The audience in the theater when I saw Chris Rock's newest flick Down to Earth was very obviously divided into two groups — Chris Rock fans and those who were just spending the afternoon at the movies.

The main difference between these two groups?

Laughter.

The fans laughed — laughed a lot, in fact. The rest of us sat there.

The bottom line — if you're a Chris Rock fan, Down to Earth is the movie for you.

Rock is one of the many comedians who got his big break on the hit television-sketch show Saturday Night Live.

With Down to Earth, Rock joins the many SNL cast members such as Adam Sandler, David Spade and Rob Schneider who have starred in their own feature films.

Usually these films don't have involved or thought-provoking plots, they simply serve as a new forum for the comedian to tell his jokes.

Down to Earth is no different. Rock, who co-wrote the movie, plays Lance Barton, a struggling comedian who is prematurely sent to heaven. In order to fix their faux pas, the angels who "killed" Barton arrange for him to inhabit the body of a rich white millionaire (who, by the way, we see for a total of two minutes on screen — the rest of the time we see Rock).

As such, Barton uses his newfound wealth for good and falls in love with Sontee (Regina King).

The particulars of the story really aren't important because, as I said, the main purpose for the film is Rock and his jokes.

If the movie were to be more than that, then the story would have been more creative and interesting.

King is the only good actor in the cast, and hers is the only character that has a hint of a story line.

Directed by Chris and Paul Weitz of American Pie fame, Down to Earth is based on the 1978 film Heaven Can Wait written by Elaine May and Warren Beatty. In turn, Heaven Can Wait was based on the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan.

Down to Earth reminds me of the 1983 Eddie Murphy flick, Trading Places, although I think Trading Places is a much better film.

Many audience members seemed to really enjoy Down to Earth. I, however, was annoyed by Chris Rock's voice after about the first 20 minutes, and the lack of story didn't help the situation.