What Dreams May Come (PG-13, 1998)

Robin Williams plays Chris Nielson, a doctor who arrives in heaven after he is killed by a car as he attempts to help the victims of an accident. His wife, Annie (Anabella Sciorra), already devastated by the loss of their two children four years earlier, begins to fall apart, and commits suicide. As Chris explores heaven, he realizes that it cannot be heaven for him without her. But, as a suicide, she is consigned to hell. With the help of a guide, he embarks on an Orpheus-like journey.

The lush visual beauty of this movie and the interesting issues it raises make it worthwhile for thoughtful teens who are drawn to questions about death and meaning and making profound connections. Those who have endured their own real losses may find it superficial, and some be disturbed to find the concepts of heaven and hell inconsistent with their own notions. They are not even consistent within their own assumptions. But some teens will appreciate the chance to use this movie to talk about what their heaven would look like (the film's web site gives them a chance to create a version online and post it) and how the characters' struggle makes them think differently about their relationships and priorities.

Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Vincent Ward
Cast: Annabella Sciorra, Cuba Gooding Jr., Robin Williams
Genre: Drama
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: October 2, 1998
DVD release: March 4, 2003
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: thematic elements involving death, some disturbing images and language