A product neither of Hollywood nor the New York-Sundance indie axis, Manna From Heaven is a true outsider film, and while it would be easy to fault its lack of technical polish, somewhat discursive script and uneven performances, it is also refreshingly sincere, gentle and good-natured.

Frankly, the story behind Manna From Heaven is a truckload more interesting than the movie itself.

Suffers from an overcomplicated plot, an overpopulated cast, a lot of corny humor and artificial contrivance, topped by a sluggish pace.

This family affair is a squeaky-clean cable-ready comedy, unabashedly retro fluff.

Colorful and cute. It would be better if it weren't quite so sitcommy and if it didn't outlast its ideas.

Hokey, overstuffed plot and a messily hand-stitched, often illogical script.

The results are a bit amateurish, but wholesome and achingly sweet.

Regrettably, neither cast nor crew is able to save it from itself.