User reviews

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.

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.

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.

Charming, well-written movie with good character development. Off the beaten path, and I agree with many posters here who say that they found themselves thinking about the film long after seeing it.

The usual major-development-per-minute mainstream mindset for people with no attention span is nowhere in evidence here. A very interesting story - It's not built to a formula. I just had no recollection of having seen this all before when I was watching it, and that's so rare now in the movie-as-formula age.

Wonderful performances by some really wonderful actors - Frank Gorshin especially was so good, as were Jill Eikenberry and the hilarious Cloris Leachman.

It's good to see this movie doing well, and being picked up by distributors.

I don't understand how I was able to sit through such an amazingly amateurish film. What a bunch of lucky bastards to be able to work with an all-star cast, and yet provide them with such a poorly written script. Only Frank Gorshin came close to portraying a belivable character with the lines written for him -- that's Frank, baby! As for the others, I was shocked that noone was allowed to improvise anything. Perhaps everything was done in one take? That would explain it since the budget could not have been more than $50K.

The family that made the film seemed to have suffered from a lack of constructive criticism during production (much like what George Lucas may have expirienced with his latest trilogy). Noone had the guts to tell them that the film, in a word, sucked.

There were a few shots in the film, however, where there really was some cinematography (in the church for instance). The worst shot however involved a woman using a garden rake to rake what appears to be snow. Which is another thing! It's Spring in Buffalo. There's still some snow on the ground, and they try to show this by blatantly placing clumps of "snow" directly on the steps of a building -- the one place where there would NOT be any snow where snow-shovelling is an artform.

AVOID THIS FILM AT ALL COSTS. It is nothing like the enjoyable independent films: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Clerks, etc... These little gems had something called a great script.

The opening scene makes you feel like you're watching a high school play. But I've seen high school plays with better acting! Every line was delivered so obviously that I felt like I was watching actors work instead of seeing characters. I found the character development to be poor and the acting very forced! I found that 25 minutes into the movie, I really didn't care what happened anymore because the plot was overly obvious and I was bored. I kept hanging in there, waiting for the film to redeem itself, but it never happened. Sister Theresa was overly sweet, even for a nun, yet appeared impulsive and slightly manipulative. All in all, I was mighty disappointed.

Thank Godd that I got passes from my support for a Los Angeles radio station. Otherwise, there would be no evidence of Godd -- at least not in this film. Had to drive way across town for a screening; must pray for cheaper price for gasoline before I do that again.

However, I ended up enjoying the film. It had some unique, pivotal moments in both editing and direction and acting -- but that was all towards the end. The script and editing and continuity struggle for the longest time, almost half the film. But at the time when popcorn is more important, it delivers a morsel to forestall a walk-out.

This is a great film that answers these questions: What ever happened to What's-her-name? Or, whatever happened to What's his name -- is he still alive?

In the above sentence is the ultimate beauty of this film. Not great acting, not great editing, not great continuity, but something that ultimately was a decent presentation that contains warmth of senior citizen actors who for the first half step on each other's (arthritic) toes. Hey, that is okay. They earn that opportunity.

But, ultimately it worked.

There was one scene that two of us observed independently and towards the end of the story. The scene was with Shirley Jones as "Bunny Burns" in a moment of recompense. There, with Jones in a semi close-up, pretty face and bosoms with cleavage. The lighting angle was such in combination with the camera angle, that her not-so-supple cleavage reflected what looked like gray chest hair. At sixty-one years old and male with chest hair, I commented on what I saw and said, "I hope my chest looks that good when I am her age."

When I titled this review as "Good Training Film for Home Video" I imply a positive statement. This as a movie with a limited budget, and used stock film shots and cropped angles and simple office space to move story along a path that is otherwise on-stage scenes. And the extra actors are reprocessed about three times through the film -- and it works!!!! This film is worthy of studying for film novices.

We were waiting in line to see The Good Girl, an excellent movie starring Jennifer Aniston, when some lady came up with this cheapo mock twenty dollar bill advertising MANNA FROM HEAVEN. "Come see this movie!" she said. "You'll love it!"

She then introduced us to the director of the film. Now, this should have been our first clue. I mean, in how many cinematic situations do you have the director of the film standing out in the lobby begging people to see it? "Is this a Christian film?" I asked, not really caring one way or the other. I love Jesus. No shame in that. "No!" she said defensively. What a load of crap.

