La Saison des miracles

I've watched Hallmark films since I was a kid, and this is my most favorite. The plot, the acting, the sets, etc., are all way above average. I mean, look at the cast list!

I do believe writing this down has made me want to finally buy the very overpriced DVD so I can watch it whenever I like!

These days, I don't watch Hallmark films anymore. Not only do you need a subscription to get them, but they tend to be repetitive and pretty bland.

This is quite the touching movie about two kids whose lives have been pretty bad because of a drug addicted mom, and about their Aunt who tries to give them something better despite not having anything herself. It features an angel who interferes to help them short term. It's about doing what has to be done for the kids even if it is wrong. It's about forgiveness.

A viewer might question if the ends justify the means. For me that question takes a little away from this movie. Emily knew that her lies only shielded them temporarily. She did everything she could think of including loving and working hard. Only a real miracle provided by the writers of Hallmark could give Emily and the kids a future. It's miracles like these that we hope for when we watch these movies and we trust in Hallmark to provide them. This is what a Hallmark Christmas is all about.

Carla Gugino and David Conrad click together, even if the lie makes it hard for Emily to completely give her heart. Kathy Baker plays the part of the child services stereotype. She's able to act the part of blind adherence to rules without overplaying the part.

Many stories like this have come and gone since this movie was made in 1999. It's interesting to look back in time and see a Hallmark movie (before the channel) without so many of the overused tropes we see today even if the general story line is not new.

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 movie is a favorite. An aunt strives to keep her niece and nephew together and are on the move at Christmas. Patty Duke is an angel. It's marvelous!