Review of Letters to God (2010) by Michelle L — 30 Mar 2010

"Letters to God" is a film that everyone should go and see. I am a Christian Videographer who attended the free preview of this film on March 28, 2010 at the Lowes Waterfront Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. David Nixon, one of the producers of "Facing The Giants" and "Fireproof" is the director of this film. The cinematography is beautiful and the music tracks used in this film are perfect which include several of my favorites: "Hope Now" from Addison Road, "Amazing Grace" from Wintely Phipps and many more.

The film tells the story of Tyler Doherty, an 8 year old boy suffering from cancer. The film will emotionally move you as it graphically shows Tyler's daily struggles with his condition. Tyler's walk with God is so powerful, courageous, and inspirational. He daily writes letters to God and mails them each day. I must say as the film progressed, I compared my daily prayer life with that of Tyler's and was humbled and inspired. Tyler has good days and bad which take on great meaning in the film because this is what cancer patients constantly face on a daily basis.

Tyler's letters are picked up by Brady McDaniels, the postman. Brady is struggling with issues in his own life and quickly becomes Tyler's friend. As the story progresses, you see them becoming closer. Tyler wrote a letter to God asking Him to make his mother smile again. The letter was answered when Brady comes into Mattie's (Tyler's mom) life. Brady, who is an alcoholic, doesn't know what to do with Tyler's letters and seeks the aid of a pastor at a church. David Nixon really does an excellent job showing Brady's struggles with his alcoholism in several segments of the movie. It is Tyler's inspiration through his letters to God that transforms Brady's heart.

The movie had the attention of everyone in the theater. Many including my friend and myself cried almost the whole time during the movie. Last year I was able to video our county's Relay For Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. In that video I had interviewed some of the survivors and they talked about what it was like to go through treatments and surgery for their particular cancer. This movie will actually show you what Tyler had to endure and leave you weeping with the rest of the community, especially his best friend and neighbor, Sam. Towards the end of the movie when Sam is crying in her grandfathers arms over what is taking place, I was crying with her and thinking of how Mary the mother of Jesus cried when she saw her son dying on the cross.

David Nixon has a fire for producing Christian Films. "Faith Based" films are so good for today's society because they spread the gospel and humble the viewer by instilling morals and values. God is using David in a very special way and this film is proof. Every scene was prayerfully written and prayerfully shot. You really owe it to yourself to watch this presentation of faith, inspiration, hope and love. If you liked "Facing The Giants" and "Fireproof" take a look at "Letters to God". This movie is also endorsed by the Dove Association for family based viewing. "Letters to God" will leave you humbled, inspired and encouraged. You will cry, laugh, and celebrate life with Tyler and Brady and the rest of the cast and you might just want to start a Cancer Support/Hope Group in your church.