This movie is BAD. So bad. And it's not only because of the obvious Christian agenda, but because of the terrible dialogue, acting that alternates between wooden and overexaggerated, and the obvious lack of an editor. The film is way too long. Had it been an hour and a half, then maybe (just maybe) I wouldn't have had to visit the suicide prevention center after seeing the movie.

Actually, I lie. See, after an hour of this garbage we snuck into SWIMFAN. At least with SWIMFAN we know it's garbage before going in to see the movie. We know to brace ourselves. And SWIMFAN has hot half-naked people. The only thing half-naked in this film is the desperation of the stars involved whose obvious lack of script offers is anything but hidden. And the actress who plaid the nun? It's called a personality. Get one.

The people shamelessly begging for ticket sales in the lobby told me that if I liked MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, then I would *love* (their emphasis, not mine) MANNA FROM HEAVEN. Right. More like, "If you like GLITTER, you'll love MANNA FROM HEAVEN." And Mariah could actually outperform any of the clowns from this flick. If that's not an insult, then I don't know what is.

I've railed enough. Go see indie films, but don't see the bad ones. This is definitely one of the bad ones. MANNA FROM HEAVEN is in need of some divine intervention.

When I first saw the movie, I thought it was sweet - a family movie. For the rest of the night and over the next couple of days, though, clever moments and funny lines kept creeping back into my thoughts and our conversation... There's a lot going on, classic elements of farce, good character acting, and Wendie Malick's story line is just hysterical. Labelling it a "feel-good movie" belies the wit and fun - it's smarter than it seems, just like "It's a Wonderful Life" is.

Most of the criticisms listed in previous reviews are probably accurate, as far as they go. Yes, this isn't a great movie. It's the film equivalent of watching a high school drama club put on a play -- it's not going to be a top Broadway production, but it can make up for its lack of professionalism with a great deal of heart and good intentions.

If you judge this film strictly by technical or artistic merits, it's not going to rate very high. But if you can set aside your regular standards a bit and just sit back and enjoy it, you'll have a good time. If nothing else, it's got a great cast and is a sweet natured tribute to those old "Let's put on a show" movie! Not all movies have to be Cannes film festival winners. Some just have to make you smile, and this one did.

This is a terrible film. It has no redeeming qualities whatsoever and why Shirley Jones, Cloris Leachman, Louis Fletcher and the late Frank Gorshin would lend their names and reputations to it is anybody's guess. At the screening I attended the Burton Sisters were there and one of them made an announcement to say that this was a moral tale with old fashioned values. Then the film came on: the first scene was so bad it was embarrassing. I knew the Burton Sisters were sitting behind me in the small screening room and didn't know how to react. It made me cringe. The script, the directing and the acting were so bad that I thought this can only get better – it didn't. This kind of film puts women's film making back fifty years. When the announcement said there would be old fashioned values I expected something like 'Miracle on 34th Street' or 'It's a Wonderful Life' or at least an attempt at something in that genre but this was amateur night out. In the sixties Frank Gorshin was the Jim Carrey of his day; but he was the type of actor who needed a director to hone his talents if he ventured into film - we all remember him from the Batman series. In this the directors let him do a very bad French accent which would have fooled nobody let alone the person he was trying to con in the movie. The directors were Gabrielle Burton and Maria Burton and the leading actress was Ursula Burton – the producers were seven Burtons altogether and two others so it is a very expensive home movie. At the end of the film – and I did stay to the end – a list of 'angels' which were presumably the investors in this piece of garbage preceded the cast list and it is very hard to believe that these people actually thought that this film was going to make them money – when great directors find it hard to raise money for films and this terrible terrible film which wasted nearly two hours of people's time gets made something is wrong – and who are these people who are writing good reviews for this movie on this site? I wonder!

This film is not your typical Hollywood fare, though the pickings are so bad I often tend to stay away from movies rather than be disappointed. However, this little low-budget gem is thoroughly loveable and enjoyable and definitely a keeper. The actors are as varied as the characters they portray, the Buffalo setting is charming (what a pretty city), and the story sparkles. The lack of gratuitous violence, sex and the "f" word doesn't detract in the least! Take the kids, take grandma, take a break from Hollywood! I give it an 11 out of 10!

