True, it is a story about a man learning a profound lesson through a trek of uncommon experiences. True, these experiences are somewhat supernatural and explained in the miracle-from-God cheesy style. And true, such experiences are by no means innovative and can be considered a fairy-tale enchantment. Still, it is a little gem that illuminates in a miniature yet successful way, thanks to its essential message, its gradual and managed delivery and its surprisingly good transition from what feels like misplaced pieces of chaos to a complete conclusion with an apt reflection.
The start of the film is the end of the film, though nothing is revealed (nothing but the message that it is going to be a family film classified within the usual formula and that it will end happily). The lessons learned and the process are indeed experienced through watching the story that fills the gap. Rich starts as a disoriented mid-aged man who has lost his purpose in life and prays in the hopes of being someone else, anyone other than himself, and for your convenience, indeed, what he gets is what he wishes for. The twist is that it happens uncontrollably. Rich begins to be able to control different individual, some seemingly being predetermined, while others feel completely random. Through stepping into others' shoes and viewing with different eyes, Rich slowly learns and grasps the meaning in life, along with other significant messages about family and love, and his marriage most noticeably. He decidedly turns his disadvantage into determination and strives for a new life and a place back to his family whom he misses. As the transitions between different living beings increase and the randomness seems to set in, a sense of unconstrained chaos arises, causing the film to be slightly off its track, but it is ultimately satisfying to see a nice conclusion and relation and at least some degree of relevance in the things and ideas involved.
The performances are mediocre but in no way hinder the development of the plot line and the display of message. The closure has the ability to strengthen the film and reinforce ideas, and conclude in a satisfying style and in a proper tone. All in all, the story is organized well and everything has the closure it deserves. Amid the silliness there are quite a few heartfelt and hilarious moments that adds a foundation of sentiments to this well-developed indie production.
