Il miracolo di Natale di Maggie

A seemingly odd Christmas movie in that there is not a lot of Hallmark's typical Christmas branding in this story. However, true to most Hallmark movies, the storyline becomes pretty predictable early in the movie. Some may object to the story including several mentions of "God" throughout the movie but I personally think it adds that bit of realism needed in this story. From the opening scenes to the closing scenes, you have to keep in mind that this a Christmas story that has a pleasant Hallmark ending!

It should be noted that this is a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Movie. Hallmark advertises these as more serious and not as lighthearted as the classic Hallmark Channel movies. The cast was better than some of the Hallmark movies I've watched in the past - Hallmark has a habit of reusing many of their actors and actresses and while this is sometimes endearing (Candace Cameron Bure, Catherine Bell), sometimes it's like nails on a chalkboard (Erin Krakow, Alicia Witt) where they shoehorn one of their favorites into movies that they don't fit, just because they've worked with them in the past - in spite of what fans vocally prefer. I didn't find that to be the case here. I was only familiar with Luke MacFarlane's past movies and he fit this role nicely. The other lead who played Maggie seemed to be a nice mix of overbearing cynic meets slowly awakening optimist.

I've never read the book, but this was such a sweet movie. The thread of healing and hope that tied it all together made for an uplifting theme. This movie had more religious aspects than the typical Hallmark stories, which I appreciated. It was refreshing that a Christmas movie actually acknowledge the reason for the season. And even if this plot point wasn't exactly front and center, I loved that it was woven throughout and tied together. I'm optimistic Hallmark will continue to expand on this type of movie for the future Christmas seasons.

This is a sweet Hallmark movie. (Aren't they all?!) I enjoyed all the main characters. The storyline was different, however, the ending was predictable. I was pleasantly surprised by the mention of God in this movie. God is the reason for the Christmas season, but I know Hallmark has chosen to largely move away from religious fare. I'm glad there's at least one 2017 Hallmark movie that still mentions God.

For Hallmark movies, this one was especially poignant and not simply sappy. Really liked the ending, though I could tell that was coming. Well acted. It's a keeper.

My first Luke Macfarlane Christmas film of the season and it's a good one. He is just so gorgeous and lovely in everything he does. I love his interaction here with the child character, Jordan, who is a very cool, but geeky kid.

I like the idea of the miracle and the story is just another nice romance.

I think the stories work better when there is a kid to get excited about the season. Christmas is always more enjoyable when there are kids around and you can experience it through their eyes. I hate that I'm a grown up now and even my youngest nephew is 15 and has little interest in the Christmas spirit that these films exude.

I can't wait to watch the next Luke film.