Heaven Down Here

First off, I'm not one that typically leaves reviews. However, it hurts that there are people on here leaving reviews that obviously don't know the reason for the season. And they're looking to bring down a fabulous movie. This isn't a movie that is typical Hallmark. You were left with a heartwarming story celebrating the reason we celebrate Christmas. Strangers helping others. Not thinking about themselves. People need this message. I loved it and honestly feel it was one of the best movies Hallmark has had this season. Not all movies will be for everyone. People are entitled to their opinions. But some of these reviews are laughable. Focusing on Imani and her reaction to the creep that didn't leave much of a tip is ridiculous. She is a single mother fighting for her children. Any decent mother would have done the same. If they wouldn't, they need to question themselves. Just saying...

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!

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!

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.

"Heaven is other people."-Felix

A minister, a waitress, a young diner manager, and a home care-giver all end up snowed-in at a diner on Christmas Eve. Over the course of the evening we get to discover their stories as the four become closer to one another and try to bring a little bit of Christmas to the group.

The minister Felix's flock is shrinking, he lost his funding for his Christmas meal for the homeless and worse he has lost his connection to his family.

The waitress, Imani, is a widow and single mom just trying to make ends meet and spend Christmas with her two kids, especially for their first Christmas without their father.

The young diner manager, Dan, isn't well liked and has nowhere to go. His real talent lies in his ability to draw, but having dropped out of school he is just working on not being the disappointment that his uncle (the owner) thinks he is.

The home health caretaker, Clara, is hoping to have one last nice Christmas with her daughter before she goes off to college far away and is dealing with a difficult employer played by Phylicia Rashad, who I was thrilled to see having grown up on The Cosby Show with her playing the iconic Claire Huxtable.

I really enjoyed how these storylines wrapped up and I particularly liked the amazing discovery made by Clara. That paired with the lovely song, "Heaven Down Here", make this a Christmas recommendation from me. I think fans of Hallmark holiday films and heavenly miracles will enjoy this Christmas film and it's community message.