The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a wonderful movie! It is a moving story about a mother and son, who lose the father in a war. They must sell their pretty city home soon after this,and move from the boy's sweet grandparents.

They travel to live with an aunt on a farm, who is also struggling financially, because her husband has been reported as missing in action. Their adjustments are not easy, but a few situations are really hilarious!

Luke Ward-Wilkinson is Thomas in this movie. He does an outstanding performance and he is very likable. All of the actors do a wonderful job in their roles. Mr. Berenger, as Mr. Toomey, the woodcarver is really great! This heartwarming story shows how a sweet lad can melt the hearts of even the grumpiest, gloomiest people and how caring and love can change the lives of lonely people in a miraculous way. This movie has been very under-rated by some people. It's a Christmas story that everyone should see. It's full of surprises and it is a beautiful Christmas story!

Bill Clark, thank you for making this very special film. Please make more films like this one, that are non-rated, wholesome entertainment! May God richly Bless you, as you put his love into your future productions!

All shot in England...likely in studio sound stages. The surreal imagery added to the tale. The young kid was a bit too bratty at first after his dad died. I didn't know this was a British film until the kid messed up his American accent a few times. Would have been better if the reclusive wood carver had been a true hottie after he got all cleaned up and de-bearded(not depicted). A little bit of eye candy never hurts. The end was a let down as nothing really happened. I suppose the rapid transformation of the reclusive wood carver into a warm, sociable human being was the miracle. We needed to care more about the carver for the miracle to have more impact. His character wasn't developed enough to give us this......Worth watching once.

This under-advertised DVD movie is a gem. It is suitable for all ages, and will be most appreciated by children and mature watchers. The players are all just excellent and I especially liked the work of the director. This is a heartwarming and uplifting tale, something we all need these days! Set at Christmas-time, the story shows how kindness and a strong,loving spirit can break barriers of loss and loneliness. The young actor playing the role of the son is outstanding and Mr. Berenger's genuine portrayal of the lonely recluse is moving and heart-felt. I believe this rather short film could become a Christmas staple and hope others who watch it will agree.

It's ironic, but some of the best Christmas movies are those with a deep strain of melancholy under the surface. THE Christmas MIRACLE OF JOHNATHON TOOMEY is just that; a tale of loss and heartache, yet never losing the hope that is Christmas.

All the leads give excellent performances, the cinematography is solid, and the script, while not breaking any new ground, constantly draws us in. These are characters we come to like and root for!

What a nice warm and cozy film to watch around Christmas time. Tom Berenger plays the crusty Jonathan Toomey who lost his wife and young son through a tragic accident. Mr Toomey begrudgingly agrees with a recently widowed woman Susan McDowell (played by Joely Richardson) to let her 10 year old son Thomas (played by Luke Ward Wilkenson) watch Mr. Toomey carve out a replica wooden nativity scene that the young lad mistakenly left a family heirloom behind in a train station.

Gradually young Thomas wears down Jonathan Toomey's edgy personality and together young Thomas McDowell, the widower Susan McDowell and crusty Jonathan Toomey realize while meeting at Jonathan's home each night they begin carving out the wooden pieces of the nativity, that kindness and sharing in the true spirit of Christmas can brighten everyone's lives including people who have lost their most loved family members. It is a beautiful sad story with a happy and simple Christmas themed ending. We loved it.

Watch for a young girl named Celia who is smitten by the bereaving Thomass McDowell when he moves in to the country to live with his mom and his auntie. The young Celia is actually Saoirse Ronan who went on four years later to star in the rock em sock em action flick "Hanna"