Dead Like Me: Life After Death (2009) (V)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Stephen Herek

Writers:

Stephen Godchaux (writer)
John Masius (writer)

Release Date:

17 February 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy | Horror

Plot:

After the departure of Rube Sofer, a new head reaper named Cameron Kane takes over. He's a slick businessman...

Plot Keywords:

Shot To Death | Obscene Finger Gesture | Text Messaging | Tantric Sex | Sister Sister Relationship

Cast

Ellen Muth	...	George Lass
Callum Blue	...	Mason
Sarah Wynter	...	Daisy Adair
Jasmine Guy	...	Roxy Harvey
Britt McKillip	...	Reggie Lass
Christine Willes	...	Delores Herbig
Cynthia Stevenson	...	Joy Lass
Henry Ian Cusick	...	Cameron Kane
Crystal Dahl	...	Crystal
Jordan Hudyma	...	Hudson Hart
Vlasta Vrana	...	Gregor
Shenae Grimes	...	Jennifer Hardick
James Bradford	...	Limo Driver
Danette Mackay	...	Sheryl (as Danette MacKay)
Luis Oliva	...	Thief

Also Known As:

Dead Like Me: The Movie (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language, some sexual content and violence.

Runtime:

USA:87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

USA:R | Australia:M | Finland:K-11 | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Trivia:

Sarah Wynter takes the role of Daisy Adair, previously played by Laura Harris in the series. In "24" (2001) the two actresses played sisters.

Goofs:

Continuity: When George is in her car, about to make the reap of "H.Hearts", her phone-clock is 12:15 but her arm-watch is 17:30.

Quotes:

Daisy Adair: I'm returning to the theatre.
George Lass: Returning? I thought you only did movies.
Daisy Adair: What's the difference?
George Lass: A life audience.

Movie Connections:

References Mulholland Dr. (2001)

Soundtrack:

Hard Boiled Baby

A Decent Epitaph for Dead Like Me

Dead Like Me: Life After Death, is a good entry into the series. Though not quite as fun or engaging as the series was, it was quite enjoyable to see the characters again, and how they have all grown, matured, and subtly changed. It felt a bit restrained in comparison to the episodes which had a bit more energy and emotional content. However, the quality of dialog, special effects, and visual design are all very good.

Surely, this film won't be as enjoyable to individuals who are not familiar with the series, as they won't perceive the subtle character differences, and certainly won't understand why the reaper team is so frustrated with the new team leader of Cameron Kane. Nor will neophytes to the series pick up on the fact that George's mom has also grown and matured significantly, or why it was such a big deal that she reveals her secret to her sister. And despite the fact that they did an excellent job of introducing "the world" that the story is built upon, the significance of Der Waffle Haus, Happy Time, and even Murray the cat, are all lost.

Overall, it was a satisfying experience, and yet leaves me regretting the series was canceled so prematurely. Dead Like Me was such a refreshing show, with its dark humor, yet its light and happy sadness. The ensemble cast, weird deaths, and character arcs, are all sorely missed. In fact, I canceled my Showtime subscription when I heard they had canceled the show. I hope there are additional installments into the franchise, but I fear that this is it. And if that is the case, it was a satisfying way to tie it up, unlike the unceremonious cut it received five years ago.