among other video sharing sites, have given Rudd a coat of ironic armor that he puts to good use in Over Her Dead Body. His slightly detached air keeps him somewhat above the fray, allowing him to comment slyly on the other characters.
Lake Bell is a young actress I'm not very familiar with. Over Her Dead Body is her first starring role and though she is often lost and overwhelmed, she is likable with a light in her eyes that portends talents not on display in this minor trifle of a movie. She may never grow into an Oscar nominee, but the next Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan tag is perfectly placed. As for Ms. Longoria Parker, she plays the diva well but the role is underdeveloped for an actress of her limited appeal. By limited appeal I don't mean she is unappealing really, rather that she is just not a big star.
Rounding out the cast is Jason Biggs as Ashley's best friend and partner in the catering biz. I've always liked Biggs but his choices have not been the best since he was so very good in the minor Woody Allen comedy Anything Else. In Over Her Dead Body Biggs is the victim of unending indignities that culminates in a moment that threatens the balance of this already awkward little movie. You will know the scene when you see it, try not to wretch as I did.
Imagine for a moment Reese Witherspoon going head to head with Halle Berry, their names alone evoke more tension than anything sparked between Bell and Longoria. But then, that is reviewing the movie that over Her Dead Body isn't. Over Her Dead Body really isn't that bad a movie. In fact, if you wait for it on DVD in just over a month from now, you likely won't be disappointed. TV is likely the best format for this.
