Heart And Souls Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The story of four souls who needed a body and one guy who needed some soul.
We want your body.
A comedy about two hearts, four souls...and second chances.
In 1959, Milo, Penny, Julia, and Harrison board a bus that later crashes, and all of them die but do not go to heaven right away. A baby is born in town at the same moment the bus crashes. The four dead passengers are tied to the baby, who would be named Thomas. For some reason Thomas can see them, and Thomas grows fond of them but when people think that Thomas might have something wrong with him, they decide not to let Thomas see them, which devastates him. Thirty years later Thomas is all grown and a little jaded when it comes to letting people into his life, and the four of them are still with him even though he can't see them. One day they simultaneously appear to him, and stay by his side until each one completes the final task of their personal lives.
| Robert Downey Jr. | Thomas Reilly |
| Charles Grodin | Harrison Winslow |
| Alfre Woodard | Penny Washington |
| Kyra Sedgwick | Julia |
| Tom Sizemore | Milo Peck |
| David Paymer | Hal the Bus Driver |
| Elisabeth Shue | Anne |
| Bill Calvert | Mr. Reilly |
| Lisa Lucas | Mrs. Reilly |
| Shannon Orrock | Woman at Audition |
| Michael Zebulon | Singer at Audition |
| Chasiti Hampton | Shirley Washington - Age 7 |
| Wanya Green | Diane Washington - Age 9 |
| Janet MacLachlan | Agnes Miller |
| Lavar David Levingston | Billy Washington - Age 4 |
| Ron Underwood |
6.40 out of 10 (3887 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Sweet and sentimental
posted on 03 Aug 2009I just saw this movie on USA Up All Night, and I'm glad I did. I had only seen the first 5 minutes about 2 years ago, and was happy to see the whole thing. I remember seeing Downey's name in the credits and early in the film, because I had only seen the part with the bus crash, I kept saying "Which one is Robert Downey Jr.?" Then I saw hin as the grown up Thomas, and was amazed, because you would never think it was him. Each character had such distinct personalities, and I liked them all. I know it was fake, and I'm such a sap, but I felt horrible when they left little Thomas. The body-inhabiting scenes were something out of All of Me, without the incredible solo wrestling match (I reviewed that movie too!). Overall, I gained respect back for Robert Downey Jr. that I lost when he was arrested last year. Downey was quite dignified and this was a fantastic movie.
Heart And Souls (1993)
posted on 17 Jul 2009This is one of my favorite movies. I was only eight years old when I first saw it and ever since then, it has been on of my favorite movies.
A bus accident claims the lives of Harrison (Charles Grodin) (a frustrated opera singer is overcome by stage fright), Julia (Kyria Sedgwick) (a young woman who has let the love of her life walk out on her), Milo (Tom Seizmore) (a burglar with a guilty conscience), and Penny (Alfre Woodard) (a single mother who must leave her kids to work the night shift). The accident occurs at the exact moment a newborn baby boy was brought into the world: Thomas Reilly. Harrison, Julia, Penny, and Milo become ghosts and are immediately drawn to Thomas. They become friends with Thomas. The problem is, only Thomas can see and hear them.
When Thomas turns seven years old, the four ghosts realize that they are getting Thomas into trouble. They must sadly fade out of his life. 27 years go by and Thomas (Robert Downey, jr.) is a hard-working business man, who is in a relationship with a young woman (Elisabeth Shu). The relationship isn't going well, for he is driving her away. The four ghosts realize why they are connected to Thomas: They need him to help resolve one thing in their lives before they died. The problem is, in order to help them, they must take over his body.
You'll all enjoy this heart warming comedy. I have many times. Buy this and you'll be watching over and over again.
Robert Downey and the cast are hilarious and charming!
posted on 11 Jul 2009I'll never understand why this film didn't get more recognition. It truly is a sweet and funny movie. Robert Downey Jr. has a talent for physical comedy. The supporting cast is excellent, especially the motherly Alfre Woodard and the young actor who plays Downey as a boy.
