Exploring Death’s Aftermath With Light-Hearted Spirits

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MOVIE REVIEW
He's Dead & So Am I
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Gabe Casdorph, Gabe Martinez
Writer(s): Gabe Martinez
Cast: Melanie Stone, Gabe Casdorph, Aubrey Reynolds, Jason Marley Rain, Alex Gunter, Demetrius Daniels, Megan Golden, Travis Sanchez, Jason K. Wixom
Where To Watch: streaming for free on www.tubi.com and www.amazon.com and learn more about the film here www.HesDeadFilm.com

RAVING REVIEW: A bold chord has been struck on the oft-tread theme of life after death, HE’S DEAD & SO AM I serves a potent mix of wit, humor, and just enough uncomfortableness, sure to keep audiences amused and on the edge of their seats. The narrative takes a spin on the ghostly kind, focusing on two spirits, Lance and Sandra, given “life” by Gabe Casdorph and Melanie Stone's performances. Bartholomew, a mischievous demon played by Alex Gunter, is thrown into their mix. The plot turns unexpectedly when the ghostly duo meets Daphne (Aubrey Reynolds,) a bereaved sister, on a mission to locate her lost sibling.

The directorial prowess of Gabe Casdorph and Gabe Martinez breathes life into the conventional portrayal of the afterlife, blending a fun mix of punchlines with seamless finesse. Their version of the post-mortem life of Lance and Sandra entertains and captivates; they do so by having them play real characters, they’re not edited-down parodies but are allowed to be themselves, and it shows on screen.

The movie detours from the standard missing-person narrative, diving headlong into the daily grind of its ghosts with the most protagonists. The rapport between Stone and Casdorph (while staring and directing) and the meticulous character evolution deepen the narrative. Gunter's playful rendition of the trouble-making Bartholomew adds spice to the plot, keeping viewers engrossed.

On the path to divine salvation, Lance and Sandra devise a strategy to aid Daphne in her desperate quest to find her sister, Claire. Things get complicated when Lance lets feelings get in the way and spark a string of humorous incidents, some of which bring to light the darker shades of manipulation. Even so, Casdorph keeps his character likable, and his on-screen chemistry with Stone remains a highlight. With his clever retorts, Gunter's rendition of Bartholomew injects a dose of light-heartedness into the otherwise somber plot (although he shares in the darkness as well.)

Skillfully combining comedy with the supernatural, the film offers a distinctively innovative take on the concept of the afterlife. The film is consistently funny, and that’s something that can’t be said about even most big-name comedies. This was a highlight for me; without a doubt, I love when venturing into the unknown and finding a gem!

In summary, HE’S DEAD & SO AM I presents a unique, light-hearted perspective on the afterlife. The film showcases the humdrum routines of souls stuck in purgatory and what they have stacked against them. The mix of laughs, more profound heartfelt moments, solid performances, and perfectly timed humor make a film that's not to be missed.

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[photo courtesy of DOOMSDAY INITIATIVE]