Manna from Heaven

We walked out of 'About Schmidt' so depressed and saw a local group promoting 'Manna from Heaven" - what an improvement! Excellent mature actors and actresses in a light, feel-good movie. "Manna", an independent film, may have less polish, but I'm not a movie critic so I don't care. Definitely worth seeing.

Living in the Buffalo area was not what made me go see this film. The plot summary on this website sounded like a cute story and it was.

There were many nice facets about this film, the actors were terrific, and I hope the Burton sisters have a future in the film industry. However, "Manna from Heaven" just didn't work as a feature film.

I could see this story become a successful play in the Buffalo area, like the classic "Over the Tavern". -Sorry, but better luck next time.

My husband and I happened on this movie the other night at a local theater. We hadn't heard anything good or bad about this movie but we thought we'd see it anyway.

There was a table set up outside the theater with literature about the movie. I believe the person at the table was one of the five sisters who produced the movie but I wasn't sure because she was on a cell phone the entire time that the patrons were at the table.

One of the quotes on the literature said "if you liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding you are going to LOVE Manna from Heaven." This made me think that we may be in for a pleasant surprise....unfortunately we weren't.

The film had some slightly humorous moments but they were very few and far between. The "plot" was very weak, predictable and for the most part, the actor's performances alternated between stilted and exaggerated.

I really wanted to like this independent film but it just wasn't possible.

This film is being released nationwide by region and will be at our local AMC theatres starting the weekend of February 28th, 2003. Keep an eye open for this film because it is a real winner!

There are few films I have seen in the last few years that have touched me like this one. If you want to see quality filmwork with a believable and well executed story-line, then you really should see this film!

Getting the opportunity to see the media release showing at the Bexley Drexel on Friday January 10th was a true pleasure. After the film Gabrielle Burton, one of the co-directors and co-producers, made herself available for questions. The questions, ranging from the current distribution process to the use of numerous Academy Award winning actors to how they landed such a heart-warming story, were answered with insight and wit. The session had to end after about thirty minutes and yet there were people still wishing to ask additional questions. Gabrielle was gracious in making herself available in the lobby of the theatre for viewers and the press to continue with questions about the film.

I waited around until after she was interviewed on camera for some media outlets and then was able to let her know how I felt about the film. I thanked her for being an inspiration to those of us who are just starting in the film business and although she is an amazingly talented person, she still speaks to every independent film director/producer/writer with respect and support. I think she is a class act and will go further in the industry. Mark my words.

So get out on February 28th and see this film! It is one of the best films I have seen in the last five years!

Although this was a low budget movie, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't great, but it made you, from the beginning, want to sit down and watch until the end. I liked all the characters, especially Jill Eikenberry who played such a subdued character, Cloris Leachman, Wendy Malick and Frank Gorshin, and even though I tend to agree with one poster who said that Shirley Jones was miscast, I think it's because we expect her to be sweet all the time and didn't want her to be "bad". But I loved her turnaround. I even stopped to look at the special features on the DVD, because I wanted to see how the show was made, and I felt a part of the process while watching it. I also learned that one of the elderly couples in the dance scene are the parents of the Burton sisters! Interesting info, I really liked the "feel-good" feelings of this movie.