At The Movies

Heaven is for Real (2014), PG, 1 hr 39 min Franchise: Standalone (not part of a franchise) Tagline: Unlock the mystery. Believe the impossible. --- Main Cast Greg Kinnear – Todd Burpo Kelly Reilly – Sonja Burpo Connor Corum – Colton Burpo Margo Martindale – Nancy Rawling Thomas Haden Church – Jay Wilkins Lane Styles – Cassie Burpo --- Reviews Plot Summary Based on the bestselling book, Heaven is for Real tells the true story of a small-town pastor whose young son claims to have visited heaven during a near-death experience. As the boy shares details about things he couldn't possibly know, Todd Burpo wrestles with his own faith, public skepticism, and what it truly means to believe. Overview The film takes a heartfelt look at grief, belief, and the questions many people wrestle with when faced with the supernatural. It blends family drama with spiritual reflection and encourages viewers to explore their understanding of the afterlife. The performances are grounded and relatable, es...

Overview Son of God is kind of like a greatest-hits version of Jesus’ life, pulled together from The Bible miniseries and edited into a full-length movie. It was directed by Christopher Spencer and produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey—so it definitely leans into the faith-based, reverent tone. Diogo Morgado plays Jesus, and the film follows the familiar path: creation montage, Jesus’ ministry, His miracles, the clashes with religious leaders, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. It’s not a Hollywood blockbuster, and you can tell—it feels more like a really well-made church film than a cinematic epic. The storytelling is pretty straightforward and sticks closely to Scripture, which is a plus for many Christian viewers. But it can feel a little flat at times, and the pacing is uneven. Some scenes hit emotionally, especially during the Crucifixion, but others feel a bit rushed or overly dramatized. Visually, it tries to be epic, though a few of the CGI effects feel dated. Still, t...

Critical Review  The Chosen is a TV drama about Jesus’ life, told from the point of view of the people who met and followed Him. What’s cool is that it was one of the first shows funded by fans, which gave the creators freedom to tell the story their way. People really like it because the characters feel real and relatable, and the actors do a great job bringing them to life. The show’s storytelling feels fresh but still respectful. It doesn’t come off as preachy, and it really shows the human side of Jesus and everyone around Him. There’s a good mix of serious moments, humor, and warmth, so it’s easy for lots of people to enjoy. Even though it’s an indie project, the sets, costumes, and filming look really good. Jonathan Roumie shines as Jesus, and Shahar Isaac is great as Simon Peter. Other characters like Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus also get interesting stories that add more depth to the show. Sure, the writers take some creative liberties with the conversations and minor detai...