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Christian moviegoers will also want to note one scene in which the film's vague, innocuous supernaturalism crosses over into making fun of religion. Ashley eventually becomes so frustrated with Kate's ghost that she recruits a local priest (William Morgan Sheppard) to perform an exorcism. When his tactic seems to make Kate disappear, he is as surprised as anyone, baffled by the fact that his reading of Scripture actually worked—and then, after he leaves, Kate reappears, scoffing at Ashley for actually believing in something so silly as religious "hocus pocus."

The film isn't a total wash; there are enough funny moments that, for those desperate for something amusing and romantic this Valentine's Day, Over Her Dead Body might do in a pinch. (A final scene, with Kate communicating through the voice of Henry's parrot, is rather humorous.) For the most part, though, the movie feels like a wasted opportunity—a promising idea that tries to breathe some new life into a formulaic genre, but mostly just muddles things up.

>Talk About It

1. What view does the film take of the afterlife? How do Kate's mission on Earth, her ghostly body, the woman in the white room, etc. square with biblical teaching?
2. What view does the film seem to take of religion—particularly in the scene with the priest?
3. Which of the female leads—Ashley and Kate—do you find to be more sympathetic? Can you relate to Kate's feelings? Do you think she loves Henry?
4. How do you feel about the treatment of Dan at the end of the film? Do you think Henry and Ashley do the right thing?

The Family Corner

Over Her Dead Body is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language. There are about a dozen or so profanities, including a couple of uses of the Lord's name in vain. There is also one scene of heavy sexuality and innuendo, though no nudity or explicit sex is seen. In another scene, we see a female character wearing next to nothing, covering her bare chest with her arm. And there's a scene involving a priest that assumes a mocking attitude toward religious faith.

Photos © Copyright Gold Circle

© Josh Hurst subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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