A Season for Miracles (1999)

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The acting is great and the characters are funny and you can't get enough of them, so it's the kind of movie that you can watch every year. Movies and T.V. shows so often make kids look dumb, but the kids in this one are the smartest characters. Despite that, they're in remedial classes at school, which may be a jab at our society's flawed and underfunded education system. Several of the characters come together to help them read at grade level. Since the setting is a small town (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?), the townspeople are very close and the sense of unity is slightly more important than the law. Thus, people let a little more slide and are not quick to press charges. As someone who lives in a small town, I know this to be true.

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.

I love this movie. It was very entertaining and heart-warming. It stars some of my favorite actors.The leads are Carla Gugino, who had done many wonderful things, and David Conrad of "Ghost Whisperer". They both do great jobs here. Conrad is gorgeous as well as a good actor who seems like such a nice guy.Besides the leads, many favorite stars play small parts, including Laura Dern, Lynn Redgrave, Faith Prince and Kathy Baker! What an amazing cast. And then to top it off, Patty Duke is the angel.Even if you don't believe in angels, which I don't, this is a nice Christmas movie with a few fantasy elements. It starts out a little slow and depressing, but like most Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, it gets much better as it goes along.Of course, a small town like the one in this movie doesn't exist anywhere except in movies and TV shows...but it's part of the nice fantasy of this movie.I enjoyed the movie and these people so much, I wish it were a regular weekly show so I could see more of their adventures.Suzanne Lanouehttp://[email protected]

Whenever I feel like I need a pick me up, this is the one that goes into the machine...love, love, love it...never go wrong if you enjoy miracles and you believe...click your heels 3 times....another one is "It's a Wonderful Life..." The Bishop's Wife, Christmas in Conn...it appears this website will not allow you to post your comments unless their are 10 lines, so I am just writing now to fill up those ten lines :-)So I am babbling on, but you will truly enjoy this movie. It has everything for the family. For the kids, the parents, the grandparents, heck, even the-in-laws. THe story is woven around a lovely young woman who takes her sister's children away from the authorities and want to bring them to a place where they can have a better life. Hopefully this is enough to post....