Down to Earth (2001) Critic Reviews

Mr. Rock's attempts to disentangle himself from his persona while offering audiences a sliver of insight into his world is a lofty ambition, but Down to Earth falls short.Read the full review

Beatty's "Heaven Can Wait," released in 1978, was a comic fantasy about a near-death experience. This new version is a near-life experience.Read the full review

A little too shipshape, too eager to please, not quite as anarchic as the best comedies.Read the full review

Mr. Rock's opening scene is very funny. After that it's a steep downhill slide.Read the full review

Rock is undisputably gifted and charismatic, but when Down to Earth takes his edge away, the film's energy goes with it. And without energy, no comedy can survive.Read the full review

When Rock finds his authentic swing as an actor as well as a comedian, he'll be, like, a movie god.Read the full review

Rock (is) arguably the best comedian in America, as well as a curiously important cultural figure. It does not, however, make him an actor. In fact, it makes him something like the opposite of an actor. He does not produce lifelike gestures and emotions.Read the full review

For a comedy, there are precious few real laughs. Three to be exact.Read the full review

This remake is shorter than its predecessors, a welcome earthly reward.Read the full review