Meet Joe Black but of course we don't

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2005)

So much more could have been made out of this script as the denouement is weak in extremis and the ending simply doesn't hold together but if I explained why I might spoil what was still a thoroughly enjoyable film. But then I think that Brad Pitt was totally miscast as Death - a Roger Black but not as tall but with more acting experience. I would have preferred a version of Death closer to that in the Grolsch Advert and certainly black but then he would have had to be Mr White would't he ? And the "speaking in tongues" would have been both more authentic and relevant. Anthony Hopkins gave yet another thoroughly warm and dignified performance and Ms Forlani really did look love struck but the whole saving the family company bit didn't work nearly as well as in "Pretty Woman". All in all a good effort but perhaps a wasted opportunity but well worth seeing to make up your own mind.