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When it comes talking about heaven and hell, we just start ignoring the fact that they might exist. Everyone has heard about it, but nobody wants to believe in its existence. Well, I doubt myself. Sometimes, I want to believe in it but something always stops me from doing so. The movie talks about it, but it's only from a Christian's point of view.

I liked the concept of the movie. They don't actually make us believe in the existence of heaven (or hell), but the good thing about the movie is that, they've kept an effort to show how the world would react when something extraordinary happens. Whatever, the story and the concept touched my heart. It would have been better if they had gone deeper than this. They could have taken the lines of Bible or so, in order to have a factual conversations.

Movie says, it's based on a true story but when there's talking about Jesus, it becomes a Christian's story, not universal. It's not a must watch movie but I would recommend it. I say, we've always watched Sci-Fi movies when we know they are not true, why don't we give a try to some spiritual movies? For most of the people today, they would be only as true as the sci-fi. There's no any magic in the story, just some story of miracles. What if it was 'Your' story? How would you make people believe in you encountering miracles?

While the movie may not be at it best, it's not bad for a one time viewing. My rating would be 7 for the story, acting, dialogues and well, because it has some sort of influence to the society...

Heaven Is for Real (1:39, PG) — borderline, 3rd string, original

You might be surprised that this film attracted an atheist activist like me. But I went to see it because — as part of my self-imposed obligation to catch EVERY science-fiction and fantasy movie that hits town so I can review them for my listserv and at SF cons — it looked like it might have some fantasy elements. I ended up classifying it as "borderline", which is where I put movies that are not clearly SF or fantasy but might be if viewed from a certain angle. This one leaves it open to interpretation whether little 4-year-old Colton Burpo actually experienced a trip to heaven while he was unconscious on the operating table at death's doorstep with a burst appendix.

The Burpos are presented as being among the nicest people you could ever hope to meet, and not in any "holier than thou" sense but as solid, down-to-Earth working folk, a kind, loving, and happy family. The dad, Todd Burpo, a part-time Protestant minister in Imperial, Kansas, is humble and declines the title "Reverend", saying "Call me Todd" even to members of his own congregation. He wears a work shirt and sits in the pews with the other congregants while the church service is doing other things, like Bible readings or singing led by Todd's wife Sonja.

The skeptical attitude is clearly articulated by several different characters in the film, including Todd Burpo himself, who's obviously having trouble wrestling with and reacting to what his son has been saying about his brief sojourn in heaven. And the conclusion is not some grand revelation or depiction of the "real" heaven but rather an informal sermon in which Todd (well played by Greg Kinnear) talks thru his uncertainties and tells his fellow congregants that "on Earth as it is in heaven" means that we should each value the little bit of heaven we share when we appreciate the people who love us.

Frankly, an avowed humanist couldn't have put it much better.

Still, there's the obvious fact that little Colton has been drenched in religion for almost his entire waking life, and that such total immersion surely accounts for everything he claims to have seen. And the Burpos had been having serious financial difficulties, a not-so-subtle motive for playing Colton's story for any financial benefit it might bring. Nor does the film stint from dramatizing those perfectly naturalistic explanations.

In short, if you were expecting a piece of pious propaganda, this isn't it. It's more like a nice, non-saccharine family drama with unusual subject matter, kind of along the lines of We Bought a Zoo. On my 9-point scale, it rates a 6.

I saw this movie on opening night and there were only four of us in the theater (which was just fine with me). I will start by saying that I am a Christian, was excited to see this movie, and really like Greg Kinnear. Although I liked the story, I was not impressed with the movie overall. The acting was not great, and it was somewhat slow. Again, I like the story they were trying to tell, it just did not grip me nor did any of the characters pull me in. It does make one think about death and heaven and what happens when we leave this earth. I thought it was a very interesting story and am glad it made it to the big screen, but I also think they could have taken this so much further than they did. Please see for yourself though, do not let this review make you hesitate to watch on the big screen or rental at home when it comes out.

After reading the book on which this film was based, I was excited to see what this adaptation would be like. I was not disappointed, as director Randall Wallace tells a story that doesn't go over-the-top, yet still manages to capture the wondrous story of Colton Burpo and his family.

For a basic plot summary (in case you haven't read the book!), "Heaven Is For Real" recounts the experiences of young Colton Burpo (Connor Corum), who has a near-death experience and claims to have see Heaven, Jesus, and many other experiences that a boy his age should not have known about relating to passed-away relatives and such. Father Todd (Greg Kinnear) and mother Sonja (Kelly Reilly) don't know what to think: are these experiences real, or did they come from the adrenaline-fueled memories of a preachers son?

