I'll be up front with this review in stating that I am a
Christian and do believe. Knowing that will give you the opportunity to know
where I am coming from in what I choose to say about HEAVEN IS FOR REAL,
the movie based on the best selling book. That being said know that the answer
to the question is Heaven real or not isn't exactly spelled out for you in this
film. Instead it allows you to come to your own conclusion. Believers will
believe and doubters will continue to doubt. I just hope rather than walking in
without an open mind you consider the possibility.
The story revolves around the Burpo family. Todd (Greg
Kinnear) is a hard working father of two and a minister in a local church.
Sonja (Kelly Reilly) is his ever loving wife. Their children are Cassie (Lane
Styles) and Colton (Connor Corum). The family has the normal trials and
tribulations that all families seem to have except that they seem to have more
of them lately. The one that changes their lives though is when Colton takes
ill.
It turns out he had a burst appendix and they may not have
gotten him to the hospital in time. While Sonja calls church members to send
out a prayer request, Todd retires to the hospital chapel where he raises his
voice in anger at God. When all is said and done, Colton makes it through
surgery and is fine. But he has something a little extra.
It seems that while Colton was undergoing surgery he says
that he heard angels singing and followed them into their church. Instead of
the normal building he entered Heaven where he met with Jesus who set him on
his lap and talked with him before showing him around. Todd is fascinated by
Colton's story. Unlike most he believes there is some truth in it. Why? Because
Colton tells him he saw his mother sending out the phone call for prayer and he
saw his father yelling at God.
The film then follows the quest of answers that this poses
for Todd. While he's been a wonderful minister and done well with his parish,
increasing attendance, he begins to question his own faith. He looks back at
the words he's preached week after week and begins to wonder if he truly
believed all that he said. But is it really a question of faith? What Colton
tells him makes him believe more deeply in God. What it also does is make him
realize that there was some pride involved in his preaching, some bit of
himself that made the words more superficial than real to him. Just how
Colton's visit to Heaven affects not just his father but the entire
congregation makes for a fascinating movie.
It is also a movie that is sure to spark controversy among
believers and non-believers alike. Some may think this is the story of a young
toddler with an over active imagination. Others will consider it a blessing in
the guise of a child's observation of what lies beyond. Until we pass on we
will never know the definitive answer to the question posed by this film. For
those who believe faith is enough to know that it's real.
The movie is extremely well made with some of the most
gorgeous scenery captured on film in recent years. It moves along at a steady
pace, never becoming boring or slow but revealing the story in a way that holds
your interest from beginning to end. Each and every performance meets what I
consider the markings of the best. That is that at no time do you ever think
that what you are seeing is actors acting. Instead you believe that each is the
character they portray. The movie will touch you like few movies do these days.
Perhaps the saddest thing about this movie is the backlash
it and the book have already received. Interestingly enough those who do not
believe in faith seem to be much more vocal than those who have it. They claim
anyone with faith is intolerant while ranting about how those with faith should
be silenced. Those who do not believe have accused this story of being
fabricated by a con artist of a minister intent on telling tall tales rather
than a man offering proof of his faith as seen through the eyes of his child. I
often wonder why it is those who do not believe feel the need to attempt to
take down those who do.
In the end I will say again that
your own personal beliefs will in no doubt affect the way you view this movie.
There is also the chance that for those who do not believe it might make you at
least consider the possibility that there is indeed a Heaven. Wouldn't it be
nice if everyone could at least consider that notion? For me I'll continue to
believe. And once in a while I'll pull this movie down off the shelf and watch
it again for a bit of renewal when needed. It's worth adding to your collection
and watching more than once.
Click here to order.
No comments:
Post a Comment