Dead Like Me: Life After Death Movie Download

5 / 10

Once again, the expression “you can’t go back” comes to mind…
The film involves a change in management for the reapers. In a not particularly satisfying move, Patinkin’s character apparently finally is allowed to die when the series’ beloved Waffle House is destroyed (though you never actually see him in the film). And in a surprise move, a rich and charming guy is the new boss–a guy who really could care less if the reapers do their jobs correctly. In fact, his character was a real cipher, as you had no idea who he really was or what his motivation was–was he the Devil, an idiot or what?! Some of the characters respond true in this new situation, as Mason acts like a jerk–just like Mason always behaved in the show. Some respond in ways that make it look like the writers may have never seen the original show–just like Roxy behaved (it was so inconsistent). In addition, in several subplots, Delores is dealing with the imminent death of her cat, George’s sister, Reggie, is still depressed and obsessed and George touches a guy who is SUPPOSED to die but he doesn’t. There is enough material for three or four episodes, actually, and it might have worked better if the focus had been tighter. Also, the old sick sense of humor, while present, is not as obvious–with a greater emphasis on George and Reggie working through their issues together.

I was a huge fan of the Showtime series “Dead Like Me”. I saw every episode and I bought both seasons on DVD–so I am obviously interested in the characters. So, when I heard that a new Dead Like Me film was coming out, I was eager to see it. However, given that it was direct to DVD, I was also apprehensive. I was even more apprehensive when I learned that several important characters would not be returning. In particular, Mandy Patinkin’s character (the centerpiece of the show) and Laura Harris would not be playing Daisy Adair–some new actress would take on this same role–much like a lady played “New Jan” (Geri Reischl) in the horrible Brady Bunch revival in “The Brady Bunch Hour”. And, like New Jan, the new Daisy neither looked nor acted like the old Daisy. In fact, she was pretty bad in just about every way. Because of this, I really wish they’d written her character out of the movie as well.

Overall, this movie proves once again you can’t go back. After a series has wrapped, followup movies are almost invariably inferior as the original chemistry is too hard to recapture. If you are a fan of the series, you may still enjoy this. If you aren’t, then the film will do nothing to stimulate your interest.

By the way, as a DVD extra, there’s a promotional film included with interviews of the cast. I recommend you do NOT watch it, as it doesn’t really provide much inside information and looks like more of a pep rally than anything else. In other words, the actors congratulate themselves incessantly AND keep pointing out how wonderfully everything came together–sure signs that the film is a disappointment AND the cast struggled to complete it.

Sadly, a disappointment overall.Read More