A substance-addicted actress tries to look on the bright side even as she is forced to move back in with her mother to avoid unemployment. An alcoholic drifter spends Halloween in his home town of Albany, New York after returning there for the first time in decades. Defending Your Life is one of the best movies of all time. In “Lost in America,” “Mother,” “Modern Romance” and “Real Life” (his other films featured in Criterion’s showcase), Brooks’ characters are always seeking something meaningful from the universe. Instead, he enviously watches Julia wolf down a corn dog and asks her if she’s going to eat the stick too.

In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. Priceless comedy with a message-rich heart, mild swearing. (1991).

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It could have just as easily been set in Dr. Freud's office, with his patient spilling his guts out on the couch. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi ... like … In “Lost in America,” David, suddenly appalled that he’s been “too responsible” in his life, buys an RV. Albert Brooks' view of death is very pleasing to me! Everything is based on fear - how you handle it, if you let it run your life and, most importantly, if you overcame it at all. There’s no currency in Judgment City (the snow-white robes have no pockets) but Daniel still manages to feel like a schlemiel.

Daniel is a fish out of water, not just because he’s in a Purgatory, but because he’s been playing the game of life by the wrong set of rules. In an afterlife way station resembling a block of hotels, the lives of the recently-deceased are examined in a court-like … |, January 1, 2000 Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. Brooks has talked about his own relationship to Judaism, how he enjoys the community and ritual of going to services. He's dressed in a flowing gown, whisked around the property on a bus, and told he can eat all he wants in the cafeteria (where the food is delicious but contains no calories).

By 1991, over 100,000 Americans had died of AIDS, instilling fear into Daniel’s heart. This movie falls into the category too but does contain a couple of very funny scenes - during his 'trial' there is what seems to be a 'blooper' tape of his life that is very funny and played strictly for laughs. They are pleasantly amusing, memorable and thoughtful. |, October 9, 2005 It’s a sendup on organized religion, but it’s also a comment on how we sentence ourselves to be constantly irritated, disappointed, and let down by the things we’ve been told by society we’re supposed to want—a fancy car, a beautiful wife (but not too beautiful), and money in the bank. The movie is funny in a warm, fuzzy way, and it has a splendidly satisfactory ending, which is unusual for an Albert Brooks film (his inspiration in his earlier films is bright but seems to wear thin toward the third act). Coming Soon. Just after being killed in a car crash, Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a waiting area for the newly deceased. In an afterlife way station resembling a block of hotels, the lives of the recently-deceased are examined in a court-like setting. The thing about Defending Your Life is if you made it today, you really wouldn’t make it much differently. Coming Soon. The meaning of life, according to the Book of Brooks, is to live without fear and to keep getting smarter over the course of each lifetime.

Instead, it’s Brooks’ idea of the Lord’s waiting room, a San Diego retirement community with a twist of Disneyland, where it’s 74 degrees and sunny every day. SEE DETAILS. Its really just a reason to see all the flashbacks and relive all the memories. Albert Brooks doesn't make many films, but those he does make are always welcome. He takes it!

The basic question seems to be, are we sure we did our best, given our opportunities? Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! An underrated gem that explores the long-term consequences of our everyday actions. "Let's say it's the most amazing thing ever,” he says. This FAQ is empty. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy He's given a room in a clean but spartan place that looks franchised by Motel 6. Add the first question. | Fresh (31) The closer two names are, the greater the probability the two movies are similar. | Rating: B- Unfortunately, that's only at Judgement City..who knows the circumstances at the other places?Daniel (Brooks) dies in the first ten minutes, while listening to Streisand in his brand new car. If You Have Any Legal Issues Please Contact The Appropriate Media File Owners or Host Sites.

She says there is one seat, but it costs $3000 more. Brooks’ Judgment City has no Pearly Gates or haloed saints.