The film involves a change in management for the reapers. In a not particularly satisfying move, Patinkin's character apparently finally is allowed to die when the series' beloved Waffle House is destroyed (though you never actually see him in the film). And in a surprise move, a rich and charming guy is the new boss--a guy who really could care less if the reapers do their jobs correctly. In fact, his character was a real cipher, as you had no idea who he really was or what his motivation was--was he the Devil, an idiot or what?! Some of the characters respond true in this new situation, as Mason acts like a jerk--just like Mason always behaved in the show. Some respond in ways that make it look like the writers may have never seen the original show--just like Roxy behaved (it was so inconsistent). In addition, in several subplots, Delores is dealing with the imminent death of her cat, George's sister, Reggie, is still depressed and obsessed and George touches a guy who is SUPPOSED to die but he doesn't. There is enough material for three or four episodes, actually, and it might have worked better if the focus had been tighter. Also, the old sick sense of humor, while present, is not as obvious--with a greater emphasis on George and Reggie working through their issues together.

I was a huge fan of the Showtime series "Dead Like Me". I saw every episode and I bought both seasons on DVD--so I am obviously interested in the characters. So, when I heard that a new Dead Like Me film was coming out, I was eager to see it. However, given that it was direct to DVD, I was also apprehensive. I was even more apprehensive when I learned that several important characters would not be returning. In particular, Mandy Patinkin's character (the centerpiece of the show) and Laura Harris would not be playing Daisy Adair--some new actress would take on this same role--much like a lady played "New Jan" (Geri Reischl) in the horrible Brady Bunch revival in "The Brady Bunch Hour". And, like New Jan, the new Daisy neither looked nor acted like the old Daisy. In fact, she was pretty bad in just about every way. Because of this, I really wish they'd written her character out of the movie as well.

Overall, this movie proves once again you can't go back. After a series has wrapped, followup movies are almost invariably inferior as the original chemistry is too hard to recapture. If you are a fan of the series, you may still enjoy this. If you aren't, then the film will do nothing to stimulate your interest.

By the way, as a DVD extra, there's a promotional film included with interviews of the cast. I recommend you do NOT watch it, as it doesn't really provide much inside information and looks like more of a pep rally than anything else. In other words, the actors congratulate themselves incessantly AND keep pointing out how wonderfully everything came together--sure signs that the film is a disappointment AND the cast struggled to complete it.

Sadly, a disappointment overall.

George Lass (Ellen Muth) is a grim reaper. She's been dead for 5 years after getting hit by a toilet seat from space. Der Waffle Haus has burnt down. Rube Sofer has moved on. Cameron Kane (Henry Ian Cusick) is the new supervisor. He has a different take on reaping. Daisy (Sarah Wynter),Mason (Callum Blue) and Roxy (Jasmine Guy) start breaking the rules. George has to reap popular school jock Hudson Hart who is secretly dating George's sister Reggie (Britt McKillip) behind his girlfriend Jennifer Hardick (Shenae Grimes)'s back. George's mother Joy (Cynthia Stevenson) has written a book about grief. George takes over at work from vacationing Delores. George is discovered by Reggie.

This is a fine visit from the familiar characters despite the missing Mandy Patinkin and Laura Harris. It's really touching to have George and Reggie together. It wraps up the family's story quite nicely. I'm less taken with Cameron Kane. He's not much of a villain and that side of the movie needs to be much funnier. That half isn't much. Sarah Wynter is an inferior Daisy. In the end, it's great to have George back for a bit.

This review is by someone who has never seen the TV series, but enjoys a good indie style movie with an original idea. That is what I felt as I was watching in this movie.

Four grim reapers meet every morning for breakfast and get their daily soul assignment from their boss on a yellow sticky. One morning a new boss appears and goes high tech and gives out assignment via text messages. The four grim reapers live a duel life, one as a person and another as a reaper. The new boss allows the reapers to break rules. George, played by Ellen Muth (Denise Richards light) reveals herself to her sister when her sister's secret boyfriend dies, or nearly dies in a car crash. I enjoyed the unique story line, the dark comedy, and the personal aspect of the story. I am interested in watching the series.

Parental Guide: No nudity, one brief simulated sex scene, and the F-bomb gets dropped a few times.