Heaven Is for Real - B

Rated PG, 100 minutes

Heartwarming "Heaven Is for Real" inspires and connects

There has seemingly been a recent flood of faith-based feature films lately, including "Son of God," "God's Not Dead" and even the recent "Noah," and while you can add the affecting, two-hanky, new family film "Heaven Is for Real" to that list, though its story is a bit different. Directed by "Braveheart's" screenwriter Randall Wallace and based on the best-selling book of the same name, "Heaven Is for Real" is about a real-life Nebraska pastor (Greg Kinnear) whose 4-year old son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum in a memorable debut performance) has a near-death experience. Colton's near-death experience takes him to Heaven, and his recounts of details that were impossible for him to know beforehand challenges the faith of those around him, particularly his father. "Heaven Is for Real" is a clean, perfectly acceptable and often touching family film that strikes a better balance between solid storytelling and message than most Christian films lately ("God's Not Dead" looking at you). On that note, it's also a great example of how a mainstream Christian film can actually be serviceable by focusing on the story and not letting its message browbeat its audience to death. Heartwarming and well-acted, particularly from Kinnear, it's occasionally simplistic with visions of Heaven a little on the cheesy side, though you can't help but enjoy the childlike innocence of Colton, so beautifully portrayed by the immensely huggable Corum, who should have a future in films with such a cute face. I'm also glad one of my favorite character actresses, the always-funny Margo Martindale, is around to lend a hand and a quip or two. The pleasant "Heaven Is for Real" isn't perfect and isn't likely to garner superhero-like box-office, but it's far more likable and approachable than some recent Christian fare and makes you believe there is still goodness in film. Favorite scene: when Colton's sister Cassie (played by Lane Styles), forcefully decks a couple of bullies for making fun of her brother.

Wes's Grade: B