RUTHERFORD ON FILM: 'Letters to God'
Faith and Trust Do Not Mean All Prayers Receive 'Yes' Answers
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Entertainment Editor
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Come grab a grip of some things often missed along life’s journey --- forgiveness, love, inspiration, and concern for others.
Loosely borrowed on the classic concept of the U.S. Postal Service dealing with “dead letters,” “Letters to God” celebrates the life of Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) , a ten year old boy suffering from cancer. Tyler’s found an unusual manner of self expression which will ultimately inspire others with the steadfastness of his faith and hope.
Although a mainstream Garry Marshall film, “Dear God” (1996) first introduced the premise of humans doing God’s work by “answering” letters sent to the deity, this Christian film tugs at your heartstrings as the writings of Tyler are not taken as “wish lists” but as the child’s prayers of thanksgiving and concern for other in his life, including a boy who bullies him.
Excellently filling the Christian family friendly niche, aside from the injection of a few brief prayerful and/or evangelical scenes, “Letters to God’s” acting, dramatics and directing favorably compare to similar mid-level Hollywood films in production values. However, a corporate attuned studio would likely have back away from confronting a religious concept often asked and seldom fully answered --- what do I say in the prayer and what if it doesn’t happen? Ironically, the release (and explanation) comes on the heels of the nation’s worst mining disaster in 40 years, where WV Governor Joe Manchin told a nationwide audience, “We did not get the miracle we prayed for.”
These film characters admit frustration in the “God’s will” or “Lord willing” aspect of prayer requests. They endure humanistic reactions to disappointment that the Guy Upstairs did not intervene. (Stick around for the credits for several eye opening blessings.) So, this cancer ridden journey has roller coaster moments, which depict that even faithful believers have moments of depression, sorrow and anger.
A nearly alcoholic and divorce beaten down mail carrier has the opportunity for the most significant life changers due to his pivotal decisions. His character illustrates how the choices of one person impact others --- and the results should not be measured by instantly gauged adjustments. Human nature means progress, retreat, and, depending upon the faith and support received on the journey, more struggles with the flawed human nature.
Warmly, “Letter to God” goes against the current norm emphasizing the value of group togetherness, not the stand concrete ‘I don’t need anyone but me’ attitude that has become a staple of the ‘me’ generation and the ‘do it all’ creed.
One of most touching scenes has the former bully, Tyler’s best friend and Tyler joining in a hand holding simple threesome prayer circle.
Tortures dealing with cancer in the family (childhood or no), the film demystifies the treatment process and the stresses brought on families and friends.
“Letters” touches, pulls out the tears, and challenges you to be so bold in the face of similar hardships with no easy answers… for either believers or non believers or those in between. Harbingers of "replacement" (for lack of a more suitable description) do succumb to the temptation to provide favorable closure (and recovery), rather than the horrendous condemnation of endless 'waiting' for something, or someone, to (borrowing from the Book of Job) experience favorable moving on restorations.