That explanation makes sense, however I believe Warren Beatty and Buck Henry failed to convey that message clearly. It was confusing and throughout the movie, the storytelling felt rushed, unfocused and the comedy notes didn't always hit home. A big failing was that there was a lack of emotional investment while watching the movie. You're not exactly sure what to really route for. We don't get to know very much about Joe before he's taken to heaven, other than he wants to start as a quarterback. Then, without precedent, Joe gets the hots for Betty, but that relationship is only flirted with, and we never take it seriously. I was left feeling as though there were too many missed opportunities with this movie. It could've been better. It's a very rushed, odd movie to watch at times. It's either poorly directed or it's strange tone is bravely designed, but feels as though it misfires. When Joe picks up the fumble and runs it in for the game winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, it's done in such an uncinematic way, you feel as though you were watching a real football game, without commentary. You feel as though you missed something. However, this makes sense that they would minimalize the football achievement of the character, because it is now the secondary goal. The real goal is finding love with Betty and getting to actualize that relationship in a permanent vessel. A very Warren Beatty-esque, uneven moviegoing experience. Not unlike "Dick Tracy", "Bulworth" and "Rules Don't Apply". While I liked these other Beatty helmed movies, his only true masterpiece was "Reds", which he won the well deserved Oscar for.
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