Heaven is For Real is a heart warming story that is fun for the whole family. Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine, As Good As It Gets) stars as Tod Burpo, a small town preacher whose son Colton falls ill and slips into a coma. When Colton awakens he describes first hand and through many scenes his visit to heaven. As the movie unfolds, Colton tells of meeting deceased family members, Jesus, and angels. He also recounts how he saw his father and mother while he was in the coma. At first everyone is mystified by his accounts. But soon tensions mount as Reverend Burpo seeks his own answers for his son's visit to heaven. When he can't find answers, he begins to question that part of his faith. The congregation is doubtful and his wife Sonja (Kelly Reilly (Flight, Eden Lake) even becomes frustrated with the Reverend's search. Heaven is for Real is a fact based movie about a little boy who visits heaven. This is a great family movie, but not necessarily a Christian movie. Though it points to God as creator, it does not tell the viewer how to get to heaven. For example, in one scene, Nancy Rawling asks Reverend Burpo whether or not he thinks her deceased son is in heaven. He explains that God loves everyone so much... leading to conclude that God's love brings us all to heaven.
Seek your own answers about heaven in the Bible, but definitely check out the fun in Heaven Is For Real.
God's Not Dead stars Josh Wheaton (Good Luck Charlie) as Shane Harper, a young college student with a moral dilemma. Professor Radisson, ( Kevin Sorbot: Hercules, Andomeda, Poolboy, Soul Surfer ) wants the entire class to write: "God is Dead", so the class can move on intelligently into the subject of philosophy. However, Shane a problem. As a Christian, he cannot commit to those three words. Professor Radisson makes it clear that anyone who does not write the words will fail the class. Shane makes a stand and the professor proposes a debate; the loser gets a failing grade. This is a lose / lose situation for Shane. Without missing a beat, Shane asks that the students decide the winner. Shane pours all of his efforts into the debate. It's not without cost. His girlfriend wants him to give in, friends think he's crazy, and the effort eclipses his other course work. With encouragement from Reverend Dave (David AR White: Revolution Road and The Encounter franchises) Shane begins to form an argument. Guest appearances from Duck Dynasty and Newsboys make this a christian star event. God's Not Dead is a great movie to help christian's muster up reasons for their hope and with lots of relevant discussion of scripture that encourages faith. It is a timely message for Christians, by Christians, about Christianity. God's Not Dead is rated PG. Be aware that there are scenes of confrontation, anger, and death that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
Bob Revere (Marshall R. Teague Armageddon, The Rock, Road House), is a former soldier and hero who fought in the Vietnam war. He is now the mayor of in a small town that is slowly becoming more secular.
Bob used to be passionate about service and a defender of the right to be an American. However, after the loss of his son during a battle against terrorists, he also lost his will to fight.
His grandson and daughter in law have moved in, trying to stay connected with their family. Even though his son's family is moving on, Bob's anguish keeps him distant, not wanting to be reminded of his loss.
It's Christmas and the town has decided to outlaw any religious reference to the meaning of Christmas and insists on using "holidays" to describe the season. So much is changing on Bob's watch since he lost his son and desire to fight for what is right.
Bob's grandson, Christian, (Hunter Gomez) is not easily put off by his distant grandfather. With or without his help, Christian is going to fight against the rules and stand up for the right to celebrate the true meaning of Christian and the rights of citizens to do so.
His challenge wakes up Bob, who begins to take action. He dusts off the Harely Davidson motor cycle, flies the flag and begins to exercise his rights as an American and Christian.
Last Ounce of Courage is rated PG. It does have war violence and war flashback scenes. There are also scenes of anguish as parents learn of the loss of their children.
However the movie does debate the hot topic of religion and government and helps the viewer ponder and decide their own decisions.
How will the town react? What will be the impact as lawyers and activists arrive, threatening legal action? Will Bob show love to his daughter in law and grandson?
Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins of John Carter, X-Men Origins: Wolverine) is a widow, who can't get over her husband's murder. The one thing she loved more than anything else is gone. There is nothing else to live for. While attempting to take her own life at the exact place her husband was shot, she sees a little girl struck by a hit and run drive. With no one around to help, Sam intervenes. She develops a protective relationship with the little girl and her brother. Through them, she is reacquainted with a childhood friend, "Papa" Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy, Seven Pounds, Underworld, 2 Fast 2 Furious). Papa Joe runs an organization for intercity children; he is the father they've never had. Together, he and the children show Sam that God has a purpose for her life. Can Sam learn to forgive her husband's killer, can she move on without her late husband, can she recognize the purpose God has for her life? Unconditional is rated PG-13. There are scenes of violence, ER situations, and attempted suicide. However, it is also a feel good, fact based story with great acting, riveting dialog, and a Christian message.
Mason (Patrick Davis) is in the system. A foster kid bounced from home to home and with a huge chip on his shoulder. It seems no matter where he ends up, it just never works out and it's definitely his fault. Now things are about to change. Mason is assigned to a tough, new family who really wants to make it work. Whatever Mason throws at this family, they just love him right back. Mason sneaks out at night, insults the family continuously, vandalizes the local hardware store, and on and on. Finally he is forced into group counseling. Now, about that love, it doesn't seem like things are going to work out after all. The love gets tougher and Mason is held accountable. It seems that everyone, the neighbors, fellow group counselees, the lady at the hardware store, EVERYONE, is turning the screws on Mason. Soon Mason begins to slowly change. The change is genuine, but the others just don't see it. Is it too late for Mason? Can his new family continue to show him Christs love? Watch for actors you know and love such as John Ratzenberger Robyn Lively and Eric Roberts. In the Name of God has a natural flow and story line. The acting and story are good and quite as you might expect from a movie featuring older foster children, the foster families and those with similar struggles and experience, while shying from bad language. This is a realistic family movie, but with mature content and some conflict. For that reason it is rated PG.
Bob Decker (Ryan Scharoun General Hospital, Mad TV) is a successful sports agent. Successful in business, successful in life, successful in manipulation. He had a great office, excellent view, and a Mercedes Benz convertible. He is so good that there is not a sports figure he cannot sign; or so he thinks. There's a hot new baseball phenom in small town USA. In fact, he is so hot, everyone has been trying to sign him and he turns them all down. Decker goes looking for him, convinced he's the man who can sign him. Fortune smiles on Decker and he not only finds this hot show short stop, but a long lost world class pitcher. Well, that's fortune for you. God's plans are something else. Decker soon discovers that there's more to life and more to success than the road paved by man. He soon learns that God is really in control, now all he has to do is accept it. A clever cast of both recognizable Hollywood and Christian fame actors help Decker see the world as God does. You'll recognize Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Casey Bond (Money Ball), Ashley Nicole Anderson (Grease: You're the One That I Want!), and a few others.
Does Decker sign one, two or any baseball heroes? Find out in Ring That Bell. Ring the Bell is a great family movie for all to see. It is heartfelt and inspiring. Though it has a PG rating, it is tame, calm, and doesn't approach adult situations. It's kind of like watching TV shows of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. There is no conflict, arguments, or controversy and everything pans out as it should.
