Heaven is for Real is thought-provoking and might bring you to grips with your eternal beliefs and questions. Is each person's perception of Heaven different? Does the thought of the celestial Divine bring you closer to your concept of God or does it distance you? What do the life and death experiences in your own life reveal? What happens after you die? Have you learned the life lessons you should have? During this movie you will, more than likely, examine your view of eternal life and reflect back on your own experiences, and perhaps wonder if your conception of the after-life brings you hope or doubt.
The Burpo family faces many challenges as they comfort and guide a congregation through the trials and tribulations of this earthly life. Sonja Burpo (Kelly Reilly, Sherlock Holmes) tries to keep Todd focused on his daily life and responsibilities while he struggles as head of a family, provider, husband and faces unexpected conflicts as the father of an extraordinary son who has exciting news of a miraculous and spiritual revelation. This is a family movie rated PG for thematic material including some medical situations, but the content offers an opening of dialogue for more serious discussions with children. Life is never easy and perhaps this movie will offer some hope, consolation and encouragement for the future.
Special Features include Colton Goes to Heaven and Deleted Scenes, while the Blu-Ray exclusives offer Creating Heaven and The Making of Heaven is for Real. The Blu-Ray gives life especially to the Heavenly realm of the movie, and offers a digital copy of the film via Ultraviolet that can be instantly streamed or downloaded to watch anywhere. The acting was spontaneous and compelling with brilliant direction by Randall Wallace (The Man in the Iron Mask). Cinematography accentuated the grandeur of Heaven and the innocence and perception of Colton was endearing. The community embraced the needs of each other and offered security and comfort, while the strength of faith in God reinforced the marriage between Todd and Sonja. Particularly captivating was the rapport between Colton and his father - a man who had to juggle the comments and concerns of his congregation while upholding his son's enthusiasm and self-esteem as one selected to view this magnificent event.
Heaven is for Real will be controversial, because of the different religious and non-religious views. I, personally, wanted to hear this true-life story, and I will certainly seek out the book for a closer view. Heaven is for Real made me reflect on my purpose in life, question my decisions, consider how much love and comfort I have shown to others, and how I must change my life for the better in relation to my purpose in the world. I found this to be an inspirational movie and a great stop-in-the-road for reflection and self-improvement. Heaven is for Real is a movie about real people who struggle with a spiritual revelation that imposes on their everyday life.
Child prodigy artist and poet Akiane Kramarik is an artist that has been painting her "visions from God" since the age of six and her painting of God (her Jesus) is recognized by Colton in the movie. Will Heaven is for Real inspire you -- like it did for Akiane -- to bring love and peace in some way into an unGodly world?
