For Heaven's Sake

My wife and I watched 'For Heaven's Sake' last night - it was one of 6 movies on a 'Family Movies' bargain bin DVD (NOTE: You get what you pay for) - thinking it might be mildly entertaining, but no such luck. Instead, it was one of the most amateurish, poorly produced and written, and just downright stupid movies either of us have ever seen. We kept watching, hoping that it would improve and have some redeeming value, but no such luck. I'm actually embarrassed for the late Florence Henderson - 'For Heaven's Sake' made 'The Brady Bunch' look like Shakespeare in the Park by comparison. If you value your time at all, don't waste it on this!

For Heaven's Sake has a superb line up of talent is behind it. I really enjoyed watching it.

The clever screenplay by TV writer, Ann Marcus, an Emmy Award recipient for the cult classic TV series, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, is tight, funny and heart-rending.

It is directed with an assured hand by director, Nat Christian, who creatively weaves an intoxicating mixture of romp and human drama. Christian also directs his actors exceptionally well giving them the freedom to explore the depths of their comedic as well as deep emotional ranges.

The superb cast headed by Florence Henderson gives us diverse characterizations, engrossing to watch.

Florence Henderson captivates us in her moving depiction of a woman who goes to heaven and then tries to maneuver her way out of it in order to keep a promise to her granddaughter.

Allison Lange, who plays a young Florence, has a star's screen presence. David Paetkau, always honest, is vulnerable and appealing.

Stephanie Patton is one heck of an actress. This girl (10 years old?) should be a major player in the years to come. Yanni King is lovely as a comedic assistant in heaven. Kathryn Gordon brings deep emotion to her character. An excellent performance by Time Winters had me laughing throughout his whole scene. Quinn Redeker is great, as he always is, as Florence's suitor. Newell Alexander is charming and very appealing. Denice Duff is a talented actress who should be seen more. Jorge Elias is a blast. TV stars Skyler Gisondo and James Tupper are great, albeit in smaller roles.

The movie has a pattern of some very interesting camera angles. I liked the music very much. Lots of laughs with bittersweet moments tugging at you.

It is a real pleasure to see a family movie that is both very funny and extremely moving at the same time. This is one for both the adults and their children.

Florence Henderson stars in this movie about a writer who promises her granddaughter that she'll be at her birthday party. But Florence's character dies just before the date. Once in heaven, Florence's character deals with some very funny bureaucracy in order to keep her promise and try to get back to earth for her granddaughter's birthday. What happens when she finally is able to go back to earth is very poignant.

Writer, Ann Marcus's script is a wonderfully written combination of comedy and drama. She is also able to sneak in some questions about "here" and "there."

Director, Nat Christian serves up a full and delicious meal. He masterfully blends the comedy and drama, rhythmically moving it along to an emotionally moving crescendo. And Christian knows his actors, extracting subtle and moving performances by Florence Henderson, Allison Lange, David Paetkau, Yaani King and Kathryn Gordon.

Florence Henderson is terrific in the lead role. Ms. Henderson is always likable in her TV roles, but here, she displays a sense of tragedy, rarely seen from her. She is natural and "real." Allison Lange is a beautiful actress to watch and gives a moving portrayal as the younger Florence. David Paekau is truthful and very appealing to watch.

Beautiful, Yaani King, delivers a compellingly funny performance. Kathryn Gordon gives an emotionally honest portrayal. Chloe Hunter is sexy in the 1940s sort of way. Skyler Gisondo is wonderfully cute. And Stephanie Patton, a very pleasant new comer, gives a knockout performance.

A cameo by veteran actor, Joe Campanella, is one of the most heart touching scenes that I have seen in a long time. Time Winters is hilarious. Newell Alexander is very charming.

James Barth's music delivers a very effective score also blending comedy and drama. Camera work by Michael Hardwick and the editing by Jeffrey Gove are right on the money.

For Heaven's Sake is a movie that accomplishes the difficult task of delivering real performances and some real drama within the context of some very zany stuff. Mission accomplished.