I really enjoyed the film, and its messages about honesty and family. There were some moving moments, though it was a little slow finding its pace initially. Stick with the story though, and you're in for a beautiful conclusion! I wish Five Sisters productions all success in future ventures--these are the kinds of films that have the power to make us all better people!

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.

I went into this film with three years of sobriety, left and headed straight to the bar. The only laughter in the theater were the burton sisters laughing at their own jokes. How funny! I was crying by the end of it, concocting a tale in my head of why I had to leave...a root canal would've been more pleasant. I don't understand how films like this are made. I've got an mfa in writing and these girls graduated from the buffalo community college of inept film-making. Gag me with some more syrup and I'll stick around for your next picture. Why don't you research some talent for your next pic. Wendie Malick saved the film.

I think they were going for "capraesque" but just came across as amateurish. Casting one of the sisters as "Ramona" who's supposed to be the grown up daughter of the character played by Faye Grant was really dumb--they look fairly close in age, not like mother and daughter.

Plus the whole romance thing with Ramona and the lawyer implying that somehow this girl is really attractive--sorry, but only when your family is producing the show will anyone lie that blatantly and expect anyone to go along with it. If she could actually act, maybe her unfortunate appearance would be easier to overlook.

There's a really long scene superimposed over a disco ball with what i assume was Shirley Jones' voice singing the whole time. Very painful to sit through--the voice hasn't aged well. (Or was it another member of the uber-talented Burton family singing there? I couldn't bring myself to bother checking the credits)

A couple of bright spots--Wendy Malick is good, and I see from her bio she has a Buffalo connection, so maybe this is a "friend of the family" or "the priest said I had to do it as penance for murdering that family" thing. Also, Cloris Leachman and the late Frank Gorshin still had their acting chops for this--Shirley Jones showed she still can't really act very well.

The casting in general, though was atrocious--unless some of the people went to some alternate universe for a while where you age at a different rate, and they forgot to mention it.

I really enjoyed this movie about a family lucky enough to receive a gift from God, in the form of a lot of cash! The money helps secure their futures. Then they are told they must give it back. The ensuing story is both inspiring and hilarious, with fantastic acting all around. The only gripe I have with this film is that it just goes on way too long, there are scenes that could be cut with no effect to the story at all, other than to tighten the story. Even with these problems, the film is a must-see.

In the wasteland that Hollywood Productions have become of late, this movie - in and of itself - is truly "MANNA FROM HEAVEN"!!!

In what could best be described as a "cute" movie, approximately 350 years of movie acting experience (allright - give or take 100 years!) joyously lights up the screen to tell a tale of deceit, remorse, and redemption about a Catholic Family in Buffalo, NY.

Truly well-positioned to take its place in the "feel-good" movie genre, this quiet little independent film by the Burton Sisters' FIVE SISTERS PRODUCTIONS COMPANY will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart, all while renewing your faith in mankind.

From the spectacular opening scene shots of Buffalo, NY to the final credits, the film manages to tell a tale that could have been told of any family, anywhere. Yet, somehow this particular gathering of family and "family by association" in a small, non-descript house in Buffalo more than fits the bill. If you've never been to Buffalo, you'll leave the theater with thoughts of "shuffling off" for a visit! Shots of the city landmarks and surroundings help to bring a quaint, down to earth tone to the film - which suits it just fine. The quiet beauty of the "Queen City of the Great Lakes" compliments, rather than detracts from the tale that is being told. If only more movies would take advantage of the natural beauty of this country's "second cities" instead of running off to a soundstage somewhere, the end results would be so much more believable.

Great performances by Shirley Jones, Frank Gorshin, Wendy Malick, Jill Eickenberry, and the rest of the ensemble cast prove again that true talent outlasts Hollywood's "flavor of the week" any time!

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

You've wandered in Hollywood's desert for too long!

This story reminded me of old films like The Bells of St. Mary's and On the Waterfront, in many ways.

