In recent years, there's been a mini trend of faith-based films concerned with proving the existence of heaven. Based on true stories, films such as "Heaven Is for Real" and "90 Minutes in Heaven" take up this task. Following on their heels is the Jennifer Garner-starring "Miracles From Heaven," based on an amazing — and weird — true story.
Garner is Christy Beam, mother to Anna (Kylie Rogers), who suffers from a debilitating, incurable intestinal disorder. After months in the hospital, one day Anna is playing with her sister, climbing a tree, when she falls, headfirst, 30 feet inside the dead tree trunk. She is stuck for hours.
When firefighters pull her out, not only is she unharmed, but she's miraculously cured.
Directed by Patricia Riggen ("The 33"), she brings to life the despair felt by the family during Anna's illness. Much of the film is centered around Christy's tireless search for a cure for Anna, who suffers greatly. Losing her faith, questioning why such a small kid is in such pain, Christy has a hard time recognizing the small miracles that occur every day during their ordeal — such as the kindness of a friendly waitress, Angela (Queen Latifah), who offers friendship when they need it most.
Riggen effectively creates a sense of how intimidating medical procedures are for a young kid, shooting many things from Anna's perspective. Rogers gives an impressive performance as Anna, struggling to maintain her sunny outlook while coping with pain and suffering.
In terms of religion, Riggen and writer Randy Brown, who adapted Christy Beam's book, emphasize the power of community offered by the Beams' church. But there are ups and downs to this tight-knit group, especially when some question Anna's ordeal.
While the film runs too long, and the heartstring tugging becomes overwrought, overall, the movie's melodrama is surprisingly effective, even for those of little faith. There are those who can choose to see it as unassailable evidence that heaven exists, but the film reaches beyond that audience and provides confirmation of the more human miracles that exist in everyday life, if you choose to see them.
