Conversations with God

Neale Donald Walsch, a bestselling writer and motivational speaker whose books are based on answers he's received from God to questions he's posed, is the central figure in Stephen Simon's sincere but lethargic biographical film. Portrayed (quite well) by Henry Czerny, Walsch slid into homelessness and despondency following a crippling accident, after which he heard the divine voice when he asked God for the reason behind his suffering. Walsch's decision to act as the deity's stenographer, so to speak, restores his mental health and, as a result of the unexpected success of his books, financial wellbeing too. But even though the script concentrates on Walsch, it's obviously intended to send the message that God speaks to everyone, so long as they're willing to listen, which is certainly a wonderful idea. Unfortunately, if one believes Conversations with God, what God has to say is pretty tepid stuff, a series of bromides that may be comforting but seem incredibly undemanding and more than a little New Age-y. Not recommended. (F. Swietek)