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Meet Joe Black (Ultimate Edition) Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 68 Reviews)

Great date movie
This movie didn't even make it onto my radar screen when it was released. I can't remember why I rented it, but I remember being pleasantly surprised at what a well-acted, well-scripted, charming movie it was. Very upbeat for a movie that is about a guy who is about to die. Very sentimental, but not too sappy. Excellent score by Thmas Newman (cousin of Randy Newman, composer of many popular film scores). Don't miss Izzy Kamakawewa'ole's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" at the end- It's been featured on more than a couple of commercials because it's such a great tune.

Peanut Butter Man

A little about the story:
In the first scene, we see William Parrish (Hopkins) sleepless and tired and also hearing a voice whipsering a distinguised "Yes".
We begin seeing Allison Parrish (Marcia Gay Harden) organize a grand birthday party for her father William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins). While his other daughter, Susan Parrish (Claire Forlani) is busy working at the hospital and dating his dad's right hand man Drew (Jake Weber).
On her way to work one morning, stopping at a coffee shop, Susan glances at a enigmatic man on the phone. After this stranger comes out from using the phone, Susan has a conversation with him that won't leave her mind.
Later that night, William has a strange feeling that there is someone at the door, and orders his maid to lead the gentlemen into the study. Going into the study, we first see nothing but an illumination of a person behind frosted glass. The voice seems to be identical to that of the "Yes" William heard last night.
The person emerges to be a well dressed man who William later introduces as Joe Black(Brad Pitt) who later develops a delicious fetish for peanut butter.

A little about the movie in it's entirety:

Before I begin, I wanted to make sure that you know that this movie is modeled after "Death Takes a Holiday" a 1934 motion picture.
After hearing so many horrible things about the movie, I had to see it for myself, because I couldn't stand not seeing a movie with Anthony Hopkins in it. Turns out, I believe all those people are fortunately wrong.
I absolutely loved Anthony's performance, especially the scenes where he reminisced his wife and gave advice to Claire, who also, along with Brad Pitt, achingly believable performances.
All in all, I believe that this movie couldn't have possibly made the same impact on me as it did, if Thomas Newman didn't score it. I absolutely loved the music of this movie and if Anthony Hopkins didn't get the nominations he deserved, I say Thomas is right up there with Anthony.
The only reason why I would give it 4.5/5 is that although, everything was great, it was also very lengthy which somehow took a little bit of the entire charm off.

My Rating: 4.5/5



Superb
As a child the original "Death Takes A Holiday" was a midnight favorite. With that in mind, this film was under close scrutiny. It excelled. If you have ever been love, truly in love, you will be moved to tears by this film. It is breathtaking.

Brad Pitt nailed it and held his own against the great Frederick March. Anthony Hopkins exceeded his predecessor in capturing what a man who has been in control all is life will do when he loses that control. Claire Forlani was amazing when Death asks her who he is and she says "You're Joe." The play of emotions on her face is gut wrenching.

The supporting cast is equally skilled and Marcia Gay Harden is a gem in her role as the oldest daughter who runs her social life the way her father runs his corporations, with the same exacting attention to detail.

If you allow yourself to suspend disbelief and remember when you first truly loved and lost, this film will haunt you.

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