Basically, if you enjoyed the book, I can't see why you wouldn't enjoy this film as well. It is well- acted, filled with emotion, and touches on the same emotional issues that the book delved into. Besides feeling a bit rushed in the end, "Heaven Is For Real" didn't leave me feeling like I was missing any key pieces of the story.

Of course, whether or not you believe in God and/or the Burpo's story is central to the emotional components of the film. I believe, and thus it perhaps has a more profound impact on me. I'm not without my doubts, but after reading the book and watching the movie I can't see why this would all just be "made up". But that's a bit off topic for this review. Regardless, one can criticize the subject matter if they wish, but I don't think the adaption/presentation deserves any of that criticism.

The bottom line? The story of the Burpo family is quite interesting no matter which way you look at it. It poses one of the great "what if" questions of the universe: what if you could prove that heaven exists? Would it change the way you lived your life? This film does an excellent job of posing those questions while also telling a tale of family, love, and friendship in the process.

Not religious or a believer, reviewing it strictly as a movie. It was pretty good, not cheesy at all (unlike probably every other Christian movie ever made with poor actors and annoying syrupy dialogues). Not suffused with proselytizing, thankfully, or overly emotional melodrama. Thought it was a sweet story and I enjoyed watching it as just that. Bad part, however, is how it normalizes bad, unhealthy eating and it was weird how the Pastor seemed to have nil concerns regarding their abysmal financial situation, most people would be a lot more distraught if they were $23K in debt. Not this family, they had no problems taking vacations and getaways, and towards the end, growing their family.

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)

Rating: 1.5/5 stars

One of the most manipulative, sugar-coated, kitschy, preachy, melodramatic, and utterly sensationalized films ever made on the Christian faith. And I don't say this because I'm an atheist or agnostic or something even remotely similar to a person who doesn't believe in God. I say this as a Christian who feels sick at the exasperating depths some sorry examples of filmmakers, writers, or other artists go to just to propagate their religious beliefs, and their incessant need to brainwash people into sharing their beliefs.

What's even more stupefying is the fact that millions of Christians not only revel in this manipulative drivel, but also, somehow, feel that such gibberish actually serves to strengthen their faith (just check out the box-office numbers of "Heaven is for Real"); like you need a poor excuse of a film to make you believe in something you already claim to show steadfast solidarity to.

I guess that as long as they are convinced that such inane and sensationalized pieces masquerading in the guise of art serve to brainwash others who don't share their faith, they'll keep choosing to not even apply an iota of basic common sense while viewing or reading such topics.

Or is it Heaven for the Christians? It's tough to sell to everyone just by definition. The concept is or should by familiar to everyone, whether they believe it or not. And the movie does take a few shots at it and the reaction people would obviously have if they were confronted with a "reality" like that.

All through the eyes of a child who seems to be saying all the right things at the right moments. Which brings issues into the family and the people close to the family. Acting wise this is really good and there are a few things that are a bit out there (a punching or two, screaming at God and some other things), that you might not expect. But it never gets out of hand completely. It's a movie for those who believe anyway, but has a nice speech by Greg towards the end that can be seen as uplifting.

I believe this movie (and book) to be an attempt to make money. There were just too many right things in the right place to be believable. Kind of like when you know it's too good to be true, or when you start to watch a movie and it's just way too predictable. Too many things just seemed to be strategically placed in to story to convince the reader or viewer of the story teller's viewpoint.

I did find it kind of ironic though that the boy saw a white horse with wings in his visions. I may be wrong, but didn't Mohammed ascended to heaven on a white winged horse? Maybe this movie is actually affirming the Koran and Muslims instead. Just saying...

Anyway, the movie was just plain boring. At least up until the point I turned it off.

This was a powerful and emotional movie. It's sad that so many hate-filled, lost and hopeless individuals left reviews simply because they are angry at life and are hollow and empty inside. The message of this movie would do them good. God is Hope and there is something beyond this life. So, quit being depressed and angry at the world and look at the bigger picture and accept God's love. Look into it it's everything...

I really enjoyed this sweet, small-scale film with a talented case led by Greg Kinnear! He disappears beautifully into the part of Pastor Todd Burpo, real-life father of the little boy who experienced heaven during an emergency operation. I also appreciated that this was not a typical Hollywood movie in that the focus was on life rather than death. The drama of how Faith and Love empower the human spirit was inspirational, and I left the theater feeling better than when I entered.

