Heart and Souls (1993)

I had never heard of this movie until about 3 days ago, when it turned up on Netflix in a search. Normally, I skip these movies, but I had to wash the taste of Spy Kids 4 out of my brain, and it starred Robert Downey Jr, aka Iron Man & Sherlock Holmes, so I hit Play. What I got is one of the best comedies from the early 90's I've ever seen.Without spoiling anything, the movie involves 4 people who died at the exact moment Downey's character is born, so they somehow become "attached" to the kid, interacting with him through his early childhood. However, an incident causes them to hide from him for presumably the rest of his life. But that's reversed when Downey's character is in his 30's and the spirits suddenly realize they each have some unfinished business they must take care of. What follows is a lot of slapstick, character comedy, and heartwarming scenes to entertain young and old.One of the best parts of the movie is, of course, Robert Downey Jr's acting. This is early in his career, so he looks incredibly young and inexperienced, but he tackles not only his character, but several other characters throughout the movie like a pro. Whenever he's on screen(which is nearly the whole movie), he has something funny to either say or do. The supporting cast are all charming as well, featuring the ghosts of a sassy black woman, a loving fiancée, a timid singer, and a greaser with a heart of gold, each with a fun personality and character. The effects are rather good for the time as well, with transparency and wire-work for the ghosts that is convincing enough to get the point across, but not enough to distract the audience from the characters. The camera-work of San Francisco is also well done, with close-up shots and wide shots used to achieve perfect perspective.One of the few problems I have with this movie is that it can sometimes get a little TOO heartwarming and sappy. When these scenes happen, they drag for a bit too long, which is more obvious toward the end. The introduction is nearly a third of the movie and is nearly a short film in itself, which is fine unless you want to get to the main point of the film. There's also a subplot concerning Downey's girlfriend that is practically glanced over and, for the most part, pointless. None of these scenes are so long you'd want to fast forward, but in this age of fast acting and quick editing, you may be thinking "Get on with it" a few times.Overall, this movie is a very charming, very heart-warming, very funny movie, using an idea that's been used so many times and creating an original atmosphere. I'd recommend this movie for fans of Robert Downey Jr, early 90's comedies, or anyone who wants to laugh and be inspired at the same time.

This is a heartfelt ghost movie with living characters that takes a bit of a patience to get into. Especially since in the beginning it shoes the life of some of the characters before they became ghosts. But it's understandable since the movie wants you to have a bit of a attachment to the characters, but unfortunately it's done in a bit of a dull manner. The direction and acting comes off a bit childish and doesn't seem all that realistic despite the premise having ghosts and all. The dialogue is a bit lame and the cinematography felt like your watching a play. Anyways the ghosts is set with boundaries to be where everywhere this baby goes and the baby can see and hear the ghosts. And it shows the baby grow up and become a adult. And the main story starts from there although the premise is creepy in a stalking kinda way. And the rules that are given to the ghost later on is just ridiculous. Most of the way through although it seemed to have some potential just goes in a silly and goofy direction and not for good either. The thing is the movie just goes in a really predictable direction from beginning to end. It's a slightly heartfelt movie with ghosts but the execution could have been more unique. Overall it's a watchable movie that you can watch with the whole family.5.8/10

The concept isn't exactly new, but the cast is great. Robert Downing Jr is really good at being possessed by a lady among a few other characters. It's a sweet movie and the ending is corny but the process is quite adorable… Although if you really think about it, it is a bit creepy. But good thing he was possessed by good people.I wish that he didn't turn out to be such a douche bag when he grew up. On a rainy day, when you are feeling down or in the mood for some good old happy feeling pick-me-uppers. The unresolved life issues where a bit on the nose, but with something just fun.:D

I absolutely love this movie! Just caught part of it again by accident as I was flipping channels, and I just feel so good right now. I gave it a 10/10, not because it's artistically or technically or dramatically special -- it just makes you feel wonderful! The acting is great, especially Robert Downey, Jr. as he assumes the "identity" of each of his 4 ghost friends, but everyone is just a joy to watch. The movie is filled with all good-hearted people. I can't understand why it doesn't have a higher rating on IMDb. I recognize it's not earth-shattering movie-making, but it's just such a sweet, happy movie, and ya know, what's wrong with that? We need those types of movies as much as we need more artistically strong movies such as "The Godfather" and "No Country for Old Men." If you get the chance, watch this. You'll be humming and feel great when it's over.