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Powerful

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Avery Cormans' novel gets adapted for the big screen by two top talents, screenwriter Larry Gelbart and director Carl Reiner, into this memorable, warm, and upbeat comedy classic. George Burns is ideally cast as a sly and witty Almighty who appears in human form to Jerry Landers (singing star John Denver, in his film debut), the assistant manager at a supermarket. He wants Jerry to spread the word that He is alive and well, but that ultimately it's up to the human race to "make the world work". Jerry isn't exactly religious, but after He performs a sort of minor miracle, Jerry is finally convinced that he could really be in the presence of the Almighty, and not a stranger pulling a clever joke on him. Of course, many people brand him a nutcase when he claims to have had conversations with God.It's best expressed through dialogue what the real core message of this delightful film is: it's FAITH that is truly important, not religion. Speaking as a person who is neither a True Believer nor a devout atheist, this viewer found the themes of "Oh, God!" quite appealing, and the script is often genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. But the humor comes naturally, and is never forced. It's amusing to note how Burns appears to Denver in assorted guises, whether He is in the outfit of a busboy or a cab driver. Overall, the film does have credibility going for it, since nobody would automatically just take the word of an average man (or woman) that they had spoken with Him. The highlight is a climactic trial, where a grandstanding preacher (a hilarious Paul Sorvino) has sued Jerry for slander, when everybody in the courtroom is witness to something special.Teri Garr, looking extremely ravishing, plays a somewhat similar role to the wife she played in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" the same year as this. The difference here is that *this* time she stands by her man, as distressed as she becomes over the situation. Denver is quite engaging, and is just right as the average Joe chosen to be His messenger. And Burns is in his element, getting to deliver snappy and intelligent dialogue throughout. The strong supporting cast includes a bunch of familiar faces: Donald Pleasence (who is actually barely in this, despite his prominent billing), Ralph Bellamy, William Daniels, Barnard Hughes, Barry Sullivan, Jeff Corey, George Furth, David Ogden Stiers, Titos Vandis, Connie Sawyer, Murphy Dunne. Director Reiner and talk show host Dinah Shore cameo as themselves; John Ashton and Clyde Kusatsu appear unbilled.A wonderful film overall, that keeps you watching through the sheer force of its acting and storytelling. Nowadays, Hollywood filmmakers might insist on more special effects and showmanship, and more's the pity.Eight out of 10.

You certainly don't need to be a believer to enjoy this charming film; I'm an atheist and always have. John Denver gives a nice performance as the forthright and altruistic groceryman who is called upon by God to deliver His message, and an 81-year-old George Burns is perfect in the role of the Almighty. The film delivers what I think is appropriate criticism of organized religion, distinguishing it from faith, and Paul Sorvino is great (though a little over-the-top) as a southern televangelist. I also liked the Deist position it takes, that God created the world but it's up to mankind to make of it what it will, and that kindness and brotherhood are more important than dogma. The film doesn't try to answer all of the unanswerable questions, but it does take a pretty good crack at a lot of the big ones (Q: 'Why does God allow all the suffering in the world', A: 'I don't permit it, you do. Free will: all the choices are yours.' Q: 'Was Jesus Christ your son?' A: 'Jesus was my son. Buddha was my son. Muhammad, Moses, you, the man who said there was no room at the inn was my son.' Q: 'Which of the world's religions is closest to the divine truth?' A: 'The divine truth is not in a building or a book or a story. Put down the heart is the temple where all truth resides.') This is not a fire and brimstone God, or one bent on vengeance, hell, and eternal agony for sinners and nonbelievers; this is an informal, simple, and gentle God. How refreshing, and how enlightened.

This movie is a delight, so I can't understand why it's rated less than 7 on IMDb.com especially since the majority of review writers rate it higher than the 6.6 composite score (38 Loved It, 8 Hated It before this review).While I wouldn't consider it a must-see (e.g. an 8 or higher rating), it's definitely worth a watch and should entertain anyone who's not hung up on 'dated' (a lazy term to use) material or is too easily offended that George Burns's character isn't consistent with the God of the Bible.First, it's supposed to be a comedy; second, it's a movie. There are almost no movies I can think of that accurately represent their source material, so don't expect this one to be any different. Besides, that John Denver's character drives an AMC Pacer actually enhances the humor for today's audience.Oh, God! (1977) is a charming film: Denver plays a credibly innocent agnostic asst. grocery store manager that comes to belief - that God exists, and that He appears to him quite casually as a kindly old codger (Burns) - such that he follows His instructions: to tell everybody that He's still with 'us' and cares, etc.Teri Garr (fabulous as always) plays Denver's wife, a true believer who, quite naturally, initially treats her husband's story about talking with God with skepticism. But after seeing how sincere he is about what's transpiring, she decides to at least believe in her husband.The couple must explain what's happening to their two children, who are embarrassed at school, and deal with disbelieving press and some stereotypical fanatics that show up at their house. The plot culminates in a court case, and I won't spoil any further.With Carl Reiner directing Larry Gelbart's cleverly written (and Oscar-nominated) screenplay, there are plenty of physical gags and chuckles (unless you take yourself too seriously). Burns delivers his dialogue as if it's off the cuff, e.g. as if God doesn't already know how everything will happen, else the comedy wouldn't work at all.There are plenty of familiar faces in supporting roles, but the film was tightly edited to 98 minutes and some of the actors ended up having little or no dialogue: Ralph Bellamy, William Daniels, Paul Sorvino (especially) and Jeff Corey have the most to say among Donald Pleasence, Barnard Hughes, Barry Sullivan, George Furth and David Ogden Stiers. Dinah Shore appears as herself.

I have always enjoyed this film. Perfect cast, likable leads and great sound track. Ah the 1970s, what an era of memorable films. John Denver is superb as always and who else but George Burns could play God so convincingly! Teri Garr is gorgeous as John's wife and what a supporting cast! Paul Sorvino is a standout! I am amazed that the IMDb has not included Stuart Nisbet as the doorman with whom John Denver speaks. Stuart has two scenes near the elevator. Clyde Kusatsu is also there in the grocery store when John is talking to God in the security mirror. I realize both are uncredited, so perhaps they can now be included in the film's cast. Go ahead and enjoy yourself in this timeless classic from a bygone era.