If the plot of Chris Rock's Down to Earth feels familiar it is possible that you have seen it before. This is a remake of Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait (1978) which was, in turn, a remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941). That film was an adaptation of a play, also entitled Heaven Can Wait.
Here the basic plot of man's life is ended too early as a result of a mistake by an angel and he is granted a new body with which to live the rest of his life is given a Chris Rock twist. His character, hopeless commedian Lance, is given the body of a rich caucasian man which gives Rock plenty of opportunities to talk about race and offer social commentary.
It is therefore a surprise how cosy this film feels. There are few big laughs and the whole tone is very broad and awkward. Rock is certainly a charming and fun lead, yet the material does not test him, nor the cast.
The whole affair resolves itself far too cleanly and I felt uninvolved and disappointed with the film's conclusion. Things feel too tidy and shifts in character are too sudden.
Yet the film remains watchable throughout thanks to its charming lead actors and decent production values.