Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 9+
Heavy-handed tearjerker about faith, death, and friendship.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sweet, tear-jerking drama deals with a dying boy who considers it his personal mission to spread his Christian beliefs to family, friends, and even strangers like his mail carrier. As with most faith-based films, families that aren't Christians may feel uncomfortable with the overt Evangelism highlighted in the movie, but if you don't mind a religiously- themed plot, then it's not a concern. What may be of concern is the fact that the child protagonist is dying and eventually passes away. But because of his strong faith in God and his afterlife in heaven, he is not afraid to die, and his death is portrayed gently and lovingly. There is no profanity, sexuality, or product placements, but there is some mention of alcoholism (specifically drinking and driving), the affects of divorce on a single parent, and a couple of brief scenes in which adults get quite upset and yell and/or trash their belongings. Overall, the message is to find faith even in the face of personal tragedy.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about facing death and personal tragedy. How does Tyler's optimism and personal faith help him through the last months of his life? How does his faith affect those around him?
- How are the consequences of Brady's drinking handled? How does his alcohol abuse take a toll on his life, and how does he change because of his belief in God?
- Why does Tyler's mother get upset at the mention of God? Why does she have trouble with the idea of faith? What changes her heart?
- Do you think this movie is worth seeing if you're not a Christian? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Tyler's faith is the ultimate message of this movie, which is the driving force of the story. His relationship with Brady, his postman, grows into something quite spiritual. Brady is basically "discipled" by Tyler, who considers it his greatest mission to share God's Good News with others. The consequences of drinking and driving are shown through the character of Brady, whose past alcohol abuse leads to divorce and losing custody of his son.
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Positive role models: Tyler is an almost unrealistically positive role model. He doesn't struggle or rage against his imminent death. He is certain of his love for God, his love for his family, his place in Heaven when he dies. He's brave in the face of sickness and death, and it's quite moving to see. His mother is loving and generous and selfless. Although she lets down her guard and shows her anger at having to eventually bury her son, she is extremely supportive and patient.
What to watch for
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Violence: No violence per se, but there are potentially disturbing scenes of a sick boy in a hospital bed or about to die. In one scene an upset man throws and kicks things around in his room, and in another scene a mother rages about having a dying son.
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Sex: The mail carrier and Tyler's mom flirt with each other and give each other longing looks.
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Language: Mild language includes "heck" and "stupid."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Brady discusses his past alcohol abuse and in one scene stares at a bottle of liquor. In flashbacks it's shown that he was in a DUI accident with his own son in the car.