Movie Review: “Heaven Bound”

Heaven Bound Movie

The timing for our watching this movie was impeccable! We were just discussing the “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Door-to-Door” evangelism in my class last Sunday. (Click here to listen to our lively discussion.) I had gotten on my soapbox about this particular approach to evangelism, so near the beginning of the movie, when the guy with the “Got Jesus” t-shirt knocked on a door and asked the owner, “If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity?” I thought, “Oh, great. Here we go…” But the homeowner’s response was NOT what I expected: I literally laughed out loud. 

Heaven Bound MovieThe new movie Heaven Bound is a delightfully-cheesy Christian comedy that surprisingly satisfies anyone who sticks with it long enough to get past the melodrama of the first few scenes. The plot centers around an extremely wealthy couple who—due to an unfortunate and highly-publicized mishap—are in the process of losing everything they own. Once the water and electricity are turned off, the couple considers trading their integrity for quick cash. In a “desperate times calls for desperate measures” moment, the couple and a close relative collaborate on what they think will be simple heist. What they don’t expect to find is themselves held hostage by the homeowner they were trying to rob! Since escape is not an option, they find themselves in the awkward position of doing whatever their “host” commands which leads to some pretty funny moments.

Heaven Bound: He Holds the Key to their Hearts. All they want is the key to the door.

The tone of the movie takes a few unexpected dramatic shifts which bring depth and complexity to the characters. Their once-united front of thievery begins to crumble as, one-by-one, the main characters find themselves wrestling with not only their decision to steal, but also recent personal choices which have negatively impacted those they love. The clear message of the movie emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships (with God and humanity), repentance, respect, and restoration.

Although the plot of Heaven Bound is fantastically absurd, in the end, you will most likely find yourself emotionally attached to at least one of the main characters. This is due in great part to the talented actors and actresses who star in it (including Michael Joiner, Nancy Stafford, Torry Martin, and Danny Vinson), and the amazing writing talent of Marshall Younger and Torry Martin who author the Focus on the Family series “Adventures in Odyssey.”

 4/5 Penguins for Family Friendliness

Do I recommend it? Yes! Heaven Bound is a light-hearted, wholesome movie with a serious message for people of all ages. I think it would especially be enjoyed by families of faith with children between the ages of 5-15.

Humor Warning: There are a few slightly-irreverent moments in the movie which provide a good laugh for those who are not too uptight about things like nativity sets, the welcome time at church, and Chick Tracts.

Official Preview of “Heaven Bound”

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