Heavens Above!

Rating:
Summary: Metaphor, satire and a brilliant critique
Review: "Heavens Above" immediately preceded "Dr. Strangelove" and "The Pink Panther" with Sellers at the top of his form. He blends into the role of Rev. Smallwood with such completeness that he seemingly went through catechism and seminary - perhaps even journeyed back in time to the Sermon on the Mount.
Smallwood is mistakenly placed as the priest of small town, which is profoundly in need of a priest. Unfortunately, what the town needs and what they want are entirely opposite. Without agenda and in full conviction of the Christian gospel, Smallwood takes every utterance of Jesus as the standard by which society should operate. Smallwood's attempt in the twentieth-century works about as well as his first-century counterpart's.
A truly thoughtful, humorous, and insightful film, "Heaven's Above" is as near to an original clergy film as any in the last century. It is a step beyond satire - more of a hypothetical exercise. The difference between loving and absolutely loving the film depends completely on how the ending is received: (Should it have ended earlier? Is it a departure from the character? Too much farce?) Cinematography is splendid and witty, acting is thoroughly successful and the DVD transfer is crisp and rich. The biographical text on Sellers is interesting. If only there were more extras....

Rating:
Summary: Metaphor, satire and a brilliant critique
Review: "Heavens Above" immediately preceded "Dr. Strangelove" and "The Pink Panther" with Sellers at the top of his form. He blends into the role of Rev. Smallwood with such completeness that he seemingly went through catechism and seminary - perhaps even journeyed back in time to the Sermon on the Mount.
Smallwood is mistakenly placed as the priest of small town, which is profoundly in need of a priest. Unfortunately, what the town needs and what they want are entirely opposite. Without agenda and in full conviction of the Christian gospel, Smallwood takes every utterance of Jesus as the standard by which society should operate. Smallwood's attempt in the twentieth-century works about as well as his first-century counterpart's.
A truly thoughtful, humorous, and insightful film, "Heaven's Above" is as near to an original clergy film as any in the last century. It is a step beyond satire - more of a hypothetical exercise. The difference between loving and absolutely loving the film depends completely on how the ending is received: (Should it have ended earlier? Is it a departure from the character? Too much farce?) Cinematography is splendid and witty, acting is thoroughly successful and the DVD transfer is crisp and rich. The biographical text on Sellers is interesting. If only there were more extras....

Rating:
Summary: Another Peter Sellers Gem
Review: Sellers is appropriately low-key and gentle in his role of a latter-day (sixties Britain)cleric whose attempts to emulate the work of Christ are either thwarted by the rich (the aristocrats and church hierarchy)or misunderstood by it's intended beneficiaries (i.e. the welfare family who he's given shelter who are looting the church). Ultimately this movie is both hilarious satire but somewhat tragic. No fear, though, Sellers reverend gets the last laugh.

Rating:
Summary: A classic film indeed..go buy it now!!!
Review: This film is in a class of it's own. A classic 1960's black and white movie from the UK that is better, much better than you might think. Set in a typical parish in rural England, Peter Sellers plays a kind, honest and loyal vicar that battles church, the locals and goverment to do what is right for a family of gypsies.
It's the kind of film that makes you feel good, and that is what counts.