Heaven is for Real is a giant step for
mainstream faith-based cinema, but it is far from being a perfect film. If
anything, it is the complete and utter failure of films in this category from
the past which helps to make Heaven is
for Real appear far better than it actually is. The strengths in the film’s
screenplay come from a transparent attempt to go against the grain of most
propaganda-filled Christian entertainment, but it ends up coming off just a bit
too forced and directionless despite these corrections. At the same time, I
find it a relief to see a film about faith that is unafraid to show the
suffering and struggle which can often come attached to a life dedicated to
service. The characters are written to be imperfect, flawed, and often without
any answers to life’s difficult questions. At times this feels sincere and
honest, while other times Heaven is for
Real just appears to be working overtime to placate as wide of a
demographic as possible.
Although the premise
of the film revolves around the claims of a young child after a near-death
experience, Heaven is for Real
focuses primarily on the struggles of Todd Burpo (Greg Kinnear), a small-town
pastor forced to endure a series of unfortunate events leading to his son’s near-fatal
illness. These struggles challenge Todd’s faith, but not nearly as much as the
events which take place after the near-tragedy. When Todd’s young child Colton Colton
The forced
conflict within the film often feels a bit contrived, especially when involving
members of the church (Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church) who are somewhat
offended by the discussion of heaven. In this regard, the film meanders some in
the middle, in a desperate attempt to rustle up enough conflict to carry the
film to a satisfying resolution. All that can be mustered for a climactic
sequence is a predictably inspirational sermon where even the non-believers
attend and practically give a standing ovation. There are visions and dead sons
in the church by the end of it, feeling as contrived as cinema can be. And yet,
I still felt that this film was miles ahead of other faith-based films, if only
for its effective cast and competent direction from Randall Wallace (We Were Soldiers).
On a completely
separate note, I found the title of this film (and book) endlessly irritating.
There is no reason that I can think of that the grammar needed to be so sloppy.
Couldn’t at least one person have explained that including “for” in the title
gives the implication that heaven is made for real individuals, rather than
stating that it is a place that exists. In my mind there is nothing that makes
the lingo-driven title better than simply titling it “Heaven is Real.” This may
seem like a small irritation in the grand scheme of things, but this is
actually a perfect indicator of the narrative’s inclination towards trendy
filmmaking techniques over basic logic. So, in a way, I suppose that means that
the title given is fitting for the film.
The Blu-ray
combo pack includes a DVD and digital HD copy of the film, as well as a few
exclusive special features. Included only on the Blu-ray disc is a featurette
about the heaven sequences of the film, as well as a handful of deleted scenes.
Also included are a few additional featurettes, including a generic making-of
one.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
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