THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I have to tell you that I was one of those people who avoided the book for quite awhile. I was really cynical about the whole thing. I was like "Okay, this is a cute story with a four-year-old kid and now let's sell millions of books and get rich." But, I did read the book and you read the book and you do get a different feeling. Then, I went to your website which has this incredibly humble feeling to it. I know that I'm not the only cynical one, because I've talked to others. How did you deal with that kind of cynicism or wariness?
TODD BURPO
I think sometimes that people today, I don't know, I just think that there's just so much bad news out there that it's hard for us to believe something that's good. I was his dad and I was cynical. How embarrassing is that? That's the truth, though.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I love that you allow that to be portrayed.
TODD BURPO
I think we live in a world where we're trying to be cynical. I think God knew that's why the world needed a kid. A four-year-old doesn't have the cynicism. They're not contaminated. He just saw what he saw. I think it's the whole amazing fact that there's this child sitting down with adults and saying "Let me tell you what I saw." The Bible tells us to have a childlike faith. How much better is a child's faith and wonder than us old cynics?
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
How has this entire experience affected you? I mean, in terms of your ministry and your own faith journey?
TODD BURPO
I think it's that peace that I talked about. Peace is a powerful thing. When you have peace, you're bolder but you don't have to argue. There's a scene in the movie where I say to another character "You never have to apologize for a broken part that you carry." We know what it's like to not have peace and to question "God, you didn't do what I asked for here." I tell people all the time that faith is a struggle and if you keep taking those struggles to God that God does not give up on strugglers. I think that's one of the big messages of Heaven is for Real.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
So, what are you really hoping that people take from watching this film?
TODD BURPO
I think it's the "wow" factor that this is true. Just like you said, we come into it as a cynic. What if people walk out of that theater going "You know, I think God is real. Heaven is real, because God is real and God might care about me, too." I do believe that everything that Jesus did for Colton that he wants to do for everybody else. If we can just introduce some people to that possibility, it'll all be worth it.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I sometimes have wondered if we don't just completely surpass our own little miracles that are a lot like what Colton has experienced. I think maybe that's the great thing about Colton being four-years-old when all of this occurred. He did still possess that sense of wonder and awe and openness. As we grow up, it seems like we lose that and I sometimes wonder if we don't become blinded to the miracles that do surround us and we pass by those rich, faith-defining experiences that we so desperately want to have.
TODD BURPO
I think you're correct. Kids look at animals and they look at rainbows and they have a sense of wonder about them. As adults, we look at them and think "Oh, that's normal." I think that's why grandkids are such a wonderful thing. It's our second shot at enjoying life through our grandkids.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I want to be respectful of your time. Final question. Are you happy with the film?
TODD BURPO
We sat down as a family and talked about the film. My kids saw the film. Every one of us as we went around the family table said "We need to support this." To me, as a dad, regardless of what the critics say what really matters to me is what my kids say. Those are the critics who matter to me. Not only are we happy with the quality of the film, but I've seen audiences cry and cheer. Not only is this a high quality film, but I'm happy with the message of the film and happy that my kids can watch it and say "Dad, we need to support this." So, yes, I'm really happy with this film.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
Once again, I thank you for your time and I wish you the best as you move closer to the film's opening. I'll be praying for you and your family as you take this next journey with Heaven is for Real.
"Heaven is for Real" opens nationwide in theaters on April 16, 2014. The film stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Haden Church, Margo Martindale, Lane Styles, and newcomer Connor Corum as Colton Burpo. "Heaven is for Real" is directed by Randall Wallace, an Oscar nominee for Best Original Screenplay for "Braveheart." For more information, visit the "Heaven is for Real" Facebook page.
Interview by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
Copyright 2014