Stars brighten a sugar-sweet comedy

Date: December 13, 1996
By Bob Ross

From Tampa Tribune (Florida)
Submitted by: Larry A.


Sometimes, a movie works even when it's neither challenging nor original.

"The Preacher's Wife," for example, provides a perfect chance to gaze happily at Whitney and Denzel, who are themselves flawless images of big-screen perfection.

If you have to ask, "Whitney and Denzel who?," you're in the wrong theater and you've probably missed the last decade of pop culture.

Whitney Houston sings, Denzel Washington smiles and each helps us forget the outside world for two hours in this fluffy remake of a frothy original.

An updated version of 1947's "The Bishop's Wife," this mild, mannerly charmer replaces Cary Grant with Washington in the role of Dudley, an inexperienced angel. Dudley is sent to Earth in answer to a preacher's prayer, but he has limited powers (don't expect a lot of fancy effects) and very little notion of how to be helpful.

Houston portrays Julia (Loretta Young in the '47 version), the beautiful, dutiful title character around whom the cotton-candy plot is spun. In this new edition, Julia directs the choir in the church where she has spent her life: Her late father was the minister before her husband Henry (Courtney B. Vance) took over.

The sugary script centers on Henry's nagging self-doubts and his church's precarious finances. The inner-city minister leads a congregation that is rich in spirit but financially crippled.

Money is so tight that Henry has to cut back on youth and senior assistance programs that make a difference in his community. To make matters worse, the old boiler in the church basement conks out: Choir practice isn't easy when teeth are chattering.

Then there are personal failures that make Henry unhappy. An adorable child in his family's foster care gets sent away by bureaucrats. A former gang member who has gone straight is falsely accused of a crime, and Henry can't afford the boy's bail.

And, as the good reverend ponders selling out to a local big-shot real estate developer (Gregory Hines makes a remarkably friendly villain), he starts to fret about his marriage. With so many ministerial jobs to do, Harry hasn't as much time for Julia as she deserves.

Even an angel has stirrings: Dudley decides that he should cheer up Julia. But because no one believes that he's heaven-sent, Dudley only makes Henry jealous and more worried.

None of this makes much sense, but everyone knows that the outcome will be cheery and wonderful.

Director Penny Marshall ("Big," "A League of Their Own") is an expert at making audiences grin while bearing a tiny tear or a slight catch in the throat. But the most moving spirit comes through the ears. Houston's exquisite appearance is matched by her flawless performances. She sings gospel and pop with equal inspiration, and Marshall makes sure we don't miss a note.

Washington, who usually chooses more serious roles, seems to enjoy portraying a clueless angel with mixed memories of his earthly existence. He even offers some physical comedy: Watch him try to be cool dancing '70s-style in a contemporary jazz club.

Vance is the most energetic player as the minister under pressure. Jenifer Lewis has some hilarious moments as Julia's outspoken mom, and Loretta Devine, who co-starred with Houston in "Waiting to Exhale," stands out as the reverend's feisty secretary.

"The Preacher's Wife" provides exactly what family audiences could use right now: a cute, Christmassy comedy full of pleasant faces and delightful music.

CRITIC'S RATING: * * +