I hadn't planned to write a review, but i felt that other reviewer has a totally opposite view from mine. As for the tip, leaving a tiny amount is insulting to a server who did their job well. It was definitely Imani's right to question why this was done to her. A $75 dollar meal would require lots of attention to that table which wasn't appreciated by the customer. The pastor pointed out that the man had means but was being ungenerous (for whatever reason). The man was shamed into doing the right thing by the man of god. I found no fault with the acting and the story was appealing. It's nice to see Phylicia Rashad again, even though the character was a bit crusty but was transformed in the end. Again going back to Imani, calling her reaction to the tip as abusive with a sense of entitlement was so far off the truth. Everyone knows that servers are underpaid and need tips to approach a living wage. The customer was the one with the sense of entitlement since he appeared to be a person of means but chose to be unkind for some unknown reason. A person who has English as their second language such as the actor who played Felix may appear to be "2 dimensional" BUT many foreign actors may not appear smooth but are still well liked. Anyone heard of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Antonio Banderas, or Salma Hayek, all people of accent but very successful. I agree that Dan was developed into a more likeable character once his background was explained BUT to say that Imani attacked him was ridiculous. Dan threatened to fire her or take away the day shifts IF she didn't fill in for other people who didn't show up. He was the one abusing his power knowing the Imani had 2 children at home & knowing that it was her first Christmas without her husband AND she was unscheduled to work Christmas eve. He thought coercing her into working brought respect to him but in reality proved him to be just another bully. The really infuriating thing was forcing Imani to close the restaurant, staying past her shift, because he had plans, only to be found later playing video games in the back office. NO RESPECT DESERVESD.
15 Reviews
More Women's Fiction than Romance, but That's Good
cocobuttr72-311-5354224 December 2023
This Christmas movie from Hallmark was a nice surprise. Like the title, it's more women's fiction than romance. The acting is above par, and the storyline is heartwarming without the obligatory-I-got-to-make-a-choice romance trope.
Don't get me wrong, I like those story lines as well, but sometimes you need to change it up and actually watch the characters grow, their circumstances get better despite the obstacles, which were real and actually dire (planning a Christmas pageant isn't life altering😐) thrown in their way. Or in two character's instances, realize they're real jerks and give back. That's what the holiday is about, right?
Don't get me wrong, I like those story lines as well, but sometimes you need to change it up and actually watch the characters grow, their circumstances get better despite the obstacles, which were real and actually dire (planning a Christmas pageant isn't life altering😐) thrown in their way. Or in two character's instances, realize they're real jerks and give back. That's what the holiday is about, right?
Pleasantly surprised
rdubz-2351823 December 2023
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 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!
A Special Story
susanmnorth15 December 2023
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.
Well..
ts-000016 December 2023
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.
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.
Miracles are like little drops of heaven...four strangers come together while snowed-in at diner on Christmas Eve.
cgvsluis10 January 2024
"Heaven is other people."-Felix
A minister, a waitress, a young diner manager, and a home care-giver all end up snowed-in at a diner on Christmas Eve. Over the course of the evening we get to discover their stories as the four become closer to one another and try to bring a little bit of Christmas to the group.
The minister Felix's flock is shrinking, he lost his funding for his Christmas meal for the homeless and worse he has lost his connection to his family.
The waitress, Imani, is a widow and single mom just trying to make ends meet and spend Christmas with her two kids, especially for their first Christmas without their father.
The young diner manager, Dan, isn't well liked and has nowhere to go. His real talent lies in his ability to draw, but having dropped out of school he is just working on not being the disappointment that his uncle (the owner) thinks he is.
The home health caretaker, Clara, is hoping to have one last nice Christmas with her daughter before she goes off to college far away and is dealing with a difficult employer played by Phylicia Rashad, who I was thrilled to see having grown up on The Cosby Show with her playing the iconic Claire Huxtable.