The young actor who played Todd's son, Colton Burpo, was absolutely perfect in the portrayal of the awesomeness of his experience combined with the everyday desires of a four- year-old. The look in his eyes, facial expressions, the way he walked were all spot on, and the scenes with his father were touching as the sharing of his experiences helped the dad renew his faith during a time of many obstacles.

Much more interesting than the film -- as a film -- is how cynical we have become as moviegoers. I'm as guilty as everyone else. But the film is so slowly paced (as Don Rickles likes to remark, "as exciting as a fly crawling up a drape") the mind wanders. It can't help it. But if there is nothing on screen to mesmerize it, it wanders. And the first place the mind wanders, while watching HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, is to a very cynical place (definitely NOT heaven) where it starts to wonder how such an unspectacular production merited such a big-name cast and director ... and such lavish cinematography .. and such a major studio...?

And as the mind continues to wander (because what is on-screen is still not that mesmerizing) it goes to an even darker place (yep, still not Heaven) and wonders if the real money and clout behind the production was the religious right ... and if the audience was intended to be the same market...?

Folks I don't have the answers. I can't tell you if the writer of the story really went to heaven or if the producers of this film had an agenda. I can tell you that, if you really really really lower your expectations, and allow for the slower pace, it's not bad. Not great, but not bad. There is a scene where the sister of the main character punches out two boys in the playground for poking fun at her brother. It is short and fast and by itself worth the price of admission.

Not heaven. But not bad either.

While the movie may be cute it doesn't show how this was debunked and he got his story over the course of many years with Q&A from his dad (who just happens to be a minister). It is sad that his dad is exploiting him like this. I thought the ninth was supposed to be important.

Now near death experiences have been highly test and 100% disproved by science, as have out of body experiences. This is just a story about a kid that hears things from his dad and connects dots to what he wants. I used to pretend when I was a child too, however we never made a movie out of my imaginary epics.

I'm very spiritual but not very religious. This movie does an excellent job of sharing important information about the very real issues that near death experiences (NDEs) bring up. All the NDE stories have certain similarities and a judgmental God is not part of them at all. Religion doesn't matter either. All that matters is love for one another. IMO.

Those last few sentences were preacher than this whole movie -- which is a very good thing. It is very tough to tell a spiritual story without being preachy, but this movie does it very well.

If you have the slightest interest, you will enjoy this movie. Is it perfect? No, nothing is, but this movie is pretty good.

8 out of 10 stars. Acting is good too. Kudos to all involved in the production.

Epilogue: There's an odd phenomena happening with any movie that is religious or potentially religious, like this film. They get a lot of 1-star ratings. I'm certain these come from zealots. Mostly, I suspect they are militant atheists who think belief in God is the root of all of mankind's problems. I'm talking about the disciples of Richard Dawkins here. I'll bet serious money that most of the 1-star reviewers never saw the movie.

With a movie like this one there is another potential source of 1-star reviews, fundamentalists who like their religious ideas literal and straight from the bible. Those folks will not like this movie at all. Real spirituality is complicated.

This is based upon a true story.

At 4-yrs of age Colton Burpo (Connor Corum) has a near death experience and later claims to have been in Heaven, and saw Jesus, Angels and some family members.

The movie opens with a young girl, about 12-yrs of age, painting an All Seeing Eye on a gray sky background. More about her later.

Colton's father Todd (Greg Kinnear) isn't sure what to make of all these allegations. Todd is a minister in a small town in Imperial, Nebraska and becomes confused with many things Colton says because he knows they are true and these are things Colton couldn't know at his young age. But, he wants to believe. His wife, Sonja (Kelly Reilly) demands that Todd focus on things happening now as she doesn't believe what Colton is saying. She has an immediate change of heart later on when she and Colton have a heart to heart. This is quite a scene.

However, the townspeople are upset and want this to go away and there is even talk of replacing Todd as their minister.

This movie is not Religion specific, but it is definitely a Christian movie talking about Jesus, Angels and the like. I couldn't help thinking that Atheists may have a change of heart or at least have questions after seeing this. That is, if they bother to view the movie.

I am sure there was more in the best selling book with the same title than we were told in the movie. Colton says Heaven is Real, it's just like here only better, and that everyone there is young. When Todd shows him some pictures of what some painters portray what Jesus looks like, Colton says Jesus doesn't look like any of the pictures he is shown.

