Midway to Heaven

Completely of "regional" (Utah) interest only. The protagonist's internal conflict vis-a-vis his prematurely deceased wife and his external conflict with his daughter's boyfriend is even too syrupy for a soap opera, leaving his struggle and subsequent resolution milquetoast(and I am being generous). Everything seems overly compressed and trite: his unresolved feelings for his wife, his inability to let go of his daughter, his acceptance of her boyfriend-turned-fiancée, to his courtship of a new love. The soundtrack also underscored the banal with songs that seemed like sonic cotton-candy. Not a film for a discerning or sophisticated viewer.

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.

"Midway to Heaven" has a better than average story line setting up some very touching and humorous moments that most any audience looking for a thoughtful, romantic story should be able to identify with. The challenge of letting go of a deep relationship in order to move forward in life is handled, for the most part, very skillfully by Michael Flynn in his debut behind the camera as a director. All of the main actors sparkle in their roles, making you care about the challenges they are facing. While there are many funny moments to relish, it is the touching moments that make this a better than average romantic film. The music, scripting (from Dean Hughes novel), photography and music all blend well to make the film work. The beautiful Utah scenery of small towns is also a great asset. This is a film worthy of seeing in a theatre if you are fortunate enough to live in an area where it will be screened. It's one that I will look forward to purchasing on DVD later.

I really liked this movie, it is definitely one I will add to my collection. I love a good, clean funny movie that I can feel OK with my family watching as well. I thought the acting was very good for a faith based film (sadly, thats usually not the case) and I loved all the characters. Cinematography was great as well. For those of us who like faith based films, there is really not enough selection out there, especially when it comes to ones that entertain. It didn't seem 'low budget' at all and the soundtrack was also great and appropriate for the film. All around, this was a very enjoyable, funny and touching film. KEEPER!