In the opening, it was hard to believe in characters or plot premise for awhile. A few more explanations were needed - like how could these people gather so much money from the street without trying to figure out where it came from? And why would everyone go along with the Sister's idea to raise the money and return it, if no one knew where it came from? (assuming they would hop on a plane to see what she wanted without knowing why - some said they thought she was dying, but wouldn't you want to know more?) These unanswered questions were rather harmless but made me uncomfortable. And the daughter of one couple and the son of another showing up and getting together was too much - as was the turnaround at the convent. Still, the story was very interesting, unusual and creative. I especially liked the casino dealer and Cloris Leachman characters, and the Shirley Jones character and her husband were funny in their peculiarities and tensions. In the last third, the story really touched me about possibilities, giving up dreams for the sake of others and hope in God. The ending was an interesting, thought-provoking surprise. In spite of the excess of quirky characters, motivation questions and saccharine... for an indie pic, this was excellent.

We went to see Manna from Heaven, my husband, two friends, and I and we all enjoyed the film. The characters are funny, the story is amusing and so much like real life. I think that is what I liked most, just seeing something believable, no murders, no sci-fi, just good, clean fun. It is something you could take your children or elderly parents to and not worry. How many of those are around anymore!!

Really enjoyed Manna From Heaven. If you liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will like this too! Once the story line is set it begins to keep you guessing the outcome. I think we'll be hearing more from Five Sisters Productions. I know I'll be watching for their next movie.

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.

This was really a pleasure to see; the dialogue was - for the most part - absolutely outstanding (I thought the women's roles were a little better written, which is a nice surprise). The performances were uniformly very good, too. Frank Gorshin overdoes it a little when he goes into his various cons, but this might be his overcompensating for what I see as weaknesses in how the character is written; he's VERY good otherwise. Harry Groener does similarly well with a slightly underwritten character (Tony), overdoing some of the character's angrier scenes slightly. Ursula Burton is excellent as Sister Theresa, really carrying the film through some of its weaknesses. Seymour Cassel and Louise Fletcher are a little underused here, though I liked their work as always. Shirley Jones, Wendie Malick, Jill Eikenberry and Faye Grant are very good also (I couldn't help thinking Grant reminded me a little of Catherine O'Hara here); Cloris Leachman rather tears into her role, with reasonably good results.

I wish there had been more of a sure hand behind the camera, though. Sometimes the framing or staging seemed a bit off, or awkward. The closeups seemed overused (or erratically used) to me. And we don't always go from scene to scene as smoothly as we'd like. Some of the "tough guy" approach to the federal agent (music, costuming) was too over the top for me as well. And the few fantasy sequences didn't really work. But there are things that were VERY well done; the opening sequence set in Buffalo around 1970, for example. And, frankly, all of the scenes regarding Theresa's church work (I suspect the writer and actress liked the character a lot, which helps). The scenes between Malick and Eikenberry are VERY good.

The plot is probably a bit overcontrived - there seem to be a few too many schemes going on at once to keep them all straight at times, and the coincidences got to be a little too much. And I was a little bothered by the ending (should we REALLY be rooting for their biggest con yet to succeed?), but the ride along the way is very enjoyable. It would be nice to see more independent movies like this one made.

7 of 10

Manna from Heaven is heavenly. This is a movie for the family -- teens and grandparents can enjoy it together. But it isn't syrupy sweet or silly. The characters really are "characters". The plot is somewhat complex and you have to pay attention, but it's like putting a puzzle together as it all falls into place bit by bit. The period beginning is like watching an old photo album, or remembering back when. It's extremely well done with very accurate hairstyles and costumes. The story moves along quickly with twists, turns and lots of fun.

A special treat is to watch the large cast of familiar faces, many of whom we haven't seen in much too long a time. Part of the fun is to recognize and name them mentally as they appear, though this can be distracting. Cloris Leachman by the end of the film looks as if she's had a make-over on "Oprah". I had never seen Faye Grant in a movie -- only knew her as Grace's mother in the TV series "Saving Grace". She was great, even minus the southern accent. And I didn't even recognize Shelly Duvall. The five sisters who created this very lovely film are a very talented quintet and Sister Theresa is a heavenly treasure.

I would recommend this film to anyone who is searching for a relaxing, fun-filled, thought-provoking movie. The absence of sex, vulgarities and violence made for a most pleasant evening. I especially enjoyed the Buffalo scene, but that's probably because I live a short distance from there. Even so, this film could have been produced in any city; it's the theme that's so important here. I'm just grateful that Manna From Heaven dropped down on us. Try it...you'll like it!