"What
better way for us to celebrate the Easter season! We're going to tell
everyone we know: Go see this movie! Regardless of your religious
beliefs, you'll be deeply inspired.” That's the ringing
endorsement of renowned Hollywood executive Mark Burnett (TV's
“Survivor” and History Channel's “The Bible”) after
previewing Columbia Pictures' faith-based drama, “Heaven Is For
Real.”
"It's
is an inspiring film that is a great first step for people who are on
the journey, and a great film to foster conversations with
unbelievers," concurred Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, The
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
Based
on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, “Heaven
Is For Real” brings to the screen the true story that has inspired
millions across the globe – that of a little boy’s extraordinary,
life-changing experience, and his father’s search for the courage
and conviction to share his son’s discovery with the world.
Academy
Award®-nominee Greg Kinnear (“Little Miss Sunshine”) stars as
Todd Burpo, a small-town businessman, volunteer firefighter and
pastor struggling to make ends meet in a tough year for his family.
After his bright young son Colton (Connor Corum) is rushed to the
hospital for emergency surgery, Todd and his wife Sonja (Kelly
Reilly) are overjoyed by his miraculous survival. But they are
wholly unprepared for what happens next -- Colton starts to
matter-of-factly recount what he says was an amazing journey to
heaven and back. As Colton innocently tells his parents details of
things he couldn't possibly know, Todd finds himself colliding
against a wall of mystery and doubt, until he breaks through to
rediscover hope, wonder and the strength of purpose.
At
the real-life Burpos' urging, “Heaven Is For Real” producer Joe
Roth joined together with T.D. Jakes, a popular pastor and spiritual
leader, to bring the project to the screen. Jakes, was moved by the
story’s demonstrated ability to make a difference to all who came
across it – from those seeking encouragement in their faith to
those just curious to know more.
“I
think anyone can relate to an ordinary family who is grappling with
the biggest questions,” Jakes says. “We’ve all known tragedy
and adversity -- and I think to see this family go through a crisis,
and find a place of real resolution, it helps others to believe
they’ll find their own place of resolution.”
Other
respected members of America's Christian community have also endorsed
the film, including Kenneth Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries,
who said, "I read Todd Burpo's book, `Heaven is for Real.' It
BLESSED me and brought the joy of hope alive to how bright our future
in Jesus really is. The movie did a sweet job of bringing that same
TRUTH to light that HEAVEN IS REAL!"
For
her part, Kim Dorr-Tilley, Associate Pastor of the Bel Air
Presbyterian Church, wrote "In this gifted and grace-filled
vision from filmmaker Randall Wallace, we experience what is
impossible and possible, where doubt and faith collide, where flawed
humans emerge as beloved children. This film allows all of us to
encounter and participate in a conversation hinged where life and
death meet."
"This
film opens the door to the reality of Heaven and the love of God.
Through the eyes of four-year Colton, we catch a glimpse of an
affectionate and caring God who calls us to an eternal community of
love and joy. The evidence for this is presented in a respectful way
that allows viewers to make their own judgments. It will be
encouraging to believers and potentially helpful for skeptics and
people 'sitting on the fence,” recommended Fr. Robert J. Spitzer,
S.J., Ph.D.
Meanwhile,
Angel Ruiz of Young Life Field Ministry testified, "`Heaven Is
For Real' is an incredibly powerful and refreshing account of a story
that resonates with an innate desire that we all have: to see Jesus.
I highly recommend this movie for the whole family!"
Finally,
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson of The United Methodists of North Texas
Conference, concluded, "It is a blessing to have `Heaven Is For
Real' in theatres nationwide. The masses of people need to see that
there is power in prayer and that there are modern-day miracles.
Colton's story confirms for even the most hardened atheist that there
is a God, and God is good!”
Opening
across the Philippines on Black Saturday, April 19, “Heaven is for
Real” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony
Pictures Releasing International.
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