Directed by: Carl Reiner
Starring: George Burns, John Denver, Teri Garr, Paul Sorvino, Donald Pleasence
Oh, God! tells a believable, funny, practical story of the Almighty appearing in human form to a California grocery store manager. There is nothing special about the man, named Jerry Landers (Denver). He is an ordinary, hard-working family man. Why did God choose to appear to Jerry and ask him to spread the word about Him? "You're like the lady who is the millionth person to cross the bridge and who gets to meet the governor. You're better than some, not as good as others, but you came across at just the right time." God reasons to Jerry. The entire movie is as practical as that.
Oh God! is not irreverent or in poor taste. It does not take potshots at religion, although God does not care for a bombastic televangelist named Willie Williams (Sorvino), whom God wishes would just shut his mouth. What? Almighty God wants someone to shut up? And admits that he made mistakes? "I made the avocado seeds too big." Blasphemy!! Actually not. Oh, God! has fun with its story. God appears as Jerry as an elderly, kindly man with glasses because, "I took this form because if I appeared to you as I really am, you wouldn't be able to comprehend me." Jerry indeed has questions, as everybody would, but God is able to answer in convincing, relatable ways. God doesn't like how people use the word bananas either. ("I create a wonderful fruit and people use it for crazy.")
Naturally, Jerry's story is questioned by theologians and doctors alike. He finds himself the subject of media scrutiny, for good reason, but he remains steadfast in his conviction. Jerry doesn't raise his voice or become fanatical. He is a man who is convinced he has met God and becomes willing to spread the word about him to a world that may have forgotten his true message. His ever-patient wife Bobbi (Garr) is loyal, but objects to having reporters staked outside on her front lawn.
As I did with Religulous, I avoid bringing up religious beliefs as a rule when reviewing any film in which God, religion, or views on such are brought up. They are not relevant to the discussion. I discuss the film and whether it worked on its intended level. Oh, God! works near perfectly as a comedy with a mind. It provokes discussion without provoking religious fervor. And how can you not enjoy Burns and Denver playing kindly, warm, smart characters? Even if one of them is playing God?
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