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Earlier this year, I spent quite a bit of time reviewing many of the films that were scheduled to be released this year. I even went so far as to narrow that list down to the top 20 films of 2014. Because I write and review films nearly every week, I like to stay apprised of the latest trends. Son of God, Noah, God’s Not Dead, and now Heaven is for Real, have all proven that American audiences want to see more faith-based films. But more than just a trend, audiences are demonstrating their affinity towards these films at the box office.
Just in time for Easter weekend, Sony released Heaven is for Real, a film based on the #1 best-selling book detailing the story of a young boy named Colton Burpo (Connor Corum), who describes his visit to Heaven during a near-death experience. This riveting and inspirational film follows the Burpo family as they explore the impact of such a life-changing experience, not only on their faith, but in their community. During a recent press conference, we sat down with Greg Kinnear (who portrays Colton’s father) to discuss how he became involved with the project, how he prepared for his role as Todd Burpo, and his thoughts on the reality of an afterlife.
Due to the intimate nature of the story, it was important for Kinnear to spend some time getting to know Todd Burpo. Via Skype, the two discussed any questions Kinnear had, candidly and openly. “I instantly had a sense that he was a man of extremely strong conviction,” Kinnear recalls. This is a guy “who has a ferocious love of his children – a very protective father.” Kinnear depicts this love between Burpo and Corum authentically and I could relate to that instinctive desire to be protective over his son.
Kinnear’s affinity for the film, specifically the role of Todd Burpo, arose out of a prior working relationship with director Randall Wallace, specifically We Were Soldiers. Kinnear admits that he neither read nor was familiar with the story, but esteemed Wallace as “an excellent writer and director.” Once Kinnear heard the Burpos’ story, his interest was piqued. “The movie is very fascinating in its exploration of Todd as a pastor with his own struggles and questions [along with] the uncertainty of what he was dealing with.” While I didn’t have time to read the book prior to screening the film, I concur with Kinnear’s perception that Wallace gives audiences ” a real front row seat as to how it must have felt…to see the experience of this family when this young boy comes this close to death and comes back with this news.”
Many people who claim faith go through a time of internal conflict, and Heaven is for Real offers a raw and honest account of that personal turmoil. Audiences see a pastor and a father who loves God, his family, and his church, but has questions about his faith and struggles deeply over his son’s other-worldly experience. This depiction of a man who is imperfect makes Burpo relatable and inspires a type of deep introspection.
While Kinnear would not definitively comment on his believe in an afterlife, he purports that the script did a nice job of giving audiences a window into the Burpo’s story, “regardless of where you’re at on the spectrum of spirituality.”
Whatever your feelings on the afterlife, I think this film captures the beauty that is all around us through the eyes of this little boy and what he is seeing – Greg Kinnear
Heaven is for Real is now in theaters nationwide.
Images: Sony
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