Grade: C-
Director: David Nixon (assistant director of Fireproof)
Writers: Patrick Doughtie, Art D’Alessandro, Thrift Douglas and Cullen Douglas
Starring: Tanner Maguire as Tyler Doherty, Robin Lively as Maddy Doherty, Jeffrey Johnson as Brady McDaniels and Bailee Madison as Sam Perryfield
Wow.
There’s not much else to say after watching Letters to God. I went into the film, which I conveniently found on Watch Instantly on Netflix, not expecting a whole lot as far as a first-class production. My expectations were met, but that doesn’t mean that this is not a first class story.
Tyler Doherty (Maguire) is an 8-year old little boy that is dealing with something not many kids deal with at his age: cancer. His head is bald because of the chemotherapy and he struggles to stay healthy. One thing he finds joy in is writing letters to God. His mailman takes them to the mail station and gives them to the supervisor. The mailman is given an extended vacation, causing Brady McDaniels (Johnson) to pick up the route. McDaniels is an alcoholic who is late for his first day by a couple hours and suffers through the route, being bit by Mrs. Baker’s bog and receiving the “letters to God,” becoming perplexed by them. As he continues on the route, he learns more about the Doherty family, Tyler, his mother Maddy (Lively) and Tyler’s brother Ben (Michael Bolten), and the rest of the neighborhood. Throughout this ordeal, Tyler finds other solace in playing with his friend Sam (Madison). As the treatments continue and Tyler’s prognosis fluctuates, everyone in the story has their faith tested in some way.
I cried at two points at the least. Tyler and his story is loosely based on screenwriter Patrick Doughtie’s son Tyler, and to see that story come to life hit me in a way that I’ve only been hit in other films that made me cry. I’m man enough to admit it. Certain scenes touched me. The faith that Tyler had in the situation is a faith we should all have. I don’t want to say too much because I want you to see and experience the movie for yourself, whether you are a Christian or not.
Of course God is mentioned several times. Christianity is one of the central focuses. If that bothers you too much, then don’t bother seeing it. But if you want to see something uplifting and not-so-good filmmaking does not bother you, then watch this movie. The acting was not good and the script was a bit weak and formulaic. I will say that Bailee Madison is absolutely adorable. I hope my daughter (if I ever have one) is like her in this movie.
The thing that makes this movie stand apart is its message. It speaks to anyone who is open to listening to it. Letters to God is a special film, inspired by God himself I’m sure. About Letters to God, Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gielberman wrote, “There are so many characters basing their actions on what Jesus would do that Jesus just about deserves a co-screenwriting credit.” If I were the filmmakers, that would be a high compliment. As a potential Christian filmmaker, I would be complimented.
