Oh, God! You Devil

This was the second sequel to "Oh God" (they had planned a third, but it never was made). Once again, George Burns plays the Almighty but he also plays a dual role as the Devil himself. What an original idea! I know that people who loved George couldn't picture him playing a role of evil, but he does it very well. The plot sort of reminds me of The Devil And Daniel Webster with Ted Wass's character as a sort of modern day Jabez Stone. A rock star who is willing to sell his soul for success. There is a wonderful bit of technology when we see the two "Georges" fighting for this man's soul in the end. We can actually see George walking behind "himself" as God! Movie technology has come such a long way. Once again, George makes movie magic and makes you believe. He is just so wonderful as God that I can't think of any other actor who could have done it as well as he (do you realize that in the original Oh God! they wanted Mel Brooks to do it?!). Jason Wingreen is a well-respected character actor (he was on All In The Family and Archie Bunker's place). He has a small role in the film and I wrote to him several years ago and asked him what it was like working with George Burns. He wrote me back and said that the few days he worked with George were among the happiest of his life. He said he was wonderful and so good to the cast and crew and kept them laughing with wonderful stories about his life. We as a society need more films like this with a positive message about God. We need it now more then ever. The singer in this film wanted fame and glory and yet in the end he found happiness in a simple life with his loving wife and child. What a wonderful message! This is a great film and George Burns is what makes it that way. God bless you Mister Burns, I hope you and Gracie are having a wonderful time in Heaven. We still miss you here on earth and need you now more then ever.

This is a classic! Great comedy from George Burns in both roles! The story leaves such a good message with the viewer, that it's hard to forget this film, even now, 37 years later. See it, it will stay with you.

George Burns is so great, I believe the older and wiser he got, he just became that much more endearing to the public. Any one of the "Oh God" installments is terrific. When Mr. Burns darns his figurative "robe" (regular guy garb, lol)the only way to describe it is "endearing". I don't care which of the 3 movies you might refer to, but any one of them just makes you feel good and gives you such a warm feeling in your heart. It is only a shame that some people can't just live forever. The previous reviewer's suggestion just might make for an interesting scenario. But seeing as how I don't know if he's even still around or active, Bill Cosby would have made a terrific follow-up to the "God" trilogy. I mean God "is" "all things to all men/women" so hey, who knows and why not? For another interesting twist, Rhea Perlman would have made a great "God" as well. GO God, we "really" need you now!!!!

A piano player in Los Angeles (Ted Wass) wants to make it big and so the devil (George Burns) offers to turn him from a Barry Manilow wannabe into a stud-ly Rick Springfield rock star. Will he stay with his wife (Roxanne Hart) and simple life as a struggling musician or give into temptation and the 'success' he craves?

"Oh, God! You Devil" (1984) was the third and final "Oh, God!" film. It's superior to the sitcomy precursor from 1980 while the first half is just as good as the original 1977 film. Shortly after the midway point, though, it starts to lose its mojo and becomes a little tedious, but things perk up when 'God' (Burns) appears for a showdown with the devil. If you ignore the paranormal elements, it's reminiscent of "The Rose" in ways (1979).

Lovely Roxanne Hart is a highlight in her brief role. Too bad it wasn't bigger. Meanwhile Wass is surprisingly convincing as the Rick Springfield-like rocker.

The film cost $5,560,001 and made $21,538,850 in the USA alone in late 1984, which means it was a modest box office hit. Roger Ebert & Gene Siskel gave it a positive review, calling it "charming" and "delightful" "with a wicked sense of humor."

The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes done in Las Vegas.

GRADE: B

I don't care what anyone says. I have a thing for this movie. It's a great and simple script. Right down to the choice of that great old song that they sing a pivotal points and at the end (Fugue for Tinhorns from 'Guys and Dolls') George Burns' reprisal of this role was and is pure gold. The little things he says, those simple eternal truths hit home every time. They offer us a few words to live by and things to think about...in essence telling us that God's vast plan for the universe is really quite a simple one.

Ted Wass, I am convinced, is the only actor that could have pulled it off with so much charm and sensitivity. He's never been a glittering star, but he will always shine brilliantly for me in this role as the object of the devil's temptation and God's redemption.

Call this a too-religious-sounding review and I will say God is everywhere, even in this typeface.

I recommend this movie to sensitive people only. All others, I am sorry you will never get it.