‘HEAVEN IS WAITING’ (2011). A man tries to move past the death of his wife by having conversations with her each day. Text © Rissi JC

‘HEAVEN IS WAITING’ (2011)

November 11, 2012 Rissi JC 15 Comments

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.

FILM REVIEW | ‘NOT SINCE YOU’: IT’S A REUNION ENSEMBLE ROMANCE DONE RIGHT
‘HEAVEN IS WAITING’ (2011) #FWarchives Click To Tweet

Movies 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.

(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)

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. 

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

All posts

15 Comments

  • Amber S. November 11, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    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

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:21 AM

      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.

  • Valerie November 12, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    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!!

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:22 AM

      It was a charming rom-com, Valerie. I liked it better than I gave it credit for. :)

  • Carlyn Girl November 12, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    I didn't know that there were Christian movies. I enjoyed reading your post and it sounds like a good movie to watch.

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:22 AM

      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!

  • Ella November 12, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    Sounds pretty good and not too cheesy:)

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:23 AM

      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. :)

  • his little lady November 12, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    Oh gosh, I remember I wanted to see this purely because Miche;le Money is in it! ha
    Great review, girl!
    xo TJ

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:24 AM

      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! :)

  • Jack November 14, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    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.

    • Rissi November 16, 2012 at 4:26 AM

      Mine thought it was cute, Jack so I hope its something you and your mother enjoy. :)

  • suzieqzy21 August 5, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    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!

    • Rissi August 6, 2013 at 8:02 PM

      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. :/

  • […] REVIEW | ‘HEAVEN IS WAITING’ […]

  • Leave a Reply

    (Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

    Bonjour and Welcome!

    Welcome | thank you for visiting and reading. if you like, you are invited to join our conversations and follow along – join us.  You’re most welcome.
    Read more about us

    Find Us Elsewhere

    Culture Characteristics in your Inbox!

    Subscribe! Have our new content sent to your inbox; sign up for our once (or twice) monthly round up of new content. If you'd like to have this newsletter sent to your inbox, you can enter your email address here. Please note, this does require a sign-up confirmation via email, and that email may be sent to a junk or spam folder.

    RSS Feed

    Enter your email address:

    Archives

    Disclosures

    Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive (a small) compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you.

    Rissi JC (RissiWrites.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    All written content (unless noted) is © Copyright Rissi JC and RissiWrites.com.

    Categories

    ×
    %d bloggers like this: