One of the advantages of NetFlix is that it’s easy to find movies that you might not normally have heard of. For instance, I found Don’t Tempt Me while looking at movies that Victoria Abril had been in after seeing her in another movie. I also saw that it had Penelope Cruz in it and it was about the afterlife. What’s not to like?

Heaven and Hell aren’t quite what they seem. They’re run somewhat like a business with God and Satan being the CEOs, presidents or whatever name for the head guy you want to use. Hell seems to be doing well, but Heaven is on the verge of bankruptcy. (What exactly will happen to the heavenly souls if they do is never mentioned.) There’s a person that could change everything; his name is Manny and he’s a boxer.

Abril plays Lola, an agent of Heaven sent to save Manny’s soul. She has her work cut out for her. Manny isn’t perfect; he has a thing for hitting women and he’s not a particularly nice person. She’s also up against Carmen, played by Cruz. Carmen is Hell’s agent and she’ll stop at nothing to keep Manny from going to Heaven.

Lola inserts herself into Manny’s life as his wife while Carmen takes the role of his long-lost cousin, who also likes to box. Manny has no idea who the two women are or that he’s supposed to be able to save Heaven. Lola and Carmen have no idea why he’s so important or what’s really going on. They just know that his going to Heaven could save the place.

No one character or plot aspect had any great detail. We never really learn why Manny is so important. We learn a little about what Carmen and Lola did when they were alive, but it’s mostly when the two of them talk when having to work together. The movie also was able to tell the story with very little violence. I get the impression that this was supposed to be a story rather than a vehicle for several attractive women.

The battle between Heaven and Hell is subtle, although is very real for the characters. If Heaven goes under, what becomes of Lola and the other angels that have gone up? (Even those in Hell are wondering what will become of the afterlife.) However, there are those in Hell that are determined to see that happen.

It was definitely a different concept. The use of three languages was new to me. (Spanish is spoken in Earth while French is the official language of Heaven and English is the language spoken in Hell.) Now, as someone who speaks English, I didn’t really find myself offended by the fact that Hell speaks the language. After all, if a politician can make it into Heaven, anything’s possible.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older