L'enfant qui ne voulait pas mourir

Would have been nice to have it actually filmed in the UK. The hideous clipped accents were bad enough but the hospital which looked like something from a 50's film, the post vans and ambulances that were obvious North American. And the church, no that doesn't look like it's in the middle of a forest rather than London. Luckily there's some decent actors but I can certainly see why Americans have certain views of what like here is like when you have films like this.

Oh and the addition of Union Jacks everywhere to reinforce the fact you're in the UK doesn't work.

This is one of those feel-good Hallmark-style TV movies that is based on the true story of Marion Shergold and her son, Craig, who was plagued with a brain tumor. A leap of faith convinced them to launch a get-well campaign for the boy involving thousands of get-well cards, attempting to set a record for the most cards received for the Guiness Book of Records. Craig's will to live remains strong through the encouragement of the cards.

It's a perfect film for the entire audience, very family oriented and very heartfelt at times. The pacing and direction are well done and most of the characters were likable, with the exception of the father who showed indifference in finding a cure for Craig for some reason.

Much of the acting was OK, though there are some corny moments, including the part where Craig's older brother roots for their mom in the contest. I guess much of these made-for-TV movies have acting that is not really on par with motion picture films, but, this movie is still a pleasant viewing experience and will sure give you a tingly and chilly feeling of goodness.

Grade B

I really enjoyed this film. Although it isn't "oscar-worthy" it is a wonderful, delightful film about faith and hanging onto it. I felt the best attraction about this film was actor Peter Wingfield. He pretty much carried this film. Without his brilliant acting it wouldn't have been quite as good. It is a nice film overall to watch and enjoy.

A bit slow, but it makes you involved in the movie and care what happens to the people. It is a pretty good movie, and not alot of people have seen it, but its still a nice movie. Not award winning, obviously, but it is worth the watching if nothing better is out. SEE IT 5\10 average

When I learned the premise that The Miracle of the Cards is based on, that discovery was met with an inward groan. Here it is: a young boy with a brain tumor, not likely to survive, wants to break the Guinness Book of World Records count for receiving get-well cards. I was glad to see that the movie is based on a true story, at least, and not some urban legend or internet hoax.

The story is told mostly through flashbacks during a sceptical reporter's interviews with the young patient's parents. From the mother's nightmares of seeing her son in a coffin (which began before his first symptoms), to his hospitalization and diagnosis with a rare form of cancer and his pursuit of the record for most cards received, this sentimental story is worth watching IF you keep reminding yourself that it is based on a true story and that it's not a sappy takeoff on an urban legend / internet hoax.

Good production values, a few solid performances and what could have been a more compelling story line are unfortunately offset somewhat by a premise that has been defamed by internet hoaxes and by the length of the film at 89 minutes. Whether or not an hour and a half was needed to tell this story is debatable, but when a movie feels too long, it probably is.