A Season for Miracles

Christmas fantasy about a down on her luck woman (Gugino) who kidnaps her crackhead sister's two small children to keep them out of the hands of DCF. She ends up in a small New England town where a guardian angel (Duke) sets up a series of simple events to protect the trio from harm. David Conrad plays a cop who falls for Gugino, and Lynn Redgrave is the judge who must determine the fate of the three when their secret is found out. Very low-key, with no fancy special effects. Filmed on limited sets, with an imposing stone angel statue hovering over all. This is a people story that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to dealing with the unpleasantries of the doped-up mom (Dern), who is is a criminal hospital while all this is going on. Great direction by Michael Pressman on what looks like a no-budget production. Highly recommended.

Yesterday, a relative of mine switched on the Hallmark Channel to watch this movie. While feel-good films are harmless, I find they're often too heavy-handed, predictable, and sappy. So I braced myself.

There was no need to do so.

Alright, the plot is predictable, but in a comfortingly familiar way. The enjoyment lies not in guessing how the movie will end, but how the characters will reach their destinations. This isn't the sort of film to watch if you want an edgy thriller, after all! There are some cheesy moments (as expected from Hallmark), but the seriousness of the family's situation kept the story from being overly sentimental.

The characters are well played. They're likable and have a good sense of humor. The funny moments do much to keep the movie from taking itself too seriously. While the plot is not entirely believable, that does not stop the film from being enjoyable.

This is a film worth adding to the Christmas season watch list; the classic message of hope in the face of hardship is always relevant and is delivered in a touching, charming manner.

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.

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.

I really enjoyed this movie. I ordered it online the next day, I wish I had taped it. The movie is in many ways a feel-good holiday movie, but the acting was outstanding by all. Carla Gugino especially did a fabulous job. The only complaint I have about this movie is about the ending. It seemed like everything was wrapped up in the last five minutes, and while I know the movie had to have a happy ending, it was an unrealistic one. But overall, this was a very good drama, I highly recommend it.