HEAVEN IS FOR REAL   3.2***

    "Heaven is for Real" is a timely film for these increasingly materialistic times.   The story is based on true events, as related in a book of the same title, written by the main character, Todd Burpo. Todd is hard-working part-time Christian pastor who lives and serves in a small town in Nebraska with his wife, Sonja, and their two small kids, Cassie and Colton.

One day, four-year old Colton survives a very critical illness including a near death experience. Upon recovery, Colton tells  his father that he has been to heaven and actually sat on Jesus' lap. When the public gets wind of these stories though, they are met with disbelief and disdain. Todd Burpo has to wrestle with his own personal doubts and beliefs.

The cast is effectively led by Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo. Kinnear delivers a touching performance of the pastor who has to face the doubting public and his own congregation regarding his son’s story about going to heaven. A good supporting is provided by Thomas Haden Church and Margo Martindale as the Burpo's neighbors and close friends and Kelly Reilly as the wife. The adorable Connor Corum as Colton is quite enchanting and charming … and believable in his sincerity.

This film is about the matter of religious faith.  Faith is about accepting mysteries and miracles which cannot be proved or explained by  human intelligence. There will always be those who feel that the burden of proof lies with the believer. But a true believer will feel that they do not have to prove anything since faith alone is enough. For me, I thought the movie succeeds (without being preachy )  in inspiring people to reflect on their own lives and  what happens after death… and the overriding importance of love.

 

This is an excellent family film … good for all ages above 5 .

 

Clark