HEAVEN IS DEFINITELY FOR REAL – ACCORDING TO NEW SOURCES

Heaven is For Real – Sony Pictures – Now available on DVD.

How many of us know people who have recounted a near-death experience of being close to heaven during a life-challenging episode in their lives before surviving and “coming back” to earth? Before discussing that further, the film “Heaven is for Real” was made following a bestselling book on the subject and the main difference from any other similar stories is that the person in question was only four years old.

Now a teenager, Colton Burpo is the enchanting boy who was rushed to hospital with a ruptured appendix and underwent surgery narrowly escaping death in the process. On beginning his recovery, he told his parents he had seen heaven and angels, had witnessed his parents – one angry with God in a chapel and his mother devastated, and had also seen Jesus, whom he described to his father later in the story. Adding to this, he later calmly divulged to his mother that he knew there should have been a second sister (the living sister is featured but has a frustratingly small part in the film) in the family who was never named and who did not survive into childbirth – something he was never told but knew anyway. His parents who are portrayed as very much in love, hug each other for support at this revelation.
Whilst his son was on the critical list, Colton’s father, Todd Burpo, had contacted lots of friends, family and neighbours to pray for Colton, and being that the said father (played brilliantly by Greg Kinnear)) was a preacher and minister at the local church, he felt that his son’s recovery was mainly due to prayer, which he then discussed with his parishioners, extracting critical worry from Church members who thought he should take further time off most especially as a result of him discussing his son’s heavenly visions in Sunday church – a paradox indeed!
A curious journalist came on board and a story was put in the local paper about the incredible revelations of the delightful innocent boy, now fully recovered. Not long after that, a book was written which then became this rather enchanting and credible film, it’s forte being the naturalness of the actors – the mother played by attractive redhead Kelly Reilly, Colton by newcomer Connor Corum , and also starring Thomas Haden Church who is a strong actor yet to appear in a part with a seriously demanding lead role. Other well known stars include Margo Martindale – fresh from August Osage County – who has the role of the concerned member of the congregation and close confidante of Haden Church.
“Subplots” include Colton’s father being a part of the local fire brigade –where some action and shots feature in the story – and the never-ending money worries of paying for healthcare in the USA. There is also a fascinating painting of a blue/green eyed Jesus done by a girl who had a similar near death experience which Colton confirms fits his sighting of him during his own mesmerising adventure towards heaven. He also claims to have seen his grandfather, who fits the description of a picture his father has of him and says “Nobody in heaven wears glasses” when shown a photo of him and asked “is this who you saw?”
Finally, we discover Colton’s mum is expecting another child and with a lovely daughter and son, not to mention a strong marriage with Todd already making up the family unit, the audience is blessed with a true story of hope, convincing other-worldliness, and a happy ending too. Maybe we should all be discussing events and issues like these which need prying out of your nearest and dearest – in the gentlest possible way of course! Suitable for all the family, but if in doubt  watch it with only adults present first.

Penny Nair Price