Manna from Heaven

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.

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.

A lot happens in this movie, but it is all predictable drivel with no character development. Written by the "5 sisters" this movie can be taken as a warning of what can happen with writing done by committee. I found myself not only not interested in anything that happened, but resentful that the filmmakers seemed to presume that I would be.

This was an okay movie. With the exception of lively performances by such greats as Shirley Jones, Frank Gorshin, Cloris Leachman, and Austin Pendleten, there was nothing really special about this film. The story was kind of hokey and extremely predictable, some lines that were suppose to be funny weren't, and the pacing was off in a few scenes. To see all of these great actors on screen together was great. I just wish they had a more interesting story to tell.

It's not a perfect movie in the conventional sense, but then again so few are. I enjoyed it quite a bit in spite of the implausible plot - after all, what's a feel-good satirical comedy without some hyperbole? The casting and performances were generally delightful. The cinematography was very good in spite of what a few other uninformed reviewers have said. To capture the feel of Buffalo NY - old, out of touch, quietly desperate but always hopeful - the Sisters put together a montage of sights and sounds reminiscent of the social and cultural hodge-podge that is the Buffalo area. It's a state of mind, not a geographical place!

The plot will, in its own way, lead you to the conclusion that the most common people can have redemption with a little effort and divine intervention. This was a great effort from a bunch of girls from Buffalo who have no money to compete against the digitized, schmoltzified crap dealers of Hollywood! A refreshing change of pace -go see it.