When it comes to movies I tend to go for films in the horror, comedy or drama genre. I don’t usually go for movies about faith. It’s not that I don’t believe, its just that I tend to be more entertained when I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation or laughing so hard that tears come to my eyes.
Every now and then a movie with a religious undertone comes along that I do find truly entertaining. Such a film would be 90 Minutes in Heaven, which is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
The film has received rave reviews.
“Inspirational!” – Joey Leydon, Variety
“A powerful, intimate story of survival and faith.” – Movieguide®
90 Minutes in Heaven stars Hayden Christensen, Kate Bosworth, Dwight Yoakam, Michael W. Smith and Fred Thompson.
Fun Fact: Hayden Christensen played the role of Anakin Skywalker – Luke Skywalker’s father in the Star Wars movies. He later went on to be Darth Vadar. It’s funny to see Darth Vadar in such a gut-wrenching, powerful role.
90 Minutes in Heaven was shown in hundreds of theaters across the country (none local to me). Some readers might have already seen the film (I welcome those who saw the film to leave a comment about what you thought of the film).
90 Minutes in Heaven is based on the book by the same name about a minister named Don Piper. He’s a married man (married to Eva played by Kate Bosworth).
One day Don is involved in a horrific car accident. He is declared dead on the scene by rescue workers.
Once Don died he goes to heaven (he’s aware of the fact he’s in heaven). It’s a wonderful, peaceful place filled with love and joy. Sadly his time in heaven is cut short and he is lured back to Earth after another minister at the scene of the accident, prayed for him. One could only guess that it truly wasn’t his time.
Now a once happy Don is miserable and dealing with a lot of turmoil and excruciating pain. His road to recover is going to be a long and very painful one – both physically and emotionally. In a way he wishes they let him die so that he didn’t have to deal with such anguish.
Does Don eventually fight to recover or does he let his injuries get the best of him? To find out you need to get a copy of 90 Minutes in Heaven.
First and foremost I had a hard time with Hayden Christensen being cast in the role of Don Piper. I couldn’t help seeing Anakin Skywalker in every scene. Even though he’s older and sports a mustache in the film, I still saw Anakin Skywalker. I know that sounds silly, but that is the truth. I wish they had cast someone else in the role. I’m not saying Christensen did a bad job – he didn’t – it’s just that his past characters (Skywalker) threw me off from seeing him as another person/character. I’m sure some readers know what I mean.
Another casting choice that didn’t sit well with me was Dwight Yoakam. I could have done without the cowboy hat. LOL!
Kate Bosworth was a great casting choice. She really brought the emotion to the film. You really felt sorry for her and all she had to deal with after he husband’s accident. She really carries the film.
This film is a lot like Heaven is Real, which is the story about a young boy who dies and goes to heaven, only to come back to life and share his experience there with others. That film was more joyous and inspiring. 90 Minutes in Heaven more a bit too gloomy by comparison.
90 Minutes in Heaven is a good film, but it takes a while to get to the happy parts.
There are some bonus features worth checking out.
BLU-RAY™ AND DVD BONUS FEATURES
- Meet the Real Pipers — The Pipers discuss how faith in the midst of crisis brought their family together.
- The Making of 90 Minutes in Heaven — Stars Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth, along with the cast and crew, share their experiences in filming 90 Minutes in Heaven.
- Giving Films — Learn how Giving Films is giving back
To learn more about the film please visit www.90MinutesinHeaventheMovie.com. You can also check out the film on Facebook and Twitter.
Here is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in a any way.
DJ says
This sounds like it would be a great movie for my mom. It would be a nice holiday gift.