The Devil and Max Devlin

In the 1981 comedy-fantasy film, "The Devil and Max Devlin," Elliott Gould plays the titular character, a slick and sharp-tongued talent agent who dies in a car crash and finds himself in hell. However, things take an unexpected turn when Satan (played by Bill Cosby) offers him a unique deal: if Max can convince three of his former clients to sign over their souls to the devil before their time is up, he will be able to return to earth as a young man.

Desperate to escape eternal damnation, Max accepts Satan's offer and is sent back to the land of the living to accomplish his mission. Along the way, he meets a struggling single mother named Penny (Susan Anspach) and her two children, Toby and Andrea. As Max tries to track down his former clients, he also begins to develop a sincere connection with Penny and her family, realizing that there may be more to life than just making deals and chasing success.

The movie is a lighthearted comedy with a unique spin on the classic Faustian tale, blending elements of slapstick humor with heartwarming moments of family bonding and self-discovery. The chemistry between Gould and Cosby is palpable, as the two actors play off each other's charisma and comedic timing to great effect. Anspach is also a standout, bringing a grounded and relatable presence to the film as the struggling single mother trying to make ends meet.

Despite its dark premise, "The Devil and Max Devlin" manages to keep things light and enjoyable throughout, offering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments along the way. It's the kind of film that manages to blend humor and heart in just the right way, leaving audiences feeling uplifted and entertained by the end.

Overall, "The Devil and Max Devlin" may not be the most well-known or iconic film from the 1980s, but it's a charming and enjoyable comedy that still holds up today. With its talented cast, unique twist on a classic tale, and heartwarming message about the importance of family and redemption, it's definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.