Plot: What’s it about?
God (George Burns) has enjoyed the kind of success only a divine one is capable of, but these days, even he needs a boost now and then. When a company needs to drive up sales or turn around a downward slant, they turn to the folks in marketing. After all, if a product is good, then the campaign is to blame, so some new ads could be just what is needed. In God’s case, no product ever created is as potent as his, so instead of a complex ad system, he just wants a new slogan. A short, simple phrase that will inspire people and influence them to see out his word, though that is a tall order. His choice to pen this slogan? An eleven year old girl named Tracy (Louanne), not the most obvious choice, but come on, God knows his stuff. She might be young, but she is sharp and comes up just the right slogan, Think God. But when her divorced parents put a stop to her attempts to spread God’s word, will the slogan simply go to waste?
As is obvious from the title alone, this is the second volume in the Oh, God! series and of course, it wouldn’t be the final installment. We all know how sequels are often cursed, unable to live up to the original and doomed to be mediocre, if not outright terrible. This sequel has an edge, as star George Burns returns, but were his oversized glasses enough to save the second volume? I think Burns was a gifted performer, a man who could entertain like few others. But if these Oh, God! movies and his smokeless ashtray commercials are how you know the man, then you’re missing out on his true talents. But he is good in this movie, at least as good as the rather mediocre writing allows him to be. The charm is there, no doubt, but charm carries you only so far, even if you’re George Burns, which is where the film falls apart. Oh, God! Book II is a passable sequel, but offers no punch and Burns is the sole attraction on showcase. If you like Burns or the series, then of course give this film a rental, but otherwise, just let Oh, God! Book II rest in peace.
What little charm the film does have was in no small part due to the warm, natural performance of George Burns. He was almost as old as time itself when he made Oh, God!, but his usual charm is intact and on full showcase here. The role is perhaps the grandest an actor could partake, but Burns plays it with a sense of vulnerability and while that sounds odd in this case, it works out quite well. He never seems to be lost within the role and even enhances those around him, so whenever he is on screen, the movie is that much better off. I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Burn’s material once he started using his age as his main inspiration, but he seems in fine form here and is able to deliver on all counts. Other films with Burns include 18 Again, The Sunshine Boys, College Holiday, Going in Style, and the original Oh, God!.
Video: How does it look?
Oh, God! Book II is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. I think this film has held up about as well as the original, so I ported over those comments. It is nice to have this in an anamorphic widescreen presentation, but the materials have become worn over time and Warner has done no work to reverse that process. The opening credits are soaked in nicks and debris, but the image becomes cleaner once they end, though defects can still be seen throughout. I know this is a lower profile release and all, but I think some level of cleaning should have been enacted, even if just to a minor degree. The colors and contrast look solid, but between the print flaws and some softness, this picture has seen better days.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included mono track is dated and rough around the edges, but still provides an acceptable audio experience. I wouldn’t go much beyond acceptable however, as time has taken a toll on the materials and caused some serious flaws. The dialogue is often too low or muffled, so you’ll have to fiddle with the volume throughout, which is a real pain in the neck. Even beyond that, the audio just seems flat in most scenes and I heard some instances of hiss also, which help lessen the effectiveness of the track even more. So while it is stable and acceptable, it could use some work and fails to be as good as it should be. This disc also includes subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
