Letters to God: Movie Review

Last night I had the privilege of attending a pre-release screening for pastors and church leaders of the new movie, Letters to God which is set to be released nationwide on April 9, 2010. My husband and I drove to Knoxville, TN with our four girls. Ordinarily we do not attend movies at the theater because the content of most movies cannot be justified when you weigh it against the Word of God.

This movie was different. From the producers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof and inspired by a true story, Letters to God is a movie that will bring hope and light into the lives of everyone who watches it. The synopsis:

A heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, Letters to God is the story of what happens when one boy’s walk of faith crosses paths with one man’s search for meaning—the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.

Tyler Doherty  (Tanner Maguire) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy.  Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace.  To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal—Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis.

The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey S.S. Johnson), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life.  At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters.  Overtime he begins to form a friendship with the Doherty family – getting to know not just Tyler but his tough, tender yet overwhelmed mom (Robyn Lively), stalwart grandmother (Maree Cheatham) and teen brother Ben (Michael Christopher Bolten) — who are each trying to stand strong against the doubts that come with the chaotic turn their lives have taken.

Moved by Tyler’s courage, Brady realizes what he must do with the letters, a surprise decision that will transform his heart and uplift his newfound friends and community –in an exhilarating act of testament to the contagious effect of one boy’s unwavering faith against the odds.

Jesus told us that we should all have faith like a child. Tyler’s letters to God demonstrate how prayer can change lives. If you have been reading my articles for any length of time, you know how I like to encourage women to keep prayer journals and write out their prayers to God. This movie shows how when you write your prayers down and share your joys, cares, and concerns with God, miracles can happen.

The movie also featuers a wonderful organization, Give Kids the World, whose mission is bring children and their families hope when it seems there is none. I was excited to see one of my all-time favorite singers, Wintley Phipps with a cameo performance and his awe inspiring rendition of Amazing Grace in the movie. The music in Letters to God is simply wonderful. The soundtrack will be available at the end of March and features other well-known artists such as: Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, and Matthew West.

I had the opportunity to meet one of the producers for the movie, Kim Dawson, who shared stories with us about how prayer impacted the lives of non-Chrstian film crew members. Before beginning work each day, the crew gathered around for prayer, something that is almost never done in Hollywood.

I love the subtitle for the movie: Hope is Contagious. Hope really is contagious. Because when we share our faith – when we share our hope in Jesus with those around us, others are affected and lives are changed.

I am positive you will enjoy Letters to God as much as I did. It is a heart-felt, beautiful story, one you will never forget. Here is the Official Trailer for the movie: