It starts with a single moment, doesn't it? That one tiny hinge upon which a whole life seems to swing. For Larry Burrows, played with quintessential everyman charm by James Belushi, that moment was a strikeout in the high school championship game. Years later, stuck in a middle-management job he dislikes, driving a car that quits at the worst moments, Larry can't help but wonder: what if he'd connected with that pitch? 1990's Mr. Destiny taps right into that universal "what if," wrapping it in a warm, slightly fantastical blanket that felt like pure comfort food viewing back on a cozy Friday night with a fresh rental from the video store.
One Bad Swing, One Big Wish
Larry’s life isn't terrible, just… underwhelming. He’s got a loving wife, Ellen, played by a wonderfully down-to-earth Linda Hamilton (making a deliberate shift here from her iconic Sarah Connor persona in The Terminator (1984)), but everything else feels like a near miss. His 35th birthday is shaping up to be another disappointment until a bizarre series of events leads him to a mysterious, almost otherworldly bar tended by the effortlessly suave Mike (Michael Caine). Caine, ever the master of understated charisma, serves Larry not just a drink, but a chance to rewrite history. One potent cocktail later, Larry steps out into a world where he did hit that home run.
What follows is a classic "be careful what you wish for" scenario, executed with a gentle touch rather than overt slapstick. Director James Orr, who also co-wrote the screenplay (having previously co-penned the smash hit Three Men and a Baby (1987)), crafts a journey that's less about wild comedic set pieces and more about observing the subtle, and sometimes seismic, shifts in Larry's existence. In this alternate reality, Larry is powerful, wealthy, married to the boss's glamorous daughter (a striking early role for Rene Russo), and living in a mansion. He has everything he thought he wanted.
The Grass Isn't Always Greener (Especially When It's Astroturf)
Of course, the dream life has its thorns. Larry finds himself entangled in corporate backstabbing, navigating a marriage devoid of warmth, and crucially, missing the genuine connection he had with Ellen, who doesn't even know him in this timeline. James Belushi really sells Larry's growing unease and eventual desperation to return to his "real" life. He grounds the fantasy in relatable frustration and longing. We see familiar faces in new, often less flattering, roles – Jon Lovitz as the perpetually annoying Clip Metzler is still annoying, just richer, while Hart Bochner plays the corporate rival Niles Pender with slick menace. Keep an eye out too for a very young Courteney Cox as Larry’s rebellious daughter in one timeline and a non-nonsense forklift operator in another!
The film cleverly uses its setting – much of it filmed on location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, giving it a pleasant, lived-in feel – to contrast the two realities. It’s not about flashy special effects; the magic is in the altered relationships and circumstances. The production, working with a decent $20 million budget, focused on creating believable alternate scenarios rather than fantastical visuals. This approach lends the film an accessible quality, making Larry's predicament feel almost plausible, despite the supernatural catalyst.
Retro Fun Facts: Destiny's Details
While Mr. Destiny didn't exactly set the box office on fire upon release (grossing around $15.4 million domestically), it found a comfortable afterlife on VHS and cable television. It became one of those pleasant discoveries, a film you might stumble upon and find yourself charmed by its sincerity. Its premise inevitably draws comparisons to Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946), but Mr. Destiny carves its own niche with a lighter, more contemporary (for 1990) sensibility. It lacks the deep emotional resonance of Capra's classic, perhaps, but offers a comforting message about appreciating the life you have, flaws and all. James Orr would later direct another family-centric comedy, Man of the House (1995) starring Chevy Chase and Jonathan Taylor Thomas, continuing his exploration of relatable domestic situations, albeit without the magical twist.
Finding Your Fortune in the Familiar
Mr. Destiny isn't a groundbreaking piece of cinema, nor does it try to be. It’s a gentle, well-meaning fantasy comedy that coasts comfortably on the charm of its leads and its simple, resonant theme. Belushi is immensely likable as the beleaguered Larry, Hamilton provides the film's warm heart, and Caine adds a touch of enigmatic class. It's the kind of movie that doesn't demand much from the viewer but offers a pleasant, feel-good experience in return. It reminds us that sometimes the grand slam life isn't nearly as fulfilling as the quiet comfort of home base.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
This score reflects the film's undeniable charm, strong performances from its leads, and its satisfyingly warm message. It earns points for its nostalgic appeal and gentle humor, hitting that sweet spot for relatable fantasy. While it might not be a laugh-out-loud riot or a deeply profound exploration, its pleasant nature and well-executed premise make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch, especially for those who appreciate the quieter fantasy comedies of the era. It doesn't quite reach "classic" status, hence not higher, but it's far better than its initial box office might suggest.
Mr. Destiny is like finding an old photo that brings an unexpected smile – a reminder that sometimes, the life we have is the grand prize, even if we didn't hit the home run.