A Little Bit of Heaven Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman gets cancer, dates her doctor, and meets Whoopi Goldberg as God, who gives her wishes, mostly used on frivolous things before the inevitable happens… with a party.

🍿 A Little Bit of Heaven: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Marley’s Life

Marley Corbett is a successful, independent ad executive in New Orleans, known for her carefree attitude and aversion to commitment. She enjoys a vibrant social life and a string of casual relationships. However, signs emerge that something is amiss when she experiences persistent health issues.

Diagnosis and Divine Encounter

Marley visits Dr. Julian Goldstein for tests, which reveal she has advanced colon cancer. While under anesthesia for a colonoscopy, she has a surreal experience where she meets God, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg, who grants her three wishes. This pivotal moment forces Marley to confront her mortality and reassess her priorities.

Facing Mortality and Relationships

Marley grapples with her diagnosis, undergoing treatment while trying to maintain her positive outlook. She navigates strained relationships with her divorced parents, Beverly and Jack, and leans on her close friends, Sarah, Renee, and Peter, for support. She also begins an unexpected romantic relationship with Dr. Goldstein.

The Worsening Illness and Final Choices

As Marley’s condition worsens, she makes difficult choices about her treatment and quality of life. She participates in a clinical trial but ultimately decides to forgo further aggressive treatments, prioritizing her comfort and happiness in her remaining time. This decision leads to emotional moments with her loved ones.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marley Corbett (Kate Hudson): A free-spirited advertising executive whose life is turned upside down by a terminal cancer diagnosis, forcing her to confront her fears about love and commitment.
• Julian Goldstein (Gael García Bernal): An unconventional doctor who diagnoses Marley and unexpectedly falls in love with her, challenging his professional ethics and personal boundaries.
• Beverly Corbett (Kathy Bates): Marley’s mother, who struggles to connect with her daughter while battling her own anxieties and strained relationship with her ex-husband.
• God (Whoopi Goldberg): A version of God who appears to Marley during a medical procedure and grants her three wishes, offering guidance and perspective.
• Sarah Walker (Lucy Punch): Marley’s supportive and somewhat eccentric best friend, who navigates her own relationship challenges while offering comedic relief and unwavering loyalty.
• Peter Dinklage (Vinnie): A little person escort hired to bring fun in the face of Marley’s situation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• God: “You can have three wishes.” – God, played by Whoopi Goldberg, offers Marley three wishes after her diagnosis.
• Marley: “What I would give to experience, just one more time; to feel that incredible sensation, when he looked at me, and then I felt alive.” – Marley reflects on her relationship with Julian and the feeling of being alive.
• Marley: “I have cancer…who wants dessert.” – Marley uses humor as a coping mechanism after her diagnosis.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,375
• Worldwide Gross: $6,778,388

💥 A Little Bit of Heaven Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting a lighthearted rom-com, and boy, was I wrong! It’s a total tearjerker, but in a weirdly uplifting way. Kate Hudson is fantastic, and I actually felt something. There are some cringey moments (Whoopi Goldberg as God?), but the ending… well, grab your tissues! I’m not sure if this film will change my life, but it has reminded me to be grateful and to enjoy the moments I have.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kate Hudson”
  • “Viewers who enjoy emotional dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate stories about friendship and love in the face of adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Terminal illness”
  • “Death”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Some language”
  • “Ethical breach with doctor patient relationship”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Despite Kate Hudson’s efforts, the film struggles to balance comedy and tragedy, leading to a tonally inconsistent experience. The romance feels unconvincing and the script is only moderately better, making it a disappointing watch overall.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite some heartfelt moments and touching scenes, ‘A Little Bit of Heaven’ is emotionally manipulative. The movie’s tone is erratic, and there is a lack of depth in exploring the serious issues it presents, resulting in a tonally disjointed experience. It’s unrealistic and trivializes the experiences of cancer patients.
• Common Sense Media: “This movie tackles a serious issue with inconsistent tone, offering a mix of comedy and drama that often misses the mark. With questionable ethical choices depicted onscreen, and the unrealistic portrayal of cancer treatment, this film feels disrespectful and tonally confused.

Audience Reactions

Kate Hudson’s performance is seen as emotional and relatable.: Fans appreciate the film’s mix of humor and drama, but the consensus is divided on the accuracy and sensitivity of its portrayal of cancer.

The film touches viewers with its message about life and death, with some seeing it as life affirming.: Viewers found the ending emotional, with many describing tearful responses.

Overall Consensus: A divisive movie, ‘A Little Bit of Heaven’ elicits strong reactions. While some find it heartwarming and emotionally resonant, others criticize its tone, accuracy, and sensitivity in portraying a serious illness.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The role of God was initially offered to Alanis Morissette and Morgan Freeman before Whoopi Goldberg accepted.”
• “The film was one of the final films released by The Film Department before the studio’s bankruptcy.”
• “Filming took place in various locations in New Orleans, Louisiana, including the Lower Garden District, which served as the location for Marley Corbett’s house.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Little Bit of Heaven?

A Little Bit of Heaven is currently available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms. Check services such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Amazon Prime Video for availability in your region. Please note that availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Little Bit of Heaven, you might like these similar films:

• P.S. I Love You (2007): Deals with grief and finding love after loss.
• The Fault in Our Stars (2014): Focuses on young love amidst a cancer diagnosis.
• 50/50 (2011): A comedy-drama about a young man dealing with a cancer diagnosis with humor and support from friends.
• Terms of Endearment (1983): A mother-daughter relationship tested by illness and mortality, blending humor and tragedy.

🛒 A Little Bit of Heaven Related Products

• Get Well Soon Gifts for Women – Comfort Care Package for Women: A soothing comfort care package designed to provide relaxation and comfort, perfect for someone going through a tough time. Includes items like scented candles, herbal teas, and cozy socks.
• Colon Cancer Awareness Ribbon Bracelet: A bracelet featuring the blue star for colon cancer awareness. A percentage of proceeds go to cancer research and support organizations.
• The Bucket List (Blu-ray): A feel-good movie about making the most of life after a terminal diagnosis. Perfect for those who enjoyed the themes of ‘A Little Bit of Heaven’.
• 50/50 [Blu-ray]: Inspired by a true story, 50/50 is a funny, touching and original look at cancer and friendship, 50/50 stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Little Bit of Heaven features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Beauty in the World” – performed by Macy Gray
• “A Closer Walk With Thee” – performed by Traditional Jazz Band

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I QUIT! Avenged Sevenfold’s “A Little Piece of Heaven” was so disgusting, I quit halfway through.

Ever wondered if a song could be too much, even for a seasoned music analyst? This guy couldn’t even finish analyzing “A Little Piece of Heaven” – you HAVE to see why!

✨ Rate