Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Ava-Grace Willis
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
Anoushka Slater
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
abbielouise-29990
Miracles do happen! This is a phenomenal film. There are lows and highs witch all made me cry. The cast were brilliant in there rolls and the film, the story behind it and the miracle of it all is something incredible and this film is a must watch!!
jacobs-greenwood
As a Christ follower, and one who enjoys uplifting and encouraging films, I'm always looking for faith-based movies to see. I've seen some good ones, but also (unfortunately) too many - though sincerely made - not so good ones. This one was not only highly rated on Netflix, but it features two well-known actresses (Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah) and a couple of recognizable character actors (Martin Lawrence and John Carroll Lynch) as well. So I thought I'd check it out.Firstly, I didn't know the story of the Beam family as told in the book which shares the film's title; it was a New York Times Bestseller written by a Texas mother named Christy Beam (Garner's character) a couple of years ago. I also didn't know it was about a young girl's claim that she went to Heaven and returned. This non- Biblical concept was exploited a few years earlier in a film I definitely avoided. So, I wouldn't have 'rented' this one if I'd have known in advance that it was going to promote the same heretical concept.However, since this part of the plot isn't revealed until late in the drama, I watched it unaware of what was going to happen, like anyone else unfamiliar with this purported true story.It's actually pretty good, for the most part. It realistically portrays the family's struggles through the hardships and inherent suffering when dealing with the torturous medical condition of one of their three daughters. Anna, played by Kylie Rogers, who is essentially terminal, though - unless I missed it - no doctor says anything like "she has 14 months to live".I certainly hope that there really are doctors like Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez), the busy specialist in Boston that treats Anna's condition(s). What a bright light of joy amidst such difficult circumstances. He's one of two characters - the other is played by Queen Latifah - that exhibit Christ-like behavior without explicitly being identified as having faith in Jesus.In fact, there are several other characters who profess to be Christians that espouse misguided Pharisaical beliefs: that Anna's condition is due to sin or a lack of faith in the Beam family. Fortunately, Christy's Pastor Scott (Lynch) later says to Christy: "Kevin (her husband, played by Henderson) told me what those ladies said to you, and ... I sure wish that I could give everybody a spiritual IQ test before they walk in the door."I'm really not sure if the mixed messages of these characterizations - in addition to Christy's inconsistent faith throughout - were intentional or just symptomatic of the flawed Prosperity Gospel to which producer TD Jakes subscribes.Finally, actress Garner didn't deliver the emotional depth that was required to carry the picture. This was surprising given that she also has three daughters and her director, Patricia Riggen (who ably conveyed the drama of The 33 (2015)), is the mother of a daughter herself.
Bill Sawyer
I really enjoyed this faith-based film. Unlike so many other faith-based movies it felt really authentic...I didn't get the sense at any point that I was being manipulated as the audience, or that it was presenting the world simplistically, as so many other faith-based movies do. This film isn't afraid to tackle the tough questions of life, or portray someone who is struggling with their faith. The ending is very moving and uplifting, whilst remaining true to just how difficult life can be.
krocheav
Having been initially wary of how well this film would play out - I ended up surprised at just how successfully it was handled. To begin with, it features a sterling performance by American Jenifer Garner. She absolutely shines in her difficult role as mother to young daughter Anna Beams. Anna's story could too easily be palmed off as clichéd but, being based on factual situations makes it considerably different from other movies with similar content. It tells of Anna's astounding life changing experiences while fighting off a rare, deadly digestive disorder. Young Kylie Rogers as Anna, proves herself to be quite a formidable star.The screenplay by Randy Brown is adapted from Christy Beam's (Anna's mother) factual book. Christy examines the many challenges and inspirational experiences shared by her daughter and family. Garner plays Christy, while New Zealand actor Martin Henderson ("Little Fish" '05) turns in good support as her husband. The family have all moved to live on his newly established Veterinary farm in Texas and are set to be sorely tested, emotionally and financially. Another noteworthy performance comes from multi-talented Eugenio Derbez, playing a highly interesting character who's based on real-life specialist Dr Samuel Nurko. Other cast members in supporting roles also execute their characterizations very well indeed. And, that surprising 'Tree' scene is rather unsettling.American based Peruvian cinematographer and director of photography Checco Varese (AKF: "The 33" in 2015) supplies a wide array of glorious visuals. These are accompanied by a worthy music score from veteran Roman composer Carlo Siliotto. The whole work is nicely tied together with great flare by talented Mexican director Patricia Riggen, who keeps this true story running at just the right tempo. Viewers with tendencies towards little or no faith, or those who maybe cynical towards situations involving the inexplicable - might find this movie could be wasted on them - however, no matter what your view, it is difficult to dispute the confirming evidence of documented medical records!. If your'e looking for a faith-lift based on actual events, then you won't be let down. Introducing the real-life characters over the final credits is a master touch. It's good to know this movie was so successful - it actually made a well deserved profit. It's certainly a refreshing break from the assorted porn masquerading as 'entertainment' on today's market. Congratulations all involved and Sony/Columbia.
