MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN (Patricia Riggen). 105 minutes. Opens Friday (March 18). See listing. Rating: NN
Here’s a pic based on a dying girl’s account of being saved by Jesus that cynics might write off as bogus. It’s the latest faith-based production from Affirm Films, whose Heaven Is For Real drew on a similar story about the afterlife that the little boy at its centre, Alex Malarkey, later recanted.
As a result, Christy Beam’s story of dealing with her daughter’s intestinal disease acknowledges our skepticism while persistently reminding us to keep the faith. Scenes in which Jennifer Garner’s Christy debates the merits of believing in Jesus sit awkwardly in her otherwise touching story. Her family’s struggle to find appropriate medical attention and adjust to the draining rhythms of the U.S. health care system is wrenching.
The kindness shown to them by average mortals is far more comforting than the stuff that involves bright lights. If only the film threw more of its weight behind believing in people.
