Liked the first 'Mrs Miracle' film, while not loving it. It was charming, heart-warming and very easy to watch with a truly great Doris Roberts. Even if the pacing and dialogue not perfect and there was little original. So a nice film if one doesn't expect a classic. While follow ups don't always have good reputations, the second 'Mrs Miracle' film was watched anyway as Roberts returning was hard to resist and being a big lifelong fan of Christmas (and many festive films and specials).
This follow up turned out to be better than expected. Actially liked it a little more than the first film, with the same great things repeated and a couple of improvements along the way. It is not perfect or one of my favourite Christmas films by all means, but as far as festive follow ups/sequels go (very variable in quality) this fares quite favourably. It also compares favourably to the other recently seen Christmas films too, which was an interesting if uneven experience.
Shall gets the imperfections out of the way. Of course the story is predictable again, one knows what happens next a lot of the time. The too neat and abruptly introduced ending being a prime example.
What is also introduced out of nowhere and completely rushed through is the 180 character change for one character, meaning that the change wasn't believable. And it would have been if the change was gradual and if it was an ongoing conflict, not something that happens out of convenience. It is a touch slow in places perhaps too and the dialogue a bit cheesy early on.
A lot is good here though. Roberts once again radiates in charm and comic joy. Jewel Staite and Eric Johnson are also likeable, with a lovely natural chemistry, and Lauren Holly, while over the top at times, enjoys herself. Tom Butler does a nice job. The film looks decent, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. The Christmas atmosphere is handled charmingly and affectionately and the romance is genuinely sweet and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz.
Roberts' presence does lighten things up and avoids the film from getting over-serious. Despite the predictability, it has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and while not all the messaging succeeds it is well intended and has an honesty about it, also found it relatable. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much.
Nice film overall. 7/10.
