Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 28, 2021

1977’s “Oh, God!” was a little film from Warner Brothers that turned into a very big deal, becoming the ninth highest grossing movie of the year (right above “Annie Hall” and below “The Spy Who Loved Me”). It charmed audiences and, against all odds, turned senior comedian George Burns into a pop culture figure. A sequel was inevitable, and the story could logically continue with God and Jerry (John Denver) and their quest to restore faith across America. However, it didn’t work out that way, with studio suits electing to basically remake the original endeavor with 1980’s “Oh, God! Book II,” which replaces Jerry with Tracy (Louanne), an 11-year-old girl who’s visited by the wisecracking deity, put in charge of selling God to the country.

The premise of “Oh, God!” was strange enough, offering more questions than answers, but there was charm in the writing and spirited performances to keep the film away from its natural inclination toward darkness. “Oh, God! Book II” doesn’t enjoy the same atmosphere, with director Gilbert Cates in charge of a tale that features God using a little girl to advertise his existence, which eventually leads to everyone believing she’s crazy, soon undergoing medical tests and threatened with institutionalization. “Oh, God! Book II” is no comedy. It’s almost a horror picture, creating a scenario where God tries to use a child’s innocence to promote his brand, as opposed to simply doing the work himself, which he proved he could do in the first movie.

“Oh, God! Book II” is unexpectedly grim work, trying to sell Tracy’s mission as precociousness, watching the child as she mounts a “Think God!” campaign with her friends while her parents deal with their impending divorce, and all the medical professionals in the story basically want to dissect her. The tone of “Oh, God! Book II” is bizarre, aiming to be sweet with Louanne’s capable performance, and salty with Burns’s highly rehearsed jokes, but the screenplay (which is unsurprisingly credited to five writers) doesn’t have anything funny to share, and its efforts to get serious with honest questions about human suffering (which receive elusive answers) make the film feel oppressive. Of course, this is a picture where God willingly allows Tracy to suffer for his glory, so maybe the production wasn’t paying too close attention to anything besides Burns and his star power.

Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a softer look at "Oh, God! Book II," from what appears to be an older master. Detail isn't strong, but some facial particulars are appreciable, and Los Angeles tours are passably dimensional. Colors are acceptable, with the reds of the Chinese restaurant and costuming blues most potent. Advertising posters offer bright hues. Skintones look a little ruddy at times. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in good condition.

Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is, much like the first film, built for functionality, not dimension. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with appreciable emotionality and emphasis, ranging from Louanne's softer kid voice to Burns's aged tone. Scoring cues are defined, with clean instrumentation and balanced support.

Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film critic and theologian Dr. Donna Bowman.

• "The Gospel According to Tom" (22:24, HD) is an interview with assistant director Tom Lofaro, who details his work responsibilities, sharing what the job requires and how he fits into the grand design of film production. Lofaro recalls his entrance into the industry and his friendly time with "Oh, God! Book II" director Gilbert Cates. The George Burns experience is remembered, with the comedian only appearing on set for a short amount of time, and co-star Louanne is celebrated, maintaining professionalism to the end. The interviewee examines the creation of multiple sequences in the picture, including the motorcycle ride and time inside Union Station, and he reflects on the happy shoot, which was a rare event in his career.

• Radio Spots (1:53) offer four commercials for "Oh, God! Book II."

• And a Teaser Trailer (1:06, HD) is included.

Oh, God! Book II Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Oh God! Book II" works through the same dramatic beats as "Oh, God!" There are no major changes to the story, and swapping adult Jerry for child Tracy only makes the whole endeavor seem creepier, failing to inspire the power of faith, the joy of comedy, and the return of audiences, with the sequel becoming the 48th highest grossing film of 1980.