James Belushi delivers an ingratiating performance as Larry Burrows, an average-Joe junior executive at a sporting goods company who just can't live down a pivotal moment in his life. It was 20 years ago, and he was at bat during a high school baseball game and struck out at a crucial moment. Now, he has a pleasant life, married to a union rep (an adorable Linda Hamilton), but he still always wonders about what could have been.
Then, during one bad night (the night of his 35th birthday), he chances to meet magical bartender Mike (Sir Michael Caine), who is somehow able to transport Larry to an alternate reality where Larry hits the winning ball, marries the prom queen (Rene Russo), and is the president of the company. But all is not rosy in this other life. While some things may have changed for the better, Larry apparently did not. He learns that his incredible success came at a price: he turned into a major league slime ball.
Many of us do have cause to wonder how different our lives could be had we made different decisions. Therefore, "Mr. Destiny" is relatable. It may not be nearly on the level of "It's a Wonderful Life", but it IS well-intentioned and offers an entertaining mix of comedy and drama. Much humour is derived from Larry (who still retains his original personality, flummoxed that he could have turned into such a jerk) adjusting to a new life.
Sir Michael is just right in the role of the "destiny-bender", maintaining a light touch at all times. The supporting cast is wonderful and full of familiar faces: Jon Lovitz (as the goofy best friend), Hart Bochner (playing the role of a corporate villain to the hilt), Bill McCutcheon, Jay O. Sanders, Maury Chaykin, Pat Corley, Douglas Seale, Courteney Cox, Tony Longo, and Kathy Ireland (there's certainly no shortage of dynamite-looking ladies here).
While the message of "learning to appreciate what you've got" is stated quite bluntly, the movie IS appealing and hits lots of emotional buttons effectively.
Seven out of 10.
Then, during one bad night (the night of his 35th birthday), he chances to meet magical bartender Mike (Sir Michael Caine), who is somehow able to transport Larry to an alternate reality where Larry hits the winning ball, marries the prom queen (Rene Russo), and is the president of the company. But all is not rosy in this other life. While some things may have changed for the better, Larry apparently did not. He learns that his incredible success came at a price: he turned into a major league slime ball.
Many of us do have cause to wonder how different our lives could be had we made different decisions. Therefore, "Mr. Destiny" is relatable. It may not be nearly on the level of "It's a Wonderful Life", but it IS well-intentioned and offers an entertaining mix of comedy and drama. Much humour is derived from Larry (who still retains his original personality, flummoxed that he could have turned into such a jerk) adjusting to a new life.
Sir Michael is just right in the role of the "destiny-bender", maintaining a light touch at all times. The supporting cast is wonderful and full of familiar faces: Jon Lovitz (as the goofy best friend), Hart Bochner (playing the role of a corporate villain to the hilt), Bill McCutcheon, Jay O. Sanders, Maury Chaykin, Pat Corley, Douglas Seale, Courteney Cox, Tony Longo, and Kathy Ireland (there's certainly no shortage of dynamite-looking ladies here).
While the message of "learning to appreciate what you've got" is stated quite bluntly, the movie IS appealing and hits lots of emotional buttons effectively.
Seven out of 10.