Heavens to Betsy

What happens after God suddenly grants every single wish one has prayed for over a lifetime? That's the premise of this charming, wise comedy, in which an aspiring children's book author and single woman named Betsy (Karen Lesiewicz) complains to the Lord that she has never received anything she's asked for. Stuck in a dead-end job and out oodles of money after turning to a swindling vanity press, a wits-end Betsy suddenly and miraculously finds that she is wealthy, successful, popular with child readers, looked after by personal assistants in her own mansion, and married to her eighth-grade crush. What's more, her late sister is alive and well, and ready for the loving relationship that Betsy has always wanted. As with other dreams-come-true scenarios, however, there turns out to be a price for perfection: you lose a part of yourself when life presents no challenges. Writer-director Robert Alaniz's faith-based film ultimately reminds viewers that life doesn't let any of us off easy, no matter how many wishes come true. Recommended. (T. Keogh)