Back Then, Stamps Only Cost $ .32 ... "Dear God", What Happened?

Never tamper with the mail...

The Story:

Tom Turner (Greg Kinnear) is a con man.  When he's arrested one time too many, he gets the option of getting a real job, or going to jail.  He opts of course for the real job.  He winds up working for the Postal Service in the dead letter office.  He realizes that people send letters to God all the time...and some people even include money.  Tom sets out for the ultimate scam, and then accidentally helps some people along the way.  Inspired by their new co-worker, his team want to help Tom perform more miracles.  Soon, the God Squad is on the job, and lives and spirits are getting sunnier in California...  much to the chagrin of the Postmaster General.

But can a con man con himself into going straight?

I've been about as big of a fan of Greg Kinnear as can be, without joining an official fan club, since I saw him hosting Talk Soup back in the early 90s.

Yep, and as it has been a transitional job for the hosts ever since, I watched Greg fly from the nest and head to Hollywood to be a star. 

Following up the remake of Sabrina, Dear God was Kinnear's first foray as the leading man of the film, and he does an admirable job.

He's bright, funny, and plays the perfect conman.  It was basically Kinnear doing what he did best for years on Talk Soup.

Garry Marshall surrounded him with a stellar cast of other character actors for support including Hector Elizondo and the amazing Tim Conway.

However, don't let the title fool you, this is not a movie that is going to preach the gospel and make atheists avoid it like the plague. 

It's a simple plot device to get from point A to B, and show the triumph of humanity that when we put our minds and hearts to doing good deeds, amazing things can happen.

Laurie Metcalf is almost too over-the-top in her role, and kind of derails the third act, but Kinnear is able to save it with a speech filled with earnestness that wins you over.

Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I do indeed own this one, and it gets a spin every few years or so, and it's been enjoyable each time.