THE PREACHER'S WIFE 1996
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
One :-) for Whitney's singing and the Grey Armani Suit
Cast: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Justin Pierre Edmund Director: Penny Marshall Screenplay: Nat Mauldin and Allan Scott based on a screenplay by Robert E. Sherwood and Leonardo Bercovici
"Father I ask of You this day, Keep my loved ones safe and guide their ways. Bless the selfless heart that freely gives, And strengthen those who truthfully live. Bid your angels to watch these humble souls, And send that angel 'Dudley' to fulfil Your goals ." Amen. A prayer by TMT Voon.
Angels once walked on the earth as did men. Able to disguise themselves as human kind they walked unnoticed amongst the people doing God's bidding. Whether you believe there are angels or not, does not discourage the hope of some, that these messengers of God protect and encourage His own. So when the pastor of a rough neighbourhood begins to feel the emotional and physical drains of daily service to the community, God sends an angel called 'Dudley' to help lighten his burdens.
Denzel Washington is the cuddly 'Dudley', wearing a very well made, ?Armani? grey suit with matching tie and overcoat. This suit is the envy of every well dressed person; and since Whitney Houston has good taste in clothes, she just can't keep her hands of this cuddly 'Dudley' in the Armani. Whitney goes shopping with the angel in the grey suit. Then goes dancing with the angel still in the grey suit, before skating with the angel who is still wearing the grey suit. One wonders at this stage whether this angel has anything to wear beside the grey suit????
This movie is another well-meant project by Penny Marshall which has perhaps fallen short of great expectations. I'm not sure whether Whitney gave them hell on the set of this movie, but she sure sings like an angel. Denzel smiles sweetly, and is all pleasantness as the angel Dudley. However, such restraint begins to wear thin behind those white-tooth grins - let that 'Devil In A Blue Dress' out Denzel.
To the depressed and disillusioned pastors of this world, I have a few simple words of advice. The business of church work, sacrifice and giving is an important testimony for the Christian faith, but don't forget why you are doing it in the first place. Like any other job, one needs to rest, or you'll end up neglecting yourself and your family. Remember even God needed a "Kit Kat" on that 7th day.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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