The Preacher’s Wife
Starring: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance
Written by: Nat Mauldin, Allan Scott
Directed by: Penny Marshall
U.S.A., 1996
How good is this movie?
A sweet, silly Christmas movie. As an adult, I think Dudley can be a bit much at times, but as a child I’m sure I found him charming. The music is also pretty good. Where the movie is lacking is in the story. It’s set up like a sexier version of It’s a Wonderful Life, but is a lot less interested in “George” (or, in this case, Henry) than in the relationship between the angel and his wife. Not that there’s anything wrong with this sub-plot; I just wish that more time could have been spent developing Henry’s struggles and his relationship with Julia.
How ace is this movie?
Being a family movie, the film doesn’t get explicitly sexual, but romance plays a surprisingly prominent role. Despite being an angel on a mission to help Henry, Dudley is clearly attracted to Julia, and the film spends considerable time on the resulting love triangle. Other characters comment on Dudley’s good looks, and Dudley compliments all the women he meets on their appearance. There’s also an inconsequential romantic sub-plot between minor characters Beverly and Saul.
2.5 Stars; 3 Aces
Merry Christmas!
Ace Film Reviews 