Kate (Parker) is one bossy bride. She harangues the caterers, yells at her future sister-in-law and even rejects her angel ice sculpture due to its lack of wings. But five minutes into Over Her Dead Body, that same wingless angel crushes Kate. Even the groom (Rudd) appreciates the irony.
One year later, Rudd’s Henry meets psychic/caterer Ashley (Bell), and so they start their utterly predictable romance.
But Kate, who’s now a ghost, thinks keeping Henry and Ashley apart is her key to escaping the waiting room to the afterlife. What follows is a series of events in which Kate tries to scare, annoy and intimidate Ashley into dumping Henry while simultaneously attempting to make viewers laugh. Alas, neither task is accomplished.
Uninspired writing and hackneyed scenarios prevent Over Her Dead Body from being anything more than a feature-length sleep aid.
The acting is unremarkable, with a main cast composed of people better suited to supporting roles. Only Parker’s scenes managed to trigger even a titter. She knows how to play the demanding diva, but after Desperate Housewives and now Over Her Dead Body, one wonders if she’s really acting or just living. –Tasha Chemplavil
Over Her Dead Body
**
Eva Longoria Parker, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Jason Biggs
Directed by Jeff Lowell
Rated PG-13
Opens Friday