Apple TVDown to Earth (2001)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 4.0
Overview
Struggling comic Lance Barton knows what it's like to die on stage. But when his life takes an unexpected turn - straight to heaven - Lance is sure there's been a mistake. Miraculously, he's right! An angel tells Lance he was taken prematurely but assures him he can be returned to Earth - in the aged body of a ruthless white billionaire. In this improbable reincarnation, Lance begins a hilarious quest to realize his showbiz dream...and, along the way, discovers the person he never imagined he could be. Chris Rock delivers a first-rate performance in this romantic comedy remake of HEAVEN CAN WAIT.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Struggling comic Lance Barton knows what it's like to die on stage. But when his life takes an unexpected turn - straight to heaven - Lance is sure there's been a mistake. Miraculously, he's right! An angel tells Lance he was taken prematurely but assures him he can be returned to Earth - in the aged body of a ruthless white billionaire. In this improbable reincarnation, Lance begins a hilarious quest to realize his showbiz dream...and, along the way, discovers the person he never imagined he could be. Chris Rock delivers a first-rate performance in this romantic comedy remake of HEAVEN CAN WAIT.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Apple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film's central narrative revolves around personal destiny, romantic love, and individual transformation, with any social or political themes serving primarily as comedic or plot devices rather than explicit ideological statements, leading to a neutral rating.
The movie demonstrates significant DEI through its casting, explicitly featuring a Black actor in a lead role traditionally portrayed by white actors. While the narrative explores themes of identity and class through a body-swap premise, it does not explicitly portray traditional identities negatively or make a strong, explicit DEI critique central to its story.
Secondary
The film is a remake of "Heaven Can Wait" (1978) and "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941). The protagonist, Lance Barton (Chris Rock), and the love interest, Sontee Jenkins (Regina King), are portrayed by Black actors, while their equivalent characters in previous versions were consistently white.
The film's narrative framework, featuring a celestial bureaucracy, angels, and an afterlife, is derived from Judeo-Christian theological concepts. While the bureaucracy is satirized for its fallibility, the underlying spiritual themes of a soul, divine purpose, and moral redemption are affirmed, promoting values of love and selflessness.
The film "Down to Earth" does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The story focuses on a heterosexual romantic comedy premise involving reincarnation and a stand-up comedian's journey, thus rendering the LGBTQ+ portrayal as N/A.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film is a remake of "Heaven Can Wait" (1978) and "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941). All major characters, including the protagonist and key supporting roles, maintain the same gender as established in the original source material and prior adaptations.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
4.0
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
5.4
5.5
Critic Ratings
1.8
3.2
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