Not many people got to see “Letters to God” when it was briefly in theaters back in April. I praised the film on TV and on-line, and actually heard from the film’s producer, David Nixon, who thanked me for my review and for helping to spread the word about the film. It’s now out on DVD, and so you have a chance to check it out. But first read this review:
“Letters to God” is inspired by the true story of a young boy named Tyler who is battling brain cancer. While his mother, brother, grandmother and best friend all hope and pray that Tyler will get better, Tyler starts a different type of praying: writing letters to God.
A substitute mailman named Brady starts collecting these letters and, at first, doesn’t know what to do with them. But a pastor convinces Brady that these letters ended-up in his hands for a reason and that he’ll figure it out. Brady has his own problems. He drinks too much and lost custody of his young son in a divorce.
Soon he and everyone else realize that because of these letters, God really does have a plan for Tyler and the people around him and they all start to believe.
“Letters to God” is a serious film, one that would never be made by a traditional Hollywood studio. There are several very sad scenes, but also uplifting ones. The film deals with a powerful topic: a kid with cancer, and deals with storylines that a true to life, including the jealousy of the brother, the hopelessness of the mother and the questioning of God. It’s clear that the writing team knew this subject very well.
The acting is solid and even though this is a smaller film, the look of “Letters to God” is impressive. It’s a movie that makes you think and believe that things happen for a reason and that everyone can make a difference. Personally, I know a family that has gone through a similar situation as the one in the movie. A lot of people do. This will really hit home for them.
“Letters to God” is rated PG for dramatic and emotional impact. It’s appropriate for older kids, but parents need to be aware of the subject matter and so they don’t simply take the family to this thinking it’s a cute, fun film about kids and God. It is not. And for those who have dealt with this problem in their lives the story may be too emotional.
And if you don’t enjoy religious films, this is not the movie for you either.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Letters to God” gets a B+. Have the tissues handy.