An offbeat comedic look at the afterlife. Albert Brooks visits the subject with an earnest and humourous outlook, which doesn't get preachy or morbid.

He plays a young advertising executive who dies in a car accident. He finds himself in "Purgatory", which looks rather similar to suburban California, with its manicured lawns. In the extraordinary world where he's surrounded by aged people in hospital-gown like clothing, he is put on trial with a defense attorney and a rabid prosecutor.

They examine scenes from his life, most of which are scenes of defeat and lost chances, where he was inhibited by his own fear and consequently lost face or missed opportunities. He needs to prove that he has conquered his fear, and if he does so, will move on to a higher plane of existence. Otherwise, he will be sent back to earth for another lifetime.

While the trial is going on, he meets the delightful Meryl Streep, a young mother who has proved her courage multiple times over. They fall in love with each other, but their paths seem destined to diverge.

Good movie, worth seeing.