God comes to Earth in the form of George Burns and tells supermarket manager John Denver to spread His message. Charming low-key comedy with a very likable cast. Denver's appealing as the 'everyman' protagonist. Burns, of course, steals the show as the affable Almighty. The rest of the cast includes the lovely Teri Garr as Denver's wife, Paul Sorvino as a televangelist, vets Ralph Bellamy and Donald Pleasence, and many other recognizable faces. Great cast all around. I also enjoy the low-budget look of the film. It's a very 1970s movie (in a good way). It's not the funniest movie Carl Reiner ever made, nor is it ever as profound or satirical as the subject matter calls for, but it is hard to dislike.

Someone, I cannot remember who, once said to "watch for those who live long, for they have also lived well, and we can learn from them."George Burns lived to be 100 years old. A small man of slight stature, he left a mark on the entertainment business that few have equalled -- with successful careers in vaudeville, radio, TV and film. Not to mention a marriage (and love affair with his wife) that will stand for the ages. Even now, there are still those who will buy a pair of lovebirds at the pet shop and name them "George and Gracie." Speaking of film, he was 81 years young when Larry Gelbart's script was offered to him and there was no way he could turn down the role of a lifetime. Which was a blessing (pun intended) to movie-goers everywhere.(Historical Note: I am only aware of two actors who were ever asked to play God -- literally -- and those are Burns and Alanis Morrissette in Dogma. The latter was more of a walk-on and not a speaking part.) The movie? A gem, a jewel and nearly perfect. Everyone should own the DVD.Casting to die for. Aside from Burns -- who is pitch perfect as a God who simply wants his creations to do the right thing -- there is Terri Garr (who did not do enough film work!) and John Denver, a man who was born for the part of God's messenger.Gelbart gave a script to die for. Listen to God apologize for the Avocado and the Giraffe. Listen to God explain why he is very knowledgeable on the present (and "big" on the past) but the future is a mystery.Brilliant and timeless. Recommended.

George Burns plays God(the role of a lifetime, and how I like to think the real God is, so appealing is Burn's portrayal!)in this warm, wonderful, and very funny yet thought-provoking and moving film about Grocery store assistant manager Jerry Landers( Singer John Denver, surprisingly good and believable) who is one day contacted by God(the big G) to spread the word that he exists, and that he cares, but is not happy...Larry Gelbart's script is witty and insightful, brought to life splendidly by director Carl Reiner, who makes an amusing cameo as himself on the Dinah Shore show. Jerry also appears on her show, and once he does, his life will never be the same again...I really appreciated how respectful this film was to God, and the power of faith, and how one good man can be recognized for his effort, even though it doesn't pay off for him in this world(his employer is not impressed, and neither is a corrupt televangelist, well-played by Paul Sorvino.) Beautiful and bittersweet ending may leave you in tears. A classic, worthy of Frank Capra.

This is an outdated movie for todays society. God is becoming less and less a part of our lives because "it" doesn't exist beyond our own imagination.This movie also is outdated with the message. Yes, it is a feel good movie, but it lacks a more universal appeal to all religions. It focuses on only Americans and Christianity.George Burns plays a great part as does the rest of the cast but watching this movie more than once is pointless. Although there are specific scenes where George Burns bitch-slaps some of the "christian" leaders for focusing on money and fame.I like George Burns a lot and he makes the movie work; without him it falls flat.