A Little Bit of Heaven (2011)

An irreverent young woman who uses her humor to prevent matters from getting serious has a life-changing visit with her doctor. 

Mildly entertaining drama tries a bit too hard to take a slight and uplifting view on death - at times on the verge of silliness. 

Maltin*1/2: "Well-meaning but meandering story...Improbable subplot involving a budding romance with her doctor (played unconvincingly by Bernal) would sink this film if that hadn't already been accomplished by some embarrassing heavenly scenes with Whoopi Goldberg as a God-like character who dispenses advice to Hudson!" 

 

The Color Purple (1985)

A black Southern woman struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over four decades.

Grand-scale saga with an excellent ensemble and wonderful cinematography tells a meandering tale, at times at risk of drifting apart, but contains many memorable scenes.

Halliwell**: "Well-intentioned and gracious but not always dramatically cohesive generation saga from a director trying to prove he has depth."

Maltin***1/2: "...a sprawling saga...Spielberg's controversial interpretation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-wnning book will either grab you emotionally (in which case you'll overlook its flaws) or leave you cold. Masterfully filmed...with striking cinematography...moving music score...Rich performances include screen debut for Winfrey."