Letters to God

Caught a preview event last night.

First, let me say the production values of this movie are top notch. The casting, cinematography, sound, and editing were all very professional. The acting was top notch. This is not a fly-by-night operation.

Now, on to the story. It's based on a true story of a boy fighting cancer and his effect on the lives of the people around him. Most of the characters in the film are Christians (Protestant/evangelical, though non-denominational). An awkwardness in Christian movies--one that this film cannot overcome--is the need to highlight prayer as an action. At one point, a church pastor says offers to pray for another, non-church going character. The pastor then proceeds to place his hands on the man and pray out loud for him. Even as a Christian in a theater full of Christians, I was uncomfortable.

At one point in the movie, the mother of the boy with cancer yells, "Stop quoting Bible verses to me!" Yes! This is how many people feel around Christians. The writers had a gem here that they could have explored with a skeptical audience. However, it was too little, too late in the movie. People uncomfortable with Jesus and prayer as themes will have already left the movie.

I think the movie is not supposed to be so much "seeker friendly" as it is supposed to be a resource for people who are in some way affected by cancer (have cancer, know someone who has cancer, etc). That's okay, but it seems the great amount of talent, effort, and money used will ultimately result in a movie that sits on the library shelves of churches across the country.

Bottom line: "Letters to God" is a good movie that I can't recommend to my non-Christian friends.

It is amazing that there are people still showing faith that God's love for His children is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. The story demands strong undercurrents of emotion and the actors delivered well. The pace is just right and the flow natural. As the tale unfolds, one begins to realize that letters written to God are received and read by God the moment the letter is written; the physical letter and actual delivery status inconsequential to the spiritual discourse it represents.

Go on. Watch this movie and follow the lives of people where a loved one is dying of cancer. Discover how these people overcome bitterness and draw strengths from God in the face of losing a loved one.

Just saw a preview of Letters to God this afternoon. I cannot say that this is an amazing movie, but it is definitely a solid effort from the Christian market. The acting lacks at times, but not to the point of Facing the Giants. Fortunately, the leading characters do a good job, as well as the young girl playing Sam, who was also just in Brothers with Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, and Tobey Maguire. She has a future ahead of her in the business. You can't go into this type of movie expecting the best acting and producing Hollywood has to offer, but I feel that they did a good job given their resources.

The movie itself carries a good feel with a difficult story and well-placed humor mixed in. It may seem a little cliché or cheesy at first, but give it a shot and it will tug at your heart.

The Christian movie market still has a long way to go to compete with the mainstream market, but progress is being made. Passion of the Christ really opened up the market, and the recent Fireproof improved on Flywheel and Facing the Giants. To Save a Life is making a stir in the market, and Letters to God is supposed to be the most widely opened Christian movie since Passion. If you're interested in a great heartfelt story that will make you appreciate your life and put this life in perspective, then go check out Letters to God and support the Christian film market.

The message of this moving film trumps its over-reliance on sap, its overuse of cheese and its limited production values. What amounts to unrealistic character development is used to tell the true tale of a family and a young man struggling to battle cancer and struggling to comprehend God's role in their lives. The overall message of "finding truth" and illustrating how each of our lives can be a testament (or letter) itself to God is a great analogy. If viewed with an open mind and a hopeful heart, this movie will make you think and will move you to tears. I wish the creators of the film had taken a more realistic approach and used less pure sap to establish the story. I have a feeling that the "golly gee" or "Leave It To Beaver" level of writing will turn some people off. I know they wanted to pay tribute to a brave and courageous soul by portraying him as a pure saint on earth but the story would've packed even more punch had they chosen to go a more level route. Still, the message is strong and the story very moving.

I just saw the movie tonight in Jeff Johnson's hometown. I thought it was a wonderful movie!! Be sure to bring a box of tissues though! I am sad that some reviewers are embarrassed by the Christian content. I can never understand why people are not offended or embarrassed by graphic violence, derogatory humor, sexual content in movies, but mention God or prayer and people feel they need to apologize...why??? It was part of this story...Letters to God...that was the whole point. I think the movie was well done and deserves to be applauded! Hurray Jeff and all the hard work everyone put in it, the movie moved my heart and soul, Thanks!!!!! Lisa Salonich