SNMR 2.5: "Mr. Destiny"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "Mr. Destiny" (1990, PG-13, 110 minutes), starring Jim Belushi, Linda Hamilton, Michael Caine, John Lovitz, Hart Bochner, Rene Russo, and Jay O. Sanders. The film was directed by James Orr.

This is one of those movies that I rented the first time that I watched it. I don't think it was a very popular movie during it's theatrical run.

From the DVD's dust case:

Imagine, if one day, out of the blue, your wildest dreams came true! That's exactly what happens to junior executive Larry Burrows (James Belushi - Taking Care of Business) when he bumps into a mysterious stranger (Michael Caine - Miss Congeniality, The Cider House Rules). Instantly, Larry's ho-hum life becomes his ultimate fantasy - huge mansion, beautiful wife, cars galore! But before long, his new lifestyle isn't so enchanting. Ultimately, Larry discovers it's going to take a lot more than wishful thinking, to get back to where he once belonged! Co-starring Linda Hamilton (Terminator, Terminator 2) and comedian Jon Lovitz (Little Nicky, Rat Race), Mr. Destiny is a delightful, rags-to-riches comedy, brimming with totally magical entertainment!

From Martin & Porter's DVD and Video Guide 2006, p. 751:

James Belushi plays a pencil pusher who thinks he's a failure. Michael Caine, who can shape people's lives, shows him differently in this passable comedy that reminds one of It's a Wonderful Life.

This is a quirky and cute movie. The writing is decent but the story at the beginning of the film is over used and could have been better. The overall premise has promise. I think we all wonder what our lives would have been like if we'd made different choices. After her serious roles in the first two Terminator films, Linda Hamilton is good in the dual role of ditzy wife/serious executive. I think Jim Belushi is an underrated actor. I'll give this film three and a half out of five stars.

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Happy 35th Birthday, A.