What a delight, a really pleasant delight, to see Florence Henderson as a grandmother who dies, goes to heaven, and then tries to get back to earth in order to keep a promise to her granddaughter that she will be there for her birthday. And while she's in heaven, she tries to find out whether or not her husband ever had an affair with an old rival of hers.
Although looking younger than a grandmother (and quite attractive), Ms. Henderson is very believable and authentic in this movie. Unlike most TV appearances, she just seems very natural, and we follow her every move.
Playing her younger self is an adorable actress named Allison Lange. Lange gives a memorable performance and lights up the screen when she is on. Talented, David Paetka plays Lange's on-screen husband with sincerity and charm. Yanni King is delightful as an aide in heaven. Kathryn Gordon is affecting as the young girl's mother. And the young girl is played by a fantastic actress named Stephanie Patton. What a talent for her age.
The movie was wonderfully written with wit, laughs and deep feelings by Ann Marcus, who introduces the surprising twists with the accomplished hand of a very talented and skilled screenwriter.
Nat Christian directs with a devilish (pardon the word here) joy. A gifted director, Christian knows how to play up the romance and gags while grabbing our hearts.
The music, the production design and the cinematography all blended together wonderfully.
Yes, it is a family film, but the adults will definitely get a kick out of this one too.