Heaven Is For Real: Movie Review

Heaven Is For Real is a breath of fresh air. Director Randall Wallace's new film beautifully captures the wonder of God and the freedom found in honest faith.

Based on the true story of four-year-old Colton Burpo's divine experience, Heaven Is For Real follows the narrative of Colton's dad, Todd, a small-town pastor who wrestles with this universal question: "Is heaven a hope or as real as the earth and sky?"

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

Todd and Sonja Burpo never could have anticipated the amazing journey their family would take when their son, Colton, was rushed into the hospital with a life-threatening condition. Their four-year-old son's near death experience rocked them and their faith. But it's when Colton matter-of-factly describes his visit to heaven that they begin to question its reality. The news of the remarkable event spreads across town and eventually around the world, causing people of differing backgrounds and beliefs to think on heaven.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

Greg Kinnear (As Good As It Gets) and Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes) are Todd and Sonja. The two actors embody the mannerisms of the real-life couple, and newcomer Connor Corum does well in his first role as young Colton. Their emotional performances are provoking. Co-stars Margo Martindale (New In Town) and Thomas Haden Church (Sideways) bring great supporting talent to the screen, with the right measure of drama and comedy to the Burpos' story.

Wallace first captured the hearts and minds of movie fans around the world with Braveheart. The Oscar-nominated writer rightly directs this film in a way that makes it an accessible story. More than explicitly answer life's biggest questions, Heaven Is For Real sets the stage for a greater dialogue about Jesus. A Christian and former seminary student, Wallace presents Colton's account and his father's doubts and resolutions in a way that feels very honest and true to the Christian walk.

Parents of movie-going children will be glad to know that Heaven Is For Real is a family-friendly movie. It's rated PG for thematic material including some medical situations.

IN THE END

Heaven Is For Real is undoubtedly the faith and family movie of the year.