“Some people are afraid to believe.”
Swift shot: Here’s a film that Hollywood barely acknowledged, other terrible films got green-lit, whilst this film about a family, and town’s, struggles went overlooked. Why? Because it is a “religious film”. Thanks to Greg Kinnear, the film got some needed exposure to folks who might otherwise have avoided it seeing it just because of that death knell label in Hollywood. Oh, it religious…
Greg Kinnear stars as Pastor Todd Burpo, a father of two children who is more than just a church speaker, he is a community leader. He works for, and with, just about everyone in a small town in Nebraksa. His wife, Sonja (Kelly Reilly) leads the church choir and raises the kids while he literally works just about every job you can imagine. Primarily though, he has a strong bond with his volunteer fire department. Money is tight, as the economy is bleak, and he doesn’t even work for money on some jobs, he works for goods and services.
Still, life is good for the Burpos, as the community always finds a way to get everyone through tough times. Led by their stalwart bastion of faith, Todd, they are reminded that everyone struggles to understand faith, but in the end it is the compassion of love that mends us all. As long as Todd is there to remind them, that is.
But soon, Todd is challenged, at first it’s something minor, an injury he suffers playing softball, then it’s something far more unpleasant that his friend Jay, played by another unlikely insert into a film about “religion”, Thomas Haden Church [yes, that was a pun, you may laugh if you like] can’t help him with entirely. Jay is Todd’s best friend, but even he can’t help him pass the most difficult challenge heading his way.
Todd’s son Colton (Connor Corum), faces death . . . at four years old. Until you become a parent yourself, you won’t understand the incredible depth of helplessness facing Todd and Sonja as they wait in an uncomfortable room, trapped, anticipating any word about their little guy. It’s a kind of torture I literally wouldn’t wish on a the vilest of enemies. Still, this is a true story; it happened, and it happens every day around the world. Parents hear terrible news, and the Burpos narrowly escape that fate. Colton doesn’t die.
Colton visits Heaven.
This is where everything changes for the Burpos and the whole town, really. At first, Todd is skeptical, being a rational human being, he can’t grasp how his four year old could be fabricating such intricate descriptions of Heaven. The mere mention of the word Heaven invokes fear, but why? How can a place that he preaches about daily bring so much doubt into his mind . . . and when his tiny son is the one telling him, how can he doubt the message?
Aren’t we always asking to speak to God? Even the devoutest of Atheists want to speak to God, maybe they just don’t know when they are hearing from him. Yes, I said devout Atheists, because faith is something that everyone struggles with, and if they don’t, I wouldn’t trust them, because they are being intellectually dishonest. No one knows all the answers.
As you might guess, Colton’s revelation causes some serious issues within the community, some people are thrilled to hear about Colton’s trip, and some people are not only not convinced, they are angry about their Pastor talking about it in such a matter-of-fact way. Chief amongst those concerned is Nancy Rawling (Margo Martindale) who recently lost her son, a Marine, who was killed in action fighting far away. She wants Todd removed from speaking at the church, and she doesn’t want such a spectacle made of the whole event.
The media gets involved, and Todd finally realizes the truth about Colton’s visit and the message he has for everyone on Earth. It’s a wonderful testament to fatherhood, faith, and humanity.
I wasn’t sure how to receive this film, based on true events, and with such a religious tone, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see it. I have watched some movies that proselytize to the point of tedium, and they aren’t entertaining nor engaging, they come off as lectures. No one wants to sit through a lecture, not Atheists nor Theologists. In the end, at FilmGrouch, it’s about entertaining us.
Does this Randall Wallace directed film engage the audience? Absolutely. Does it challenge you? Yes. Will it make you feel emotions, regardless of your beliefs? Without a doubt. Will you like the film? I can’t say that I know the answer to that, but I bet you will enjoy finding out where you stand, if you have doubts. You’ve probably already made up your mind about this film, because you’ve already made up your mind about faith – how can you be sure of either if you don’t have the courage to test the theory?
I am glad I tested my faith today, and I am glad I watched the film. My faith; however, is my own story.