I really enjoyed how these storylines wrapped up and I particularly liked the amazing discovery made by Clara. That paired with the lovely song, "Heaven Down Here", make this a Christmas recommendation from me. I think fans of Hallmark holiday films and heavenly miracles will enjoy this Christmas film and it's community message.
A minister, a waitress, a young diner manager, and a home care-giver all end up snowed-in at a diner on Christmas Eve. Over the course of the evening we get to discover their stories as the four become closer to one another and try to bring a little bit of Christmas to the group.
The minister Felix's flock is shrinking, he lost his funding for his Christmas meal for the homeless and worse he has lost his connection to his family.
The waitress, Imani, is a widow and single mom just trying to make ends meet and spend Christmas with her two kids, especially for their first Christmas without their father.
The young diner manager, Dan, isn't well liked and has nowhere to go. His real talent lies in his ability to draw, but having dropped out of school he is just working on not being the disappointment that his uncle (the owner) thinks he is.
The home health caretaker, Clara, is hoping to have one last nice Christmas with her daughter before she goes off to college far away and is dealing with a difficult employer played by Phylicia Rashad, who I was thrilled to see having grown up on The Cosby Show with her playing the iconic Claire Huxtable.
I really enjoyed how these storylines wrapped up and I particularly liked the amazing discovery made by Clara. That paired with the lovely song, "Heaven Down Here", make this a Christmas recommendation from me. I think fans of Hallmark holiday films and heavenly miracles will enjoy this Christmas film and it's community message.
If I could give it 11, I would
pcpersonscat18 December 2023
First off, I'm not one that typically leaves reviews. However, it hurts that there are people on here leaving reviews that obviously don't know the reason for the season. And they're looking to bring down a fabulous movie. This isn't a movie that is typical Hallmark. You were left with a heartwarming story celebrating the reason we celebrate Christmas. Strangers helping others. Not thinking about themselves. People need this message. I loved it and honestly feel it was one of the best movies Hallmark has had this season. Not all movies will be for everyone. People are entitled to their opinions. But some of these reviews are laughable. Focusing on Imani and her reaction to the creep that didn't leave much of a tip is ridiculous. She is a single mother fighting for her children. Any decent mother would have done the same. If they wouldn't, they need to question themselves. Just saying...
Fabulous movie and quite different from the typical Hallmark fare! Don't miss "Heaven Down Here"!
ellenhartwell-5412818 December 2023
I was enchanted with this movie. The characters are well developed and believable. Each person in this film was so relatable with realistic challenges coupled with totally believable story lines.
Bitterness, curiosity, loss, love and desire were covered in "Heaven Down Here" so very, very well!
The plot twists and turns with quite unexpected events.
How delightful to be pulled into a story with characters that made me wish I could know them in real life.
When "Heaven Down Here" ended, I was sooo sad because I wanted more, more, more!
The setting of the movie was perfect because emotional intimacy had to occur...or not...and the viewer is not sure how it will all pan out!
More, please!
Bitterness, curiosity, loss, love and desire were covered in "Heaven Down Here" so very, very well!
The plot twists and turns with quite unexpected events.
How delightful to be pulled into a story with characters that made me wish I could know them in real life.
When "Heaven Down Here" ended, I was sooo sad because I wanted more, more, more!
The setting of the movie was perfect because emotional intimacy had to occur...or not...and the viewer is not sure how it will all pan out!
More, please!
Horrible Writing
gmaxxxnator17 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
All of these types of show follow the sam simplistic format but this one was WOW so lame.
First - Lady in a beautiful house is working in a dive diner for money that would not pay the electric bill let alone a mortgage. But lets think this point through.
1. Her husband was obviously somewhat successful to have such a nice home, So he had decent intelligent and a decent job.
2. Most companies provide a standard life insurance policy paid for by the company. He would have had this as well as additional money so his family would not be left destitute due to his death. She was a stay at home mom. This is lazy writing to follow a trope instead of making it believable.
3. Probably 50 different places for her to serve at than a run down diner in the middle of nowhere. High end restaurants that would pay her enough to make a house payment.
