Films from Christian companies are either disastrous duds (Blue Like Jazz) or a splendid success (October Baby). This is one I didn’t really know anything about, but did rent. Still it had potential. Turns out, it isn’t anything unique but is special.
Heaven is Waiting (2011) Film Review
It’s been three years since the death of Ned Steven’s wife, Kate (Melanie Nelson). Though he moves past the initial grief, Ned (Curt Doussett) still clings to her memory and converses with her every day. Kate thinks it’s time for Ned to move on, possibly to love again. His jogging partner, Carol (Michelle Money) sounds like a good match to Kate, but Ned sees himself only as a confirmed widower.
On break for a few days from college, his daughter, Liz (Brittany Peltie) decides to come home with a “friend” in tow. It’s a friend who turns out to be a senior, a male senior, named David. This sends Ned’s world spinning as he watches his little girl delight in the joy of first love. But in trying to hold tighter to Liz, she turns the tables on him by encouraging a relationship with Carol.
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‘HEAVEN IS WAITING’ (2011) #FWarchives Click To TweetMovies that don’t have the benefit of big budgets have to work that much harder to win over an audience. This isn’t for everyone, however the script doesn’t have to work all that hard to captivate me. Using conversations with his wife as a plot thread is kind of distasteful to me. I’ve seen too many films use this, and fail. Here, it’s rather sweet and charming, much to my own surprise. The film gets off to a slow start and does maintain a slow pace but it has so much joy that it’s hard not to find it infectious.
Once the film settles into its pace and we learn these conversations aren’t a one-time thing, there’s so much to enjoy. Liz is adorable both as a character and the actress who plays her. I like her happy-go-lucky personality and the close relationship she has with her father. Equally touching is Ned’s inability to let go of his baby girl, which reminds us of the iconic Father of the Bride film. I like everyone except for David who is a bit too “goofy” (can I help it if I detest the “shaggy” haircut on guys!?).
There are lots of bright scenes and a cute romantic sequence between Ned and Carol. Likewise, the script is fabulous in how it uses humor that’s actually funny. If you prefer glossy, high-tech films, this isn’t for you but if you enjoy an easy-going story about the hardships of saying “good-bye” and letting go, Heaven is Waiting (also Midway to Heaven)is something to consider. It creates its own kind of ‘heaven’ and knows how to draw its audience in through reality, not fantasy.
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You can find Heaven is Waiting digitally on Amazon Video
Content: Conversation reveals that a woman’s divorce was as a result of a cheating husband. Liz and Ned have a couple of spats and Ned once assumes his daughter is drinking in addition to acting inappropriately [comically so] with her boyfriend as he “spies” on her. The film is PG.
15 Comments
Thanks for the review! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. :) It sounds like a sweet movie!
One of my favorite movies that includes the loved one who has died "coming back" to help in the letting-go process is "Always" (1989), which was actually directed by Steven Spielberg. Funny enough, I used to really dislike the movie when I was younger, because I would think, "That's not how it works! This is so untrue and strange." But once I grew up a little and learned to appreciate the deeper truths and meanings in fiction, I ended up loving the movie. :) The acting is phenomenal, and the characters are just so "real" and the love so beautiful. I know it's not for everyone, but it really ended up resonating with me and always brings me to tears when I watch it!
~Amber
It really was, Amber. I'd watch it again even with its flaws – they were, after all, charming. :)
Hmmm… I've not heard of Always. I should look into that one. This type of movie is either a "hit" or "miss" for me. I liked The Lake House but didn't much care for a movie that starred Jennifer Love Hewitt along the same lines. This one isn't the best production all-around but it's sweet and today that is worth a lot.
Sounds interesting. I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds like it's worth checking out, so I'll put it on my list! Thanks for sharing!!
It was a charming rom-com, Valerie. I liked it better than I gave it credit for. :)
I didn't know that there were Christian movies. I enjoyed reading your post and it sounds like a good movie to watch.
Yes, indeed, Carlyn, there are lots of Christian films though now all have a great message. This is one of the sweeter ones. :)
Thanks for dropping by!
Sounds pretty good and not too cheesy:)
It's cute, Ella but still has its "bad" moments of goofiness. All-around, if you want a wholesome movie, this is one of the rare few. :)
Oh gosh, I remember I wanted to see this purely because Miche;le Money is in it! ha
Great review, girl!
xo TJ
Michelle plays a fun character, TJ! You should totally check it out if you like the actress.
As always, love your comments. Thanks for reading! :)
If I find this I will watch it with my mum. I've seen the cover before but haven't seen the movie and it is one she would like, from the sounds of it.
Mine thought it was cute, Jack so I hope its something you and your mother enjoy. :)
I loved this movie! I just saw it tonight….I especially loved the music….do you know where I could get that music or how to listen to it again or who the artists were that recorded the songs? Just a beautiful movie! Blessings to all here!
As I remember Suzie, this was a cute film. Some of the acting was a bit awkward but overall, it was a pleasant watch. :)
Sadly, I don't know anything about the music. One name I do see associated with the film is Hilary Weeks. You can find the CD on Amazon that supposedly features some songs from the film. Sorry I wasn't more help. :/
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