CinemaNerdz

Movie Review: Heaven is for Real

Betsy Cizek

The film Heaven is For Real begs the question, is heaven for real? The film is based on the true story of a four-year-old boy’s account of heaven as told by his pastor/father Todd Burpo played by Greg Kinnear.

The story takes place in small town America. The Burpoes are a beautiful family, struggling financially while going through life with just about the best attitude possible.  In the face of typical life adversities, we learn the importance of love and faith to this family. When the unthinkable happens, their community comes together in prayer for the beyond adorable Colton Burpo (Connor Corum) after he has fallen devastatingly ill. I cannot begin to describe just how super cute this boy is. Those that have read the book will not be disappointed at just how perfect and true to character this young actor has played his role.

As time goes by, we learn that Colton has undergone something miraculous during his illness. He starts to share what had happened to him on the operating table. He shares things that would have been impossible for him to have known. He knows exactly what his parents were doing while in another room of the hospital, he can also identify people he has never met in life, and more. Colton has a newfound fearlessness that he explains as there being nothing for anyone to worry about.

There is much skepticism throughout the town regarding Colton’s accounts and Todd Burpo is almost removed from his position of pastor for having believed his son had actually gone to heaven. Jay Wilkins is Todd’s best friend and is played by Thomas Haden Church. Jay comes to Todd’s defense and throughout the film he makes us laugh. Kinnear and Church play well off of one another and have great comedic chemistry. I must give honorable mention to Margo Martindale playing Nancy Rawling, the town’s busy body. There is one scene in particular that is worth remembering. Todd and Nancy are having a very serious conversation at the gravesite of her beloved son,  Nancy is questioning her pastor, wondering if her son is in heaven. His response is perfect and one I will not soon forget.

Greg Kinnear and Connor Corum in “Heaven Is for Real.”

So, is there a heaven and does Heaven is for Real answer all of our questions about it? Should we take this film as the Bible on the afterlife? My recommendation for Christians is to take the Bible as the Bible on the heavenly things, see John 3:13 and Proverbs 30:4. Here is a link if you are looking to expand your investigation on what the Bible states about accounts of heaven like this. However, Heaven is for Real is a feel good movie and if you can remember to keep an eye of discernment as you would any film “based on a true story,” you will enjoy it.

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Betsy Cizek

Betsy resides in Michigan. She is presently writing a novel and pursuing a Freelance writing career. It’s important to her that her writing combines sensitivity, honesty and a hint of sarcasm to create a relatable experience with the reader. Having a passion for film and an all around American pie opinion, she aspires to have the sensibility for what the average Joe might enjoy.
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