Be sure to check out the 1991 movie Defending Your Life, written and directed by the star of the film, Albert Brooks. It's a gentle and very funny look at one man's experience in "Judgement City" right after he dies. Will he successfully defend what he made of the time he spent on Earth? Will he be found suitable to move on to a higher level of existence or will he be tasked with going back to Earth to try again? And how deeply will you, as a viewer, examine your own life after you see this movie? Will YOU do the Universe a favor (and help yourself in the process) by making, for yourself, a life which is worthy of defending?

It's a very fun commentary on the things which distract us from being the best versions of ourselves. It's certainly among the best and most timeless offerings ever from the brilliant Albert Brooks. I encourage you to at least look for this on your favorite streaming platform where you can buy or rent it. Or, if you like the movie at least as much as I do, I highly recommend the new Criterion Collection edition on BluRay. In America it's rated PG, suitable for mature viewers who may be the best audience for this story of a middleaged man who must evaluate what he's made of himself. Meanwhile, let the little kids enjoy Albert Brooks for his brilliant voice acting in movies like Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.

Also, of course, you'll enjoy the supporting cast which includes Rip Torn, Meryl Streep, Lee Grant and Buck Henry... along with one masterful cameo appearance by a certain Hollywood celebrity wellknown for some outofthemainstream views about life, death and what happens next. And there's one special moment which pays tribute to my favorite brand of wrist watches too.