Good day to everyone! 2014 has seen a marked increase in faith-based films, and I personally am happy for that, at minimum from the perspective that there really does need to be at least SOME increase in family-friendly films out there in Hollywood amidst all the other craziness. With successes such as “Noah” (even though that film WAS theologically challenged), “God’s Not Dead“, and “Son Of God” having already arrived and Ridley Scott‘s upcoming epic in November 2014, “Exodus“, to come, yet another movie came about, based on true events and a subsequent book that was published in regard to the event, entitled “Heaven Is For Real”.
Brought to life by superb writer/director Randall Wallace (“Braveheart“, “We Were Soldiers“, “The Man In The Iron Mask“), the film tells the true account of the Burpo family of Imperial, Nebraska, including Todd (Greg Kinnear), his wife Sonja (Kelly Reilly), and their two children Colton (excellent newcomer Connor Corum) and Cassie (Lane Styles). We are introduced to the family during relatively hard times in Imperial, as work has dried up and people are just trying to eke out a decent living. Todd is the Reverend at the local Crossroads Wesleyan Church, but is having to also do a side job as the owner of a garage door installation company, though often getting “paid” with gifts rather than cash. As time has gone on, even his sermons for the congregation at Crossroads have begun to fade in their influence. Todd’s best friend, a local bank president Jay Wilkins (solid character actor Thomas Haden Church), has done his best to offer Todd and his family financial support, despite Todd never wanting to feel like he’s a charity case. There is also the dynamic of another congregation member, Nancy Rawling (equally solid character actress Margo Martindale), who we find is dealing with the loss of someone close and is embittered by it. As things continue to get harder, Todd has an incident occur that sidelines him from being able to do anything for a period of time, which is causing the church board to question whether he is still the right fit for their flock, along with the increasing overall financial stress on his family. Finally, at the prodding of his wife Sonja, and not truly being able to afford it, the family decides it’s time to simply get away from everything and take a small vacation. Upon returning from this trip, both children experience illness, but only Cassie seems to recover while Colton actually gets worse. Ending up in the hospital, the breaking point is reached for both Todd and Sonja, who each in their own ways finally let out all of the pent up stress they feel their life has come to. Todd especially is ready to give up on God, thinking He has abandoned them. But, when Colton successfully comes through the ordeal, he begins to recount an incredible story…..he went to Heaven. Even as he recounts scenes FROM the hospital in regard to his mother and father, Todd is initially skeptical about the validity of what Colton is sharing, even though at the same time, he cannot deny the facts his son has mentioned. By the time Colton then starts sharing the details of his journey in what he saw, who he met and interacted with, it throws into question everything Todd has been struggling with in his faith, on top of tension initially building more between him and Sonya as he becomes obsessed with trying to comprehend what is happening. And once Jay and Nancy are also made aware of what occurred, it continues to then upend their own doubts, even as the story ultimately breaks into a sensation that the whole country is soon a part of, as news reporters descend on the small town to hear about Colton’s experience. And through it all, Todd and others come to a new realization about God, faith, belief, and the healing power of love and the redemption of heart that the entire event has stirred up. And it’s the renewal of that faith and love for family, friends, and God that ultimately sums up the rest of the film.
Now, I know this will probably stir up some different opinions, which is fine, because honestly, I think that is one of the best things ABOUT a film like this. As I have read other reviews, both positive and negative, it made me end up looking at “Heaven Is For Real” with the same approach as I did with “Noah”. As a FILM, I loved the simplicity of its storytelling. I didn’t feel it was underdone, overdone, sensationalistic in its execution, or trying to really invoke anything else but good, honest, feel-good vibes. And why not? It’s an inspirational event! And when it comes to the whole theological debates and/or controversy that I saw mentioned in several articles, it actually made me sad, as this is another film like “Noah” that should be an open door TO great discussion about the subjects of God, faith, Heaven, and what it is to believe things beyond our human understanding. And when it comes to the actual images and descriptions of what Colton saw in Heaven….why CAN’T that be what Heaven is like? I perfectly understand (and strongly believe) that the Bible gives very vivid descriptions, especially in Revelation, but this was the experience of a 4-year old child, and I have NO issue thinking that God could have chosen to show Colton the things he recounted and that it was done in a way that Colton COULD understand and bring back with him. Again, this is NOT to take away from ANYTHING the Bible says about Heaven, but can it not stand to reason that God is just a bit bigger than we are and how He chooses to show things to ANY of us would potentially be very unique like the experience Colton had? Briefly back to a FILM perspective, the cinematography was beautiful, the images of Heaven at the LEAST thought-provoking, and Kinnear really brought that sense of realism and pathos in his portrayal of Todd, along with totally solid performances by the supporting cast as well. Newcomer Connor Corum really stood out as well, as the expressions on his face as he recounts his adventure are just….believable! A simple, true-story film that I most certainly feel is worth seeing and then having those discussions that it prompts you to have, because it’s not even like the story was ALWAYS happy….it shows that as human beings, and as Christians, we most certainly have times of doubts, questions, and struggles in our faith…BUT…how and where we go to find the answers…THERE is where the real opportunities to learn and share are found.
As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
