Midway to Heaven (2011)

That was an excellent one.

Memorable, crazy movie

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Another Hallmark movie with a protagonist who is rude and obnoxious. A absolutely unlikeable person who treats his college age daughter like she's 12 and is a jerk to a guest in his home. Where does Hallmark find their useless writers who think portraying rude, obnoxious people is actually enjoyable to watch? It's not. The only plus for the movie is the pretty scenery. Despite the scenery I couldn't watch the movie past the 22 minute mark. I just fast forwarded it (youtube) to the end and happily shut it off.

This was a really entertaining family friendly film. Great to sit down with the kids and be able to share a movie together that everyone actually enjoyed. Often these kinds of "feel good" movies end up being a bit of a disappointment, but this one is a little gem. The cinematography is superb, much better than I expected for a film of this kind. The acting is really good and the plot line thought provoking and at times really funny. One of our close friends lost his wife a few years ago and having seen first hand how he struggled with his grief and the loss of his closest friend - and then battled to come to terms with trying to face a future without the love of his life, the story had particular resonance for us. Loved Curt Dousett's performance. I haven't seen him in anything before, but am a fan. He's a funny guy and a great actor. The film has some spiritual overtones, but nothing thats too "in your face" or that should put anyone off at all. Have nothing bad to say about it. Has already been watched several times. Great little find. Recommended.

Ned (Curt Doussett) is a widower who is having a hard time letting go. He still holds imaginary conversations with his deceased wife, Kate (Melanie Nelson). Having a lovely daughter, Liz (Brittany Peltier) in college, Ned focuses on her and maintaining his nice home in Midway, a mountainous abode. Women are not on his mind, even though he often sees a beautiful lady, Carol (Michelle Money) when he is out jogging. But, things are about to change! Liz suddenly announces that she is bringing a friend home for a weekend and, unknown to Ned, its a guy! He's David (Kirby Heybourne) and Ned's nose gets out of joint almost immediately. Despite the fact that David is a very nice, intelligent, and respectful man, Ned gives him an inquisition almost every minute that passes. What is truly going on? Well, its clear that Liz is finding romance and moving past her mother's death while Ned is still treading water. Is it time for him to release his pain and start again? This is a lovely film, made with a subtle Christian theme. It is also very funny, with dialogue that will make most everyone laugh out loud. Watching Ned decide what to wear on his first date in ages is so comic! The cast is wonderful and very attractive, with Doussett a great leading man. Hopefully, we older gals will see more of him. Also, the setting is gorgeous, making one want to spend some vacation time in the same spot. Finally, the direction keeps the action going and delivers big laughs and sensitive moments. If you love romance but desire a movie that has good values, also, you should not WAIT a minute more. Get Heaven is Waiting very soon.

I would have been able to tolerate this film if the main character (Ned) didn't talk to his dead wife in every other scene. These scenes were not only annoying (with the overtly perky dead wife) but they were also Biblically inaccurate. The Bible says in Ecc. 9:5 "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing." The acting was below average and the storyline was rather weak. And it really wasn't a faith-based film (as another reviewer suggested); no-one prayed or every even visited a church, no mention of Jesus and the only character with a hint of Christian values was not really developed. Over all, this film fell flat. Truly disappointed.