Great Movie Heart & Souls
posted on 23 Jun 2009This movie is timeless. I am a big fan of Robert Downey Jr and he is terrific in this film. This is the only movie I have ever seen where I laughed and cried at the same time. The whole story has so many valuable messages and bits of wisdom. You have to be open to the idea of spiritual forces guiding the humans on Earth. Very well done!
Another good film from Robert Downey Jr.
posted on 08 Feb 2009I loved this movie ever since the first time I saw it as a kid. Until now, even though I have watched this movie a thousand times, it still makes me cry. Robert was very good for this part as the mortal who helped the four souls he befriended. The four souls, from the time Robert was a baby, they were his best friends. When they came back when Robert grew up, they found out that they can finish their unfinished businesses on their time here on earth. So, in their race against time and the pesky bus driver, the whole cast gave us viewers a movie that we will never forget.
One of my favourite movies...
posted on 27 Nov 2008This film is one of my favourites - although the storyline may be a little too sentimental for some, i found this movie to be very sweet. The acting is wonderful - especially by Robert Downey Jnr. who, when you think about it, really plays five characters (his character plus the other four main characters when they enter his body).Heart and Souls deserves more recognition than it has gotten, and if you haven't seen it yet, i recommend you rent the video and watch it - you won't be disappointed!
Walk Like A Man
posted on 07 Nov 2008I missed this when it came out.Always is another one about a ghost with unfinished business that got to me.
Holly Hunter ( from Always) and Kyra Sedgwick ( from Phenomenon) are two of my favorite actresses.
The late 80's and early 90's was a very spiritual period.
This movie is one to see with your family!
One you can watch with your children and not be embarrassed.
posted on 07 Sep 2008Heart and Souls is a great movie. It is one you can watch with your children and not be embarrassed. It is also a great romantic comedy that can be watched with the love of your life. I don't understand why this didn't get a lot of attention when it came out. I just picked it up by chance for Valentines Day and am really glad I did. The acting was good and the story line well developed. The beginning is difficult to follow however. It starts with a short vignette on each of the key players but it doesn't make that clear. It is only later that you realize what the beginning was about. Well worth watching once, twice, even three times.
Funny and touching story
posted on 30 Jul 2008*Heart And SPOILERS* Four people (Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, Tom Sizemore and Kyra Sedgwick) die in a bus accident at the same time a little boy, Thomas, is born.The ghosts become his not-so-imaginary friends, but have to leave him (while keeping a careful eye on him) for his own good.We flashforward to a few years later; the now grown up Thomas (Robert Downey Jr.) is an uptight, closed off young man who is stuck in a work he doesn't actually like and has problems with his girlfriend (Elizabeth Shue).And if that wasn't enough, he finds he has to help his ghost friends, because they've been called up to Heaven and must put their unsolved problems to rest.Will Thomas be able to help them all? I rewatched 'Heart And Souls' for the first time in a while, and I realized it's even better than I remembered; nicely paced, with funny jokes, touching moments and a whole sincerity to it that makes this movie a real treat.It's perfect to watch with the kids and alone.Heart And Souls: 8/10.
Where else can you find five happy endings in one movie?
posted on 19 Jun 2008Despite his recent problems with the law, Robert Downey, Jr. proves that he can be one of Hollywood's greatest actors when given the right screenplay and the correct frame of mind. This touching comedy displays some of Downey's best work. The range of his acting abilities takes center stage when he becomes inhabited by some "friendly ghosts".
If you're the type that liked "Sleepless in Seattle", you won't be disappointed with this selection. END
Good Family Movie
posted on 29 May 2008Heart and Souls is a charming movie about second chances and friendship that instantly endears itself to any viewer. Robert Downey Jr. gives an excellent performance that is both comical and dramatic at the appropriate moments. I would reccomend this movie to anyone who believes in love and eternal friendship.
Divine comedy
posted on 11 May 2008Comedy is hard, physical comedy even harder but Downing is such a talented actor to pull it off. He's in a great cast of actors with a good story that addressing some fairly basic human questions, so it's all here. Odd, looking at Chaplin it is also dated 1993 -- he must have been one busy actor that year.
This is probably a knee-jerk reaction review after reading the other ones. I can't believe no one mentioned Alfre Woodard, another incredible actor. As often as Downing has me laughing she has me crying, she is an absolute delight from start to finish.
Another reaction I have is the topic of Downing's personal life. Talk about the actor and his work. As far as actors go their work is where they find it. Who knows, or cares, why he took on tripe like Gothika. Hopefully he has his best work ahead of himself -- I'd like to think that applies to all of us so we don't have to come back and tie up any loose ends.
The movie at this price is a steal -- esp since you can show it to children, how rare is that?
Heart and Souls
posted on 02 May 2008This DVD was purchased as a gift for a friend. She had been looking for a copy in Australia, but it was impossible to find. As part of her birthday present I purchased a copy from Amazon.com, she said it was the best present she received. Her children watched the movie and loved it. It is a funny, heart warming story that will appeal to all age groups. My son has also watched the movie and insists that we purchase a copy as well - I knew I should have bought 2 copies.
This film is one of my all time favourites, and Robert Downey Junior does a fantastic job. I would highly recommend it.
One of my all-time favorites!
posted on 19 Apr 2008Just call me a sentimental sap, but This one is one of my favorite movies. Robert Downey Jr., Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgwick, Charles Grodin, Elisabeth Shue, Tome Sizemore, Dave Paymer where all excellent! What a Great combination! I saw this movie before my youngest son was born and it made such a lasting impression on me that it caused me to make bedtime rituals with him (Prayer, and what he calls his Lu-Lu's (a song We made up)). I've seen this movie maybe a half dozen times and stop and wait any time I see that it's on TV. THis movie made me a Robert Downey Jr. fan, and it made me a little more sympathetic to his personal issues. I'm happy to see that he may have finally turned the corner on his recovery.
One of my all-time favorite movies
posted on 15 Jan 2008I can't remember when I first saw this movie, but I absolutely loved it from the moment I did. I recall that just left the city (San Francisco) and the fact that this movie takes place there had that going for it from the start.
The second was Robert Downey, Jr. Say what you will, he's always been one of my favorite actors and he is immensely talented. Troubled, certainly, but judge not, etc. I don't particularly want to become mired in the personal lives of Hollywood actors anyway, good, bad or indifferent.
This movie has fantastic additional actors in it as well. Charles Grodin, Tom Sizemore (another troubled one) and Elisabeth Shue. The prinicple of the movie is that these four people are accidentally killed in a bus crash (5 including the bus driver) and they then get connected - ghost/spirit wise - to a baby being born at that instant (Robert Downey, Jr.). They follow them through his life, only learning very late in the game what they are there for. I won't go into too much, and I haven't read if any of the other 29 reviewers already gave it away. But, I won't.
This movie really does have it all. Humor, sadness, touching emotion. I mean, it's truly a beautiful and moving film that has never failed to please anyone I have shown it to. I'm certain, if you haven't seen it, it will have the same effect on you. I am just so thankful it is now FINALLY on dvd as I have been playing and playing my VHS copy for years - it was the only copy I had. Definitely get this before it goes out of print.
Enjoyable and light-hearted ghostly comedy
posted on 21 Aug 2009I quite liked this show, which is basically about 4 people who died and have to enlist the help of the only living person who can help them finish their unfinished business at the point of their deaths. Downey is pretty convincing as the morose and cynical Thomas Reilly, who ends up as the unwilling accomplice in these ghostly escapades, as he serves as the conduit by which these ghosts perform their final acts vicariously through him. The story of how he becomes a cynic because the ghosts left him by himself when he was young, and how they change his heart when they re-appear to him as an adult is quite entertaining, and touching at times. The performances the actors and actresses give are quite good, and makes this movie all the more enjoyable.