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Just like Heaven

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Just Like Heaven is a supernatural romantic comedy that's not too taxing on the brain.

Reese Witherspoon - who is best known for her sorority queen role in Legally Blonde (2001) - is the workaholic physician Elizabeth, who is left in a coma after a car accident.

Her spirit remains in her classy apartment, which is rented to an alcoholic, David (Mark Ruffalo), who has lost interest in life and work since the death of his wife.

Elizabeth's spirit orders David to leave the apartment, but David responds by hiring ghostbusters to get rid of her.

But their mutual dislike gradually gives way to love after they realise what they are missing in life.

There are few twists and turns in this story adapted from the novel If Only It Were True by Marc Levy.

Fortunately, there are plenty of comedic moments, particularly the scene in which David nervously acts on the instructions issued by the invisible Elizabeth to save a man in a restaurant.

And Witherspoon's lively performance makes up for the weak story.

She has neither the delicate features of Winona Ryder nor the sunny appearance of Drew Barrymore, but her appealing mix of sweetness and steeliness serves her role as a tough and lonely single woman well.

Ruffalo isn't convincing as a heart-broken widower, but his teddy bear warmth makes him appealing.

The supporting cast, which includes Donal Logue as David's friend, who happens to be the ex-lover of Elizabeth's sister (Dina Waters), and Jon Heder as the comical psychic, also helps keep the mood light.

Director Mark Waters avoids digging too deep into the controversial subject of euthanasia and focuses on the romance. The film works up to a touching - although predictable - final with the lovers kissing on a rooftop that overlooks the spectacular view of San Francisco.

It's an ending charming enough to redeem this mediocre movie.

Just Like Heaven opens today

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