There's there no disputing Chris Rock's comedic ability. From his Emmy-nominated HBO television show and numerous stand up sepcials to his roles in films including "Dogma," you can't deny that the man is funny. But the question here was, can he open and carry a major motion picture?

Based heavily upon Warren Beatty's 70s classic Heaven Can Wait, Rock stars as Lance Barton (apparently no relation to magician Lance Burton), a bike messenger and stand-up comedy wannabe. His only dream? To not get booed off the stage at the legendary Apollo theatre.

Sadly, his latest attempt bombs and only secures his stage nickname, "Booey," which signifies his on stage performances. After his latest attempt, he goes home to work on his material and gets hit by a truck, killing him. Or does it?

It appears that an overzealous angel (Eugene Levy) took him before the truck actually hit, technically meaning that he's not really dead. Once finding this out, Lance demands his old body back so he can work on his dream. The King (Chazz Palmenteri) works out a deal with Lance to give him a loaner body.

I won't go into detail about the rest of the plot, lest I ruin it for you, but I will talk about the movie itself. The story moves along quickly, as a comedy should. All the principals have good chemistry, and even manage to overcome the unrealisticness of a lot of the plot.

"Down to Earth" has a surprisingly large amount of above-average cinematography, showing us a unique view of the Big Apple (a feat in itself, what with the number of films that take place there).

Problems? Sadly yes, there are a few. Some of the comedy is uneven, and often relies too much on racial jokes to get laughs, something that should never be done.

"Down to Earth:" B-



Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12