Des miracles en cadeau

Darcy Miller (Rachel Boston) is a reserved science nerd microbiologist. Her grant proposal is too scientific, too complicated, and she has no use for imagination. She is put together with writing professor Nathan Riley (Jesse Moss) to pump it up. A storm causes damage to the family storage and she finds a list from her late mother. It's a list of things that her mother wanted to give away to various people. She runs into Nathan who convinces her to finish her mother's list.

I love the concept but I don't buy these characters. I don't buy her as a closed off science nerd and I don't buy him as a free spirit zen master. She should at least wear some nerdy glasses and he should be wearing a hookah shell necklace. I also noticed something else. She's taller than him. They should talk to Tom Cruise about that. Otherwise, I like the premise of finding yourself in completing your mother's wish list. That has real power as long as it's done right. It's asking a lot for Hallmark.

Ms. Boston has turned in many enjoyable performances as the plucky, spunky, self assured, confident young woman (or angel) character. That changes with this film's character as a somewhat insecure woman embarking on a metaphysical and at times kinda schmaltzy journey of self discovery that ends well despite the male romantic lead being a dweeb. Well done, Rachel B.

2015 did see some good Hallmark films, as well as some bad ones and plenty in between. Had a good feeling that 'A Gift of Miracles' would work, with it having one of the most appealing and relatable-sounding premises of 2015's Hallmark batch and have always admired it when Hallmark tackle mature family themes (even when they don't always work). Rachel Boston is more watchable than she isn't and it was great to see 'West Side Story's' Rita Moreno again.

'A Gift of Miracles', regardless of its imperfections, is a lovely, sweet and well meaning film on the whole and a worthy Hallmark effort. Not one of the best Hallmark films of 2015, but closer to that extreme than the worst. There is also a lot to like in 'A Gift of Miracles' and it does a nice job with its premise and relatable family themes. It was refreshing too seeing as the previous 2015 Hallmark film seen ('Just the Way You Are' with Candace Cameron Bure) didn't do anything for me.

It isn't perfect, with it being too slow to begin with and occasionally too sappy in the latter stages (even for the premise).

Did find the ending too neat and convenient in how things are resolved, which seems to be very common with Hallmark. Would have liked to have seen more chemistry between Boston and Jesse Moss, it was not non existent but it did feel too low key.

However, a lot is good. Boston is charming and heartfelt as one of her more likeable and relatable characters (something that has been very hit and miss in her career), no signs of overplaying or going through the motions. Moss is endearingly geeky and quirky without becoming neurotic. Moreno is sincere in her supporting role, and Andrew Airlie is a solid presence. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with in easy to relate to situations.

Furthermore, it t is beautifully filmed and the scenery is stunning to look at. The music is not intrusive, and didn't feel too melodramatically loud, repetitive or too constant (all of which being common with Hallmark's music), actually found it very sensitive. The direction lets the drama breathe while not allowing it to drag. The script is sincere and mature without being too melodramatic or too serious, while not sugar coating. The same goes for the gentle, charming and moving story, which is not always as fleshed out as it could have been but the good intentions and sincerity were to be admired all the way through as was the relatability of the themes.

Very nice film all in all. 7/10.

Most Hallmark movies follow this formula - feel good fun until 1.5 hours and then conflict until it ends with a kiss. This movie had its own formula that made it more interesting. Further, I always like Rachel Boston; she makes a 6 movie into an 8.

Gave up within 10mins of watching this the first time round. Then out of curiosity gave it another shot. Yes, it looks like a TV movie, perhaps it even plays like a TV movie - but with several differences. A: it has a very professional look via some great cinematography (and shamefully appears to be uncredited!- this needs fixing IMDb) B: it's also well played within it's boundaries. C: The story has enough intriguing elements (science over spiritual destiny, coincidence, etc) - even though it may go a step over the mark with its final closer...but, that will depend on personal tastes, philosophies, and how relaxed you are at the time.

In the lead role (and associate producer) Rachel Boston works hard to deliver a believably warm performance and the script is quite good of it's type. As the father, Andrew Airlie is also convincing. Ex voice-over man Jess Moss tries hard (as the professor?). The music of prolific Genie award wining TV composer Lawrence Shragge, adds sensitive touches just where they're needed...complete with interesting orchestral arrangements. Also a surprise to see Rita Moreno (West Side Story) in a rare appearance.

Will be a little overly romanticized for some and too coy for others but if you're in the right mood for a warm and generally thoughtful story, or getting tired of being offended and sworn at by your TV, then you may not be all that disappointed. Certainly seen worse.