Watch The Heavenly Kid

The Heavenly Kid is a charming 1985 comedy-drama directed by Cary Medoway, with a fantastical premise that explores themes of redemption, love, friendship, and the afterlife. The film stars Lewis Smith as Bobby, a reckless and self-absorbed high school student who dies in a car crash while driving his prized Porsche. However, instead of passing on to the afterlife, Bobby finds himself stuck in limbo, unable to move on until he learns important life lessons and helps a troubled teenager on Earth. He is then assigned to be the guardian and mentor of Lenny Barnes (Jason Gedrick), a shy and unpopular high schooler who dreams of becoming a racecar driver like Bobby.

Bobby initially resists his duty and feels like his situation is unfair, but he eventually gets used to his new role and starts to bond with Lenny. He helps Lenny improve his confidence, fashion sense, and love life, as well as teaches him valuable skills and jokes. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, such as Lenny's disapproving mother (Jane Kaczmarek), the school bullies, and a rival racecar driver named Rafferty (Richard Mulligan). However, Bobby's biggest challenge is to overcome his own flaws and regrets, as well as to come to terms with his past mistakes, which have caused him to hurt his girlfriend (Nancy Valen) and his father (Richard Coca).

As Bobby and Lenny spend more time together, they develop a deep bond and friendship, which grows stronger even after Bobby's mission is completed and he is allowed to move on. The Heavenly Kid thus becomes a poignant and heartwarming tale of self-discovery, growth, and compassion, as well as a fun and nostalgic trip back to the 1980s, complete with classic cars, fashion, music, and humor. The film also features memorable performances by the cast, particularly Smith, who portrays Bobby with a mixture of wit, charm, and vulnerability, and Gedrick, who provides a relatable and sympathetic portrayal of Lenny's struggles and aspirations. Kaczmarek also shines as Lenny's strict and loving mother, adding depth and complexity to her character beyond the typical movie archetype of a disapproving parent.

One of the strengths of The Heavenly Kid is its creative and amusing depiction of the afterlife and its characters, which range from Bobby's stern and sarcastic angel guide (played by Richard Deacon) to a whimsical and quirky mechanic who helps Bobby fix his Porsche (played by Mark Metcalf). The film also has some memorable scenes and lines, such as the hilariously awkward dance party at Lenny's house, the touching father-son moment between Bobby and his dad, and the iconic line "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord...right after He kicks your ass!"

Overall, The Heavenly Kid is an enjoyable and uplifting movie that has its own unique charm and message, and that can be appreciated by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Its combination of humor, drama, romance, and fantasy makes it a versatile and timeless classic that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. Whether you are a fan of '80s nostalgia, coming-of-age stories, or spiritual journeys, The Heavenly Kid is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

The Heavenly Kid is a 1985 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 30.