Heart Condition

"Heart Condition" is a 1990 fantasy comedy film starring Bob Hoskins and Denzel Washington. The story follows Jack Moony, a gruff, bigoted cop who dies unexpectedly due to a heart condition. His heart is transplanted into a smooth-talking, black lawyer named Ned Racine. Jack's spirit lingers, attached to his own heart inside Ned, leading to an unusual partnership as they work together to solve Jack's mysterious death. The film blends elements of comedy, supernatural fantasy, and buddy-cop dynamics, exploring themes of race, friendship, and redemption. Despite its unique premise and charismatic leads, the film received mixed reactions upon release.

"Heart Condition" holds a troubling place in critics' eyes, as evidenced by its 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb score of 5.5/10. The low ratings reflect a consensus that the movie struggled with balancing its comedic and fantastical elements alongside its attempts at social commentary. Critics often cited the uneven tone and underdeveloped script as major flaws. For example, the Rotten Tomatoes consensus highlights that "Despite its charismatic leads, Heart Condition fails to deliver a coherent or particularly funny story." The Chicago Tribune’s review noted that while Bob Hoskins and Denzel Washington showed good chemistry, the movie's execution fell short, calling it "a muddled attempt at a buddy comedy wrapped in supernatural elements." Conversely, some viewers appreciated its intent to tackle serious topics such as race and mortality through a lighter genre, though many agreed that it ultimately missed the mark in both comedy and drama. Overall, "Heart Condition" is often remembered more for its ambition than its success, making it a film that appeals sporadically rather than universally.