The St. Tammany Miracle

Julia (Soleil Moon Frye) has been hired to coach the girl's high school basketball team at a private Episcopal school. The previous coach, Father Thomas, in is charge of the school itself. Although he handpicked this former nationally recognized player to be his coach, he insists on telling her how to run her operations. This means conflict, at first, for Julia has her own fine ideas on how to coach the team. Gradually, Father Thomas learns to appreciate her plans and gives her a freer reign on the team. The results are outstanding. The young players begin to win game after game. Is it the power of God at work, for Julia is a committed Christian or is it her coaching abilities? Also, is Julia attracted to Father Thomas, a widower, or is she still in love with a hotshot sports announcer? This is a fine movie on three levels. One, it gives a wonderful look at talented young female basketball players and their athletic abilities. Two, it has a romance and a nice one at that. And, three, the film has a spiritual nature that is very rare in cinema these days. Frye is lovely and breathes natural talent while Father Thomas is attractive and compelling. The other actors, including the young girls, give very nice performances, too. The sets and costumes are quite adequate. If you want to show an uplifting film to young girls, here is the perfect choice. It scores excellent points for its story revolving around basketball, believing in oneself, and having faith in a higher power.

Alright, lets set one thing straight- Soliel Moon Frye(Punky Brewster) is NOT THE COACH!!! It's Julie Luner of Melrose Place "fame". From the lame inspirational themes to the even choppier love story in it, this movie was destined for the Wal-Mart $.99 bin. This movie is so artificial it makes saccharin part of the food group. It couldn't even be called 'predictable' because of the outrageous plot 'twists' are heavily forced. If you had the unfortunate experience of seeing this movie on late night religious TV, I feel bad for you- if you went out and bought then I feel really awful about your loss of money. This lame flick has a few of your washed up 80s/90s 'stars' and even an appearance by Steve Allen (who was never really that entertaining anyway regardless of his fame). NOTE to producers- 'famous' names do not a good movie make (even if one is probably your daughter). WWJD? Avoid this movie.

"The St. Tammany Miracle" is a sports film with every conceivable plot element you expect tossed into the mix...including a girl in a coma! It's not a bad movie, per se,...more a very predictable one.

The girls basketball team for St. Tammany Episcopal School had a horrible record the prior year...winning just two games. Now, with a new coach, the team seems to be improving tremendously. However, along the way all sorts of things occur...such as the school director hating the new coach's ways...and then falling in love with her. But when two of the players are involved in a drinking and driving accident, things look uncertain.

To me, this film just felt like they threw in every trope known to spots films. Now this doesn't mean it's a terrible film...but a very predictable one. Not bad...just not all that original.

One thing I DID like about the movie was the short cameo with Steve Allen. It was beautifully written and well executed. A bright spot in an otherwise okay film...one of the okayest films I've seen about sports.

OK...this is a movie, shot predominately in Shreveport, LA at Centenary College...obviously IMDb doesn't give enough credit, that tells two different stories. First, there is the story of a basketball team that struggles under former leadership and then thrives under their new coach...zone vs. man to man for those knowledgeable in "basketball". Second, there is the love triangle between Lootie, the new head master and the sports announcer. It is a Christian based film. The Shreveport locals behind the scenes did a great job putting this one together...they were responsible for the majority of the basketball/basketball training scenes...as well as the uniforms, and coaching techniques used. The producer and director did a great job putting the pieces together...and placing Hollywood greats in a position to make the film credible. Although, on this site none of the locals get any credit except for those that are registered actors.

Girls basketball is always interesting. It might have been a lot more interesting if Soleil (Julia - player, not coach) had not had breast reduction surgery... a lot more bouncing on the court, which might have added greater dimensions to the plot tension. :) It's funny all those girls in Hollyweird want breast enhancement, then when one gets naturally endowed, she wants the opposite. The same old story, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I wrote that, because you have to have ten lines of text or IMDb won't post it. Anyway, the plot synopsis says it's a Catholic school, when in fact it's an Episcopal school. Too bad the Episcopal church USA has gone totally apostate now, and is about to be kicked out of the World Anglican Communion. Typically you don't call Episcopal priests "father", which the Bible says you shouldn't do anyway... another one of those apostate catholic traditions. Enough bashing the churches, have fun watching the movie. +++