Review of Heaven Is for Real (2014) by Kim F — 08 Aug 2014

(4 Stars) Heaven is for Real is a great step in the right direction for taking Christian films seriously. By casting well known and talented actors like Greg Kinnear and Thomas Haden Church, shooting with a high standard script, and making it not look or feel low budget, this film is hopefully the first of many that will be watched and embraced by Christian and non-Christian audiences.

I will admit the story does seem a little sugar-coated and very sweet, but I'm okay with a little PG family drama here and there. But it's pretty good family drama because there's a real dilemma here: a well-liked pastor (Kinnear) preaches about the wonders of Christianity, but when his son actually sees heaven during an emergency surgery, he is suddenly afraid of it. He is filled with doubt and fear... how could the mere thought of eternal bliss trouble him so much?

I'm a little surprised Heaven is for Real didn't go for a plot where everyone doubts the little boy, so the father tries to defend his son to the death. But I actually think the movie is more interesting when it's about a man's internal struggle. For what it is, it's a very fascinating film and I'm glad they spent money on production value and great actors instead of releasing it on DVD with Kirk Cameron (not that he's bad), which they easily could have done.