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!

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.

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!

I enjoyed this Hallmark movie(despite some annoyances)of course in typical fashion,it was clichéd & similar storylines have been done.. Airport cancels flight,car breaks down & miracles happen along the way.. etc.

Need to(basically)agree with a reviewer.. Why do people feel entitled to guilt or hurt anyone during the Christmas holiday,as though is acceptable because it's a time of goodwill or else!

Yes unfortunately some people are more well off,others not so much & not saying be a cold hearted scrooge but feel we've become a society looking for easy handouts.

Such an example.. The waitress gets upset over a tip,the priest gets involved to guilt a customer.. How do we know he wasn't having hardship of some kind too,so being confronted made him sound less than kind & later the priest justifies it by assuming he was once like that guy. Wow! Talk about both,the waitress & the priest being pushy.

Even prior to this the priest is asking for help with meals although commendable what he might be trying to accomplish just felt he was always causing guilt for his missions,again where is it law because of the season means boundaries don't exist or saying no means.. Grinch!

If that was my diner unfortunately the priest might be asked to not return or the waitress reprimanded,considering the circumstances they overstepped.

The hospice worker although she also got involved,when she took the file her client had it was done with"good intentions"(despite invasion of privacy,hmm)glad the waitress got some closure to her adoption.. Still in the real world none of these people,would be actively employed for long.

With that said.. It was cast good,acting was ok & cinematography decent.

This year have actually enjoyed several movies,hoping they got fresh writers with ideas because the cookie cutter programs get boring.

Worth a watch at least once,this holiday season.

I am a Hallmark fan and rate them accordingly. Every once in a while Hallmark surprises and this is one of those times. Absolutely wonderful. A superb cast (Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford and Juan Riedinger) and an endearing, intriguing story. Lovely to see Phylicia Rashad too. We meet 4 very different people stranded at the diner and their unique stories unfold. Assumptions are tested. A mystery is solved. Some fabulous music and singing (Krystal Joy Brown) and, of course, a happy ending. This one is somewhat unexpected and definitely a must watch for the Christmas season. Thank you Hallmark.