4. Then she agrees to go in because they are short handed but low and behold the owner lets others go even though they were short handed.
This is when I checked out and started thumbing through my Ipad and decided to leave a review while my wife finishes watching this mind numbingly bad show.
First - Lady in a beautiful house is working in a dive diner for money that would not pay the electric bill let alone a mortgage. But lets think this point through.
1. Her husband was obviously somewhat successful to have such a nice home, So he had decent intelligent and a decent job.
2. Most companies provide a standard life insurance policy paid for by the company. He would have had this as well as additional money so his family would not be left destitute due to his death. She was a stay at home mom. This is lazy writing to follow a trope instead of making it believable.
3. Probably 50 different places for her to serve at than a run down diner in the middle of nowhere. High end restaurants that would pay her enough to make a house payment.
4. Then she agrees to go in because they are short handed but low and behold the owner lets others go even though they were short handed.
This is when I checked out and started thumbing through my Ipad and decided to leave a review while my wife finishes watching this mind numbingly bad show.
Another great Hallmark Christmas Movie
steve1620-638-30141429 December 2023
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!
Worst acting I've ever seen
brian_spence_ni16 December 2023
And I wish i could unsee it. It's an ensemble of really, really bad acting. I'll never get over Imani accosting a customer for more money then seeing him railed for being cheap. Don't get me wrong, it was a small tip, but she assaulted him. I've never seen the likes of it. It was almost abusive. I get that she was frustrated, but what an unlikeable character. There was a real sense of entitlement there without any desire to understand other peoples issues. Such an unsavory character.
Felix also seemed quite 2 dimensional; think the only person who seems sympathetic and relatable-to was Dan, who Imani seemed to routinely attack. Such a disappointing film; it filled me with horror more than Christmas spirit.
Felix also seemed quite 2 dimensional; think the only person who seems sympathetic and relatable-to was Dan, who Imani seemed to routinely attack. Such a disappointing film; it filled me with horror more than Christmas spirit.
A tidy little drama
MickyG33313 January 2024
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.
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.
Cute christmas movie
aandhjoined16 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I originally watched it because i saw richard !! But the cast n crew did incredible and there was several plot twists that were so sad n exciting !!! It was such a good christmas movie, the idea of them being stuck in a diner together is really cool, especially since they all have different personalities so it's fun to see how they interact with eachother. I almost cried at the end, overall it was just a really good christmas movie in my opinion. I suggest watching it for yourself to see how you like it, especially since it's almost christmas time!! N i recommend watching with cookies n a cold glass of milk :)) not too sure if this contains spoilers so i'm just gonna mark it as yes.
It's not a 1...
mbiv77727 December 2023
...but neither is it a 10.
This is why I like reading the reviews: we're all different.
And it doesn't really matter whether it's a great movie or not. We all have favorites that wouldn't get much of a score, but we like them anyway.
This one was not something I'd be interested in watching again, but it clearly spoke to quite a few people.
It involves a widowed waitress who is going through difficulty as she and her kids face their first Christmas without their husband/father. An uncaring boss forces her to cover a shift anyway. There she encounters a desperate minister, and a woman trying to pick up a cake for her daughter. A blizzard forces them all to hunker down in a diner, and they all come to understand each other better.
I did not care for it, but others think it's the best think they've ever seen. Who knows: maybe it'll be younew favorite.
This is why I like reading the reviews: we're all different.
And it doesn't really matter whether it's a great movie or not. We all have favorites that wouldn't get much of a score, but we like them anyway.
This one was not something I'd be interested in watching again, but it clearly spoke to quite a few people.
It involves a widowed waitress who is going through difficulty as she and her kids face their first Christmas without their husband/father. An uncaring boss forces her to cover a shift anyway. There she encounters a desperate minister, and a woman trying to pick up a cake for her daughter. A blizzard forces them all to hunker down in a diner, and they all come to understand each other better.
I did not care for it, but others think it's the best think they've ever seen. Who knows: maybe it'll be younew favorite.
