Heaven Down Here

For some reason, the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Christmas movies are considerably better this year than the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. This is yet another HMM movie that has beat out all the other 2023 Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. Although it seemed to start a bit slow, I really got into the characters. Those characters that were not particularly likable early in the movie became likable by the end. This was because these characters were touched by the Christmas spirit and opened themselves up to developing warm relationships. And the spirit of Christmas centered around God being in the lives of the characters. This the movie was heartwarming in spite of the difficulties experienced by the various characters throughout the storyline. It was not a trite or formulaic script like so many of the Hallmark Channel movies. This is a feel-good movie that was perfect for Christmas! Keep making these types of movies, Hallmark!

This movie was better than I thought! Just based off the preview (and my love of Mickey Guyton's music) I was intrigued. I'm actually loving that Krystal Joy Brown is getting a chance to do Hallmark films, she's a really good theatre actress and such is the case here as Imani. Of course we know that there's no way a movie like this is going to shirk its cliche responsibilities, but I thought the writers handled a familiar plotline in a unique way. Bonus points for the flashbacks for each character's backstory prior to them being at the diner.

I think my only critique would be that I wished the romance between Felix and Imani had been a little more overt. The hints were there, but it felt more like a wink and a nudge rather than a clear display of them having feelings. I mean, we've all seen Hallmark movies, so I just expected more on that front. But it wasn't a drawback to my enjoyment overall!

Good job, HM&M!

A film about family, vulnerabilities, miracles and God. Not exactly for presence of a pastor but for fine perspective about Christmas Eve , about revelation of secrets in a town under snow, in a local caffe bar in which a young mother, a young boss reminding Scrooge , a pastor with difficult relation with his son and a caretaer lady discover theirselve to the other and are more wise defined by their authentic vocation.

A film who offers nothing new , in essence, but good emotions and a different recipe than the Hallmark classic. And, for many motives, this just matters.

So, real surprising , nice at whole. Maybe useful, in same measure.

This Christmas movie from Hallmark was a nice surprise. Like the title, it's more women's fiction than romance. The acting is above par, and the storyline is heartwarming without the obligatory-I-got-to-make-a-choice romance trope.

Don't get me wrong, I like those story lines as well, but sometimes you need to change it up and actually watch the characters grow, their circumstances get better despite the obstacles, which were real and actually dire (planning a Christmas pageant isn't life altering😐) thrown in their way. Or in two character's instances, realize they're real jerks and give back. That's what the holiday is about, right?

7.6 stars.

I say this is a tidy drama because it's clean and easy and inspirational. I suppose it's got a lot of life lessons to be had and so I would highly recommend this for anyone struggling with finding their place in this world. Look at what these strangers do for and with each other and maybe it will spark a bit of inspiration. They are firstly very forgiving of each others' shortcomings and faults in spite of being ill treated by some. There is a lot of patience and kindness too, but what got my attention the most was how they realized that just being with people, making friends and family out of complete strangers - that's one of the most favorable blessings any of us can experience in this life.