ABC's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

[Enraged_Ape]

Did anyone else see this Sunday night? I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts on this film, particularly those who saw it "cold", without reading the book, as I did.

I usually can't stand sappy stuff. I hated "Touched by an Angel" with an absolute passion; and in general, feel-good afterlife spectacles turn me off. But there was something about this movie that really touched me. I bawled like a baby through almost the whole three hours. What's the matter with me?

BTW, Jon Voight must get an Emmy for this film. He just was phenomenal, with or without the age makeup.

[medeak]

1. Jon Voight made his daughter Angelie Jolie

look uninspired and vapid.

He was incredible...was reminded of what a wonderful body of work he has. Indeed...kept saying to partner... he has to win an Emmy.

My eyes are swollen shut today..either bilateral eye infection or just trauma from the tears. (hate sappy as well)

[mama]

2. I saw the last half of it...

Went to see what my husband was watching on TV - he NEVER watches anything other than history, learning channel, or discovery. I was very surprised to see him watching a major network movie! I also watched the last half. Neither of us has read the book. He thinks it will be shown again so we can record it & watch the whole thing without the commercials.

It really was so well-done. Shows like this can help people realize the importance of living morally, the importance of introspection, the uniqueness of each individual. The opposite approach of the money-loving war mongers. I loved the ending.

You're right about Jon Voight, he was perfect in the role.

[hlthe2b]

4. I hope you are right (that they will repeat it)..... I only saw the last

half too, but absolute kudos to Jon Voight. The author of the book is the former ESPN journalist that went on to write Tuesdays with Morrie which was an exceptional account of his former professor's last days with Lou Gehrig's disease. It seems clear that that experience changed him profoundly--thus this book.

I've not read it, but I'd certanly like to see the rest of it and perhaps read it in the future. The war scenes were pretty captivating--that's where I came in. I thought at first I'd stumbled onto a network showing of Band of Brothers (which they absolutely SHOULD Do, btw).

[mama]

6. It's supposed to be on the Family Channel tomorrow night.

[asjr]

3. I watched it and liked it very much. Years ago we had quality

shows on TV with good acting. This was a gem and Jon Voight was wonderful. I am not into "reality" shows. I try to get away from reality. It is depressing today. My neighbor watched it with me and we both sobbed at times. Any show that can touch you like that is true entertainment.

[medeak]

5. Oprah produced it n/t

[Piperay]

7. Oh darn...

I guess I should have watched it but I thought it look sugary and sappy from the previews and didn't watch. I watched CBS movie Married Christmas instead and that one was really a sleeper :boring: literally. I made the wrong choice, hope I get a chance to see this one on a rerun.

[RockaFowler]

8. This was a beautiful film

I loved every bit of it. Jon Voigt was magical. I never read the book before, but now I can't wait. I loved Tuesday's with Morrie and this was just a wonderful topping to that movie. I just looked at the ratings from last night and it was a runaway hit. It beat all of the competition. Check out http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,272_617|92180|1|,00.html

[alphafemale]

9. It was great. I've heard it replays on one of the cable channels Tues.

It was very moving. I was really touched by the signifigance of feeling the hands.

[Longhorn]

10. I'm all set to record it Tuesday at 7 CST on the ABC Family Channel.

I can't miss it after what I've read about it here!

[puddycat]

11. I thought it was "okay". Here's my recommendations instead

First of all, the book was better. The film left out the key incident, and who dropped the key. Also the film was much too long and those battle scenes were not well done and most of it was unnecessary.

Here's my recommendation for those who want to watch spirits who teach lessons: watch the Alistair Simm "Scrooge" film of Dicken's A Christmas Carol or Frank Capra's "Its a Wonderful Life".