Between Heaven and Hell (2008) User Reviews

Movie comment

[dollarone · 9/10 · 28 December 2008]

We were invited to see this film along with about 250 other guests. I, too, had an expectation of another film along the line of Fireproof. And I expected even less of a plot and acting as this film was shot locally, in my back yard. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The acting was superb, and the casting even better. All the actors playing their parts were well-fitted and believable. There is enough drama and action to keep your attention through out the movie without being heavy-handed. I must admit there are a few parts in the film that I have 'cough' in a napkin to wipe away some moisture that had formed in my eyes from identifying with the characters.

Dr Faulkner's portrayal is very believable and well-acted. Of course his resemblance to Hugh Jackman only served to strengthen his character. All in all, I would recommend seeing this film and hope he make another one.

Never saw an indie movie before, but I liked this

[rbmk-1 · 7/10 · 31 January 2009]

I enjoyed the movie enough to obtain it and watch it again to appreciate the messages I missed the first time. This was a combination of mystery, intrigue, lost love, spiritual insight, and grappling for life's complexities. The conclusion was a bit of a surprise which gave an interesting twist to what I expected. If you leave before the credits are done you will miss hearing a masterpiece sung by a young lady that portrayed Paige White in the movie. I would tell you her real name but if you have to go look for it yourself you'll remember it better. She is way too good for American Idol. There is way too much talent for one family and I would like to see more like this. This first effort could fool anyone into thinking this is done by a more seasoned team.

Overall a great film from Dallas!

[billy-jack1967 · 9/10 · 22 December 2008]

When I first heard of this movie I understood it to be a small indie film shot locally by some "film makers." I have seen many true independent films in my life and enjoy seeing what they are able to do with limited budgets, talent etc...

I was invited to a premier showing of this film back in October and honestly had no expectations for good or bad. Well that's not true. When watching locally shot features in Dallas you always expect them to be a little bad, but bearable. This film however exceeded all my expectations.

You could tell right from the get go that there had been some serious thought put into all aspects of the movie. It was very well shot with good cinematography that was only distracting a few times throughout the whole feature. The acting was really very good and overall the story was compelling and held my interest for the entirety of the film. I thought that the guy playing Mike Taylor really fit the part of a torchered soul. Steve McGill was also a really great character played by a great actor. I hope that he is in more movies as I was really interested in everything that he did with his character. I also loved the fight scene at the end. It was was very realistic and completely anti-Hollywood. It actually looked like a real fight! I hate it when they show guys getting the crap beat out of them and they seem to never get hurt. This fight scene is great.

Oh, when I first got to the theater I thought that this was going to be a "Jesus" film and that the film makers were going to try to save my soul. However when I saw the rating I decided it wasn't. It's not a religious movie but it will make you stop and think about decisions you've made.

Dallas hasn't had a decent film made locally in years. Between Heven and Hell is an exception to the rule! I hope that the guys who made this continue to make movies in Dallas!

DRINKING WISDOM FROM A GLASS

[nogodnomasters · 1/10 · 13 April 2019]

Dr. Mike Taylor and former Gold Glover? (Marvin Faulkner) grieves over the death of his wife who suffered. He questions his faith as he turns to the Bible and like most Christians, he can't get past chapter one. He visits a bar where prostitutes and dancers frequent. While nearly passed out drunk, he witnesses a murder of Mary (Britt Mceachern) a dancer he saw in the bar. He reports it to the policeman Steve McGill (Jeff Wallin) who we know is the guy who killed her. She had been having an affair with his brother Jim (Andrew Sensenig) who likes dancers.

The relationships in the film are twisty, but not the plot. This would have been a great film with Michael Madsen done grindhouse style, but as a film that borders on a faith based Lifetime film trying way to had to convey the message of Job, it was boring to watch.

The acting was bad, especially the lead characters. The soundtrack was TV lame. The sound inside a room had an echo effect, not heard on polished productions. The film drops a few F-bombs to ward off its target audience while using discreet camera angles to prevent any nudity. It seems they really didn't want anyone to watch it.

On a technical note, the DVD opens in an opening loop from which you can't start to the film. I had to go to "set up" on the remote as even "disc menu" didn't work.

An excellent portrayal of overcoming obstacles despite .....

[patricialeonard · 10/10 · 24 February 2009]

It was truly amazing to watch as the scenes to this dramatic film unraveled. The essence of this film captured my heart as it depicted good and evil; luck and fate; and the capacity left to want to do the right thing. It is obvious that this film was written from the heart. It is hard to imagine that this film was written and produced by novice artists. The thought and expressions displayed throughout the film were all so real. I think because of the fact that some of the main characters pretty much "owned" the script/story, it added a more sincere touch to the movie.

This is a highly inspirational film and can serve as such to those who sometimes have doubts about the choices they make in life.

Continued success in all of your film-making endeavors.

Local Dallas film exceeds expectations

[jennifer-marable · 10/10 · 18 January 2009]

The talent in this film is exceptional and I was definitely taken for an emotional ride. I was able to follow the story line and feel a strong sense of compassion for Mike Taylor, the lead character, and wanted to just hug him and tell him it was going to be okay. I really wanted to go to bat for him and wanted things to work out for the better in his favor.

There was enough suspense to keep my boyfriend intrigued and he enjoyed it enough to say, "That was pretty good. Mike Taylor kicked some serious butt there at the end. I didn't see that coming!" I would highly recommend this film to men and women alike. This is a good date movie, enough for the guys (fighting scene and "Playpen" dancers on set) and the girls (drama, drama, drama) to both keep interested right through to the end.

Ratings

[drmlf99-873-100652 · 9/10 · 2 November 2010]

Both the writer and distributor of this film realize that IMDb uses a formula in the rating system that is used to prevent "over-rating" a film. This film was rated and reviewed on minimal showings. Now that it is out for DVD release more reviews should follow. Even so,it is hard to understand how a film (although rated by a few)would have a mean of 9 reduced to a 3.8. Thankfully those who have seen it have judged it far better than that overall.

Even though many do not have the time to rate the film the makers of the film want to thank each and everyone that has. As more of you do this those of us involved in production do value our IMDb site and ask that each of you render your honest opinion of the film good or bad.

Sincerely,

Marvin Faulkner

A fascinating and brilliant entry into the independent film genre!

[AucDoc06 · 10/10 · 17 January 2011]

Marvin Faulkner and crew, through a provocative story of murder and corruption, have provided a realistic look at a number of life's existential issues – from the impact of deeply felt grief to the need to find purpose in life. This film is quite profound and engaging. In fact, each time I view it, new details emerge that add to the story's complexities and meaning. The quality of the film itself, including the directing and visual effects, is surprisingly excellent. Clearly, a great deal of time and care went into the writing and creating of this important work. Also, a special treat on the DVD is the very moving music video featuring the amazing voice of Ali Faulkner. I have to say it is rare these days to discover a film that is true to life but also offers a spiritual perspective without sermonizing. Faulkner's movie touched me unlike any other in recent years. A true gem.