A Season for Miracles

Christmas fantasy about a down on her luck woman (Gugino) who kidnaps her crackhead sister's two small children to keep them out of the hands of DCF. She ends up in a small New England town where a guardian angel (Duke) sets up a series of simple events to protect the trio from harm. David Conrad plays a cop who falls for Gugino, and Lynn Redgrave is the judge who must determine the fate of the three when their secret is found out. Very low-key, with no fancy special effects. Filmed on limited sets, with an imposing stone angel statue hovering over all. This is a people story that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to dealing with the unpleasantries of the doped-up mom (Dern), who is is a criminal hospital while all this is going on. Great direction by Michael Pressman on what looks like a no-budget production. Highly recommended.

Emily's sister is out of control. A drug abuser and a resulting neglectful mother at times, she almost overdoses and ends up in the slammer. Emily has a good relationship with her sister's two children and is there to take care of them. However, she is between jobs and has no place to stay in Providence. The child welfare case worker wants, therefore, to take the children away from Emily. Alanna and J.T., the kids, are already traumatized by the whole situation to the point where J.T. will not utter a word. Emily makes a decision to escape with the children to another venue. On the way to nowhere, her car breaks down in the small city of Bethlehem. There, she and the children are treated with uncommon kindness, partly because of a case of mistaken identity. However, the city truly is capable of performing miracles. Will Emily and the children finally have a rewarding life all around? This wonderful film is a must for the holiday or any season. The actors are appealing, the script is beautiful, and all of the extras that make for superior film-making are present. A romance is always welcome and this one is, but the movie's attractions go far beyond that. If only Hollywood would make this kind of film at times! However, Hallmark is dedicated to giving us these incredible cinematic gifts and this one is one of the loveliest. Seek this one out without delay. As a companion to Miracle on 34th Street, this "Miracle" movie is topnotch.

I've watched this movie over and over, and still love it. The story line is a little fantastical, totally in line with other holiday fare like "A miracle on 42nd street," but the dialog and characters are what really distinguish it. At least six of the cast have solid, deep characters with great dialog, integral to the story, which builds wonderfully and sparingly. Not an opportunity is lost for quaint, touching, moving lines (bring your tissues.) Yes, there are bad guys, but very much in the background, representative of an uncaring world. The focus here is on building family, and trust. Don't miss Mary Fogarty and Mary Louise Wilson as Agatha and Corinna, the ideal grandmothers.

This is a wonderful film that, while taking place during the hoildays, is one that can be viewed at any time of the year and be thoroughly enjoyed. I have watched it many times since getting it last December. As with any Hallmark show, the production values are outstanding. Although based on a book by Marilyn Pappano, the teleplay far surpasses the original. All the changes simply made for a better story.

What a great cast of veteran performers - Patty Duke, Laura Dern, Faith Prince, Kathy Baker and Lynn Redgrave in a film stealing role as a judge. Each of the supporting roles are equally effective.

This is a film that could rival "It's A Wonderful Life" as a great holiday (or any time) entertainment.

Yesterday, a relative of mine switched on the Hallmark Channel to watch this movie. While feel-good films are harmless, I find they're often too heavy-handed, predictable, and sappy. So I braced myself.

There was no need to do so.

Alright, the plot is predictable, but in a comfortingly familiar way. The enjoyment lies not in guessing how the movie will end, but how the characters will reach their destinations. This isn't the sort of film to watch if you want an edgy thriller, after all! There are some cheesy moments (as expected from Hallmark), but the seriousness of the family's situation kept the story from being overly sentimental.

The characters are well played. They're likable and have a good sense of humor. The funny moments do much to keep the movie from taking itself too seriously. While the plot is not entirely believable, that does not stop the film from being enjoyable.

This is a film worth adding to the Christmas season watch list; the classic message of hope in the face of hardship is always relevant and is delivered in a touching, charming manner.