Heaven's War

There's no doubt the audience for which this film was made. With that being said, the attention to detail, the risk-taking, and the overall redemptive message of this film are worth seeing it. The choreography of the fight scenes and other action scenes are well done. The CGI supersedes that of many film of this genre and budget. Well done.

A title such that "Beyond the Darkness" with a covering image from what looks like a star-war movie are nothing but a trap. The story tried to go through some of the debate going on between religious people and atheists and could have been much better if it was written more carefully, but it wasn't. Maybe the original story is good, but this movie definitely says otherwise. Was it due to acting or directing faults? After watching about an hour of it, I just don't care. Images are so dull and made without professionality, made with like an amateur with the 1950's visions, and the music is really good in inspiring all the 209 sleeping ideas - or were they 208?... So BORING.

This Christian movie reminds believers that eternity is more real than our daily life experience. The imagery at the opening puts the viewer into the context of the entire movie. There is great storytelling and wonderful special effects. See it!

The film taking the viewer on a spiritual journey that most Christians have undertook at some point toward either abandoning or reaffirming their faith. A must watch if you're at that point in your spiritual journey.

Let me address the elephant in the room. Yes, this is a religious movie. Before you decide not to watch the movie let me encourage you to let go of your stereotypes and consider this one. If you are a person of faith you will definitely enjoy watching the movie and the struggles the protagonist deals with. If you aren't a person of faith have you ever had that little voice in your head guide you or tell you something and followed or ignored that little voice. Our protagonist ignored the voice and Gabriel was sent to slap some sense into him and get him to listen to the voice. His failure to listen to the voice adds conflict to the story line and pulls you in emotionally.

Yes, this is about good and evil and the filmmaker doesn't hide the fact that he is a believer. Having said all that, I am a novice screenwriter and there are so many nuggets about storytelling in this film that it should be required watching for all film students. The use of cutting from one scene to another builds excitement and anticipation. The use of CGI adds to the story but doesn't make the story about CGI. Dialogue was realistic and there are some very emotional scenes.

Again, if you are a person of faith you will enjoy it. If you aren't consider this a love story on several different levels. If you are trying to get into the business watch and learn how to put all the pieces together to create a great story with conflict that has emotional impact.