But when Colton is shown a picture, on a computer screen, of Jesus painted by Akiane Kramarek, he says, "That's him. That's s what Jesus looks like." Akiane is that young girl mentioned above and she is a real person (I looked her up on Wikipedia) who says she was told, by Jesus when she was 4-yrs of age, to continue her painting of images in Heaven.

I found the acting performances to be okay, but gave slack to some because my focus was on what Colton saw and didn't care if some didn't give an Oscar Worthy performance. However, Connor Corum as Colton gives an outstanding performance as you come to believe he wasn't just acting, but was actually there in Heaven. He was that convincing. Kudos.

The cinematography was outstanding as it should be in a movie of this consequence. The photography was exceptional.

I don't know about you, but I plan to purchase a book of Akiane Kramarek's paintings. I want to see more of Heaven. Don't you? (7/10)

Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.

1st watched 5/2/2014 – 5 out of 10(Dir-Randall Wallace): Interesting yet simple exploration of a young boy's near death experience and it's effect of his father and the community around him. This is a cute movie that does make you think, but it's missing a punch to push it over the thumbs-up edge. The story revolves around the father, played by Greg Kinnear, who is a business owner, pastor, and volunteer firefighter for his community in a small town in Nebraska. After a family trip to Denver --- the son gets sick from a ruptured appendix and practically dies on the operating table but miraculously survives after much prayer. After his recovery, he begins revealing small doses of his encounters while on that table including seeing himself being worked on, and visits to heaven where he sees Jesus, his unborn sister and his great grandfather whom he's never met. The family and the church, despite their leanings towards the belief in the existence of heaven, start doubting the experience but their lives change in different ways due to the event. Although this is an interesting story and has good performances, especially by Kinnear, the movie leaves you with a kind of so-what feeling. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad movie and one of the few ventures into Christianity in the film world and into the religious complexities including the realities of life, but as a movie it kind of just lays there. Definitely a nice attempt at bringing the religion into the mainstream film world, but I personally am not sure that this media is the best place for this.

I read the book and really liked it, gave me plenty to think about. But in all honesty I couldn't imagine they would be able to make a good movie out of this. I was certain it would end up overly sentimental or artificial or that it simply would not live up to the book. However, they did it – hence the surprise. This movie IS the book brought to life on the big screen. The casting is superb. Greg Kinnear is the ideal father, Kelly Reilly is fine as the mom, and how they managed to find the perfect child to portray Colton Burpo is amazing. Connor Corwin is so natural and likable, he is wonderful in the role . This movie is not preachy. It does not tell the audience what to believe or not to believe. Like the book, it gives those of us who believe further evidence that we're on the right track. But for those in doubt, it gives you plenty to think about and leaves you with questions you must work out for yourself. It just might leave you with hope and the courage to think there might be something to this belief in Jesus and Heaven. All in all, this is a splendid movie and I'd recommend it, and the book, whole-heartedly.

"Heaven is for Real" is a rare film for these increasingly materialistic times. The timing for its theatrical release right on the feast of Easter could not be anything less than perfect.

The story is based on true events, as related in a book of the same title, written by the main character, Todd Burpo. Todd is hard-working Christian pastor who lives and serves in a small town in Nebraska with his young wife Sonja and two small kids, Cassie and Colton.

One day, four-year old Colton survives a very critical illness. Upon full recovery, Colton begins to relate that he has been to heaven, and actually sat on Jesus' lap. When the public gets wind of these stories though, they were met with derision and disdain. Todd Burpo had to conquer his own personal doubts, on top of his growing financial woes, familial stress and professional credibility.

The cast is effectively led by Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo and Kelly Reilly as his wife. Kinnear delivers a touching performance of the pastor who has to face the doubting public as he grapples with his own faith. Creditable supporting work were provided by Thomas Haden Church and Margo Martindale as the Burpo's neighbors and close friends. I am sure everyone will be totally charmed and enchanted by the adorable Connor Corum as Colton.

The title and its trailer does not hide what this movie is all about. This film is definitely only for a select sector of society, as it is about a matter of religious faith. Faith is about accepting mysteries and miracles which could not be proved or explained by limited human intelligence.

As it was depicted in the film, this type of topic will be met with a lot of negative skepticism, and this is expected. There will always be those who feel that the burden of proof lies on the believer. But of course, the believer will feel that they do not have to prove anything since his faith alone is enough.

For me, I thought this succeeded in inspiring people to reflect on their own lives and their lives after death. I do not think this is necessarily only for the Christian faithful, but to everyone whose mind is open to spirituality. The cinematic elements may be simple but the delivery of its message is powerful.