NO. Just no. Liking a movie is NOT the same thing as the movie is good.
tharrsilence23 December 2023
My last review was not posted so I'll try again, without spoilers (or language) as to why this "movie" is bad.
I'll start by saying that enjoying a movie and the movie itself being bad are two different things. And the rating should be about the quality, not if "you" like it. Something people seem to forget. Check the writing, the directing, the acting, the production, the soundtrack etc. Again, you can still like it, but let other people think for themselves if they would like a movie like that or not, don't force your own opinion.
So, it begins. To start a movie you need a script. The writing is bad. Really bad. Full of plot holes and making things happen just to push the story. And that's the definition of bad writing. The directing was bad. For a lot of reasons. I'm not even gonna start, especially when the scrip is that bad. Sometimes, even if the writing and the directing are bad, the acting can still save some. This is not the case. The Imani actress was bad. Yes, her role was written poorly, but the acting was also on par. You don't need to be Nicholson or Hopkins, but c'mon.... And the focus being on her, it made it even more obvious. But here is the reason why the extra star. The actor playing the diner owner (I know him as Murphy) did a good job. Check him, acting even when he did things in background, when the camera wasn't focusing on him and Imani, who was trying to act and failing. I won't even bother with production and soundtrack. Maybe I should mention this though. There is a scene when the radio announces heavy snow storm, I think the term used was "snowgheddon" (as in snow + armageddon, get it?) and the next scene let us see a street with barely 1 inch of snow. Really? Nowadays the fake snow vfx is a given in the Hallmark movies, but only when falling? They couldn't be bothered to film a street in a different city, where the was lots and lots of snow? *sigh* About the tip scene that got all the people riled up I'll say only this: it's fake and put in the script just to force things happen. Really bad writing. That scene in itself and the scene after. That will never happen in real life. And to make it worse, the preacher roasts the poor guy and in the next scene talks about how he saw himself in the guy and that guy wasn't happy and maybe had his own problems. So, you knew that and you still made fun of him? Nice going, preacher! Flawless writing right there!!
Again: it's a Christmas movie. You can like it or not, but the movie is bad. Really bad.
I'll start by saying that enjoying a movie and the movie itself being bad are two different things. And the rating should be about the quality, not if "you" like it. Something people seem to forget. Check the writing, the directing, the acting, the production, the soundtrack etc. Again, you can still like it, but let other people think for themselves if they would like a movie like that or not, don't force your own opinion.
So, it begins. To start a movie you need a script. The writing is bad. Really bad. Full of plot holes and making things happen just to push the story. And that's the definition of bad writing. The directing was bad. For a lot of reasons. I'm not even gonna start, especially when the scrip is that bad. Sometimes, even if the writing and the directing are bad, the acting can still save some. This is not the case. The Imani actress was bad. Yes, her role was written poorly, but the acting was also on par. You don't need to be Nicholson or Hopkins, but c'mon.... And the focus being on her, it made it even more obvious. But here is the reason why the extra star. The actor playing the diner owner (I know him as Murphy) did a good job. Check him, acting even when he did things in background, when the camera wasn't focusing on him and Imani, who was trying to act and failing. I won't even bother with production and soundtrack. Maybe I should mention this though. There is a scene when the radio announces heavy snow storm, I think the term used was "snowgheddon" (as in snow + armageddon, get it?) and the next scene let us see a street with barely 1 inch of snow. Really? Nowadays the fake snow vfx is a given in the Hallmark movies, but only when falling? They couldn't be bothered to film a street in a different city, where the was lots and lots of snow? *sigh* About the tip scene that got all the people riled up I'll say only this: it's fake and put in the script just to force things happen. Really bad writing. That scene in itself and the scene after. That will never happen in real life. And to make it worse, the preacher roasts the poor guy and in the next scene talks about how he saw himself in the guy and that guy wasn't happy and maybe had his own problems. So, you knew that and you still made fun of him? Nice going, preacher! Flawless writing right there!!
Again: it's a Christmas movie. You can like it or not, but the movie is bad. Really bad.
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