Dear God (1996): Dir: Garry Marshall / Cast: Greg Kinnear, Laurie Metcalf, Hector Elizondo, Maria Pitillo, Tim Conway: All Christians know that God answers prayer. In Dear God we learn that he answers mail too. Or at least he uses others to do so. It is a comedy about God's power through prayer with fraud Greg Kinnear arrested and given opportunity to hold a job. A job at the postal outlet is pretty routine until Laurie Metcalf and himself address these strange letters to God. They answer the letters thus rendering life more pleasant for others but Kinnear is arrested and taken to court, which results in a totally contrived conclusion. Director Garry Marshall brings an ominous appeal to the mail room but isn't backed with a screenplay worthy of the subject matter. He previously made Pretty Woman, another film about second chances. Kinnear is well cast and likable throughout his dilemma but he was funnier as a con man. Metcalf takes a rather standard role and provides comic relief particularly when she represents Kinnear in court. Hector Elizondo is unreadable as his boss. He seems to disappear in a half wit manner as if to suggest he is God. Maria Pitillo also appears although her role is cardboard. Could have been better yet sustains some charming moments. Theme of reaching out to others may appeal to those who experienced answered prayer. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Dear God
