Miracle Run (2004)

Overrated

Best movie ever!

Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I felt that this movie was very believable. I have a 9-yr old autistic grandson whose behavior is very like that of the two young boys. The arm flapping and eye avoidance is perfectly normal for children with autism.I was glad to see the growth progression from 7 years of age to 14 years of age. These were fraternal twins who generally have different looks to go along with their different personalities. It was encouraging to see that these boys did pursue different opportunities from each other and though each opportunity was a challenge, they both were able to enjoy successes. It was also heart warming to see a mother so devoted to their education.It is indeed gratifying to see autism out in the open and portrayed truthfully as in this movie.

I saw this movie more times than I can think of right now. I learn something every time. Is uplifting, emotional, informative, eye opening, realistical and right on point with the reality that parents (Mama's) like me have to live with the struggle of searching still today 12 years after this movie first aired for our Autistic children to have the same type of consideration as normal developing kids. I have 2 kids. My son just turned 5 on the 5th of October '06 and he was diagnosed at the age of 2 years old as severely Autistic with no behavioral problems there were not many programs for him then and still aren't. A lot of Education Staff just thinks they have to be general and still fail to realize that Autism is very different from child to child. I have seen similarities on other children with my son but not one that is just like my son. In this movie I see how that is true even in twins. I LOVED and still LOVE this movie. There is much to learn about not giving up and how putting our kids needs #1 does DOES pay off. A lot of objections when we put our kids first from people that want everything to be the same and don't know how to react to a different family. Saddens me but is still the case. I cry when I saw this again here in NY last night. Is sad the speech at the end when he reads to his mom how he didn't know how to have friends. I had a second child because long before I learned that my son was Autistic he had no friends and trust me I literally through myself at people almost and everyewhere we went but not luck for him making friends. His sister is normal developing child, and a lot of people don't like to say "normal" but it is what it is. My 2 kids are very close and love one another. She's brought out a lot of good socializing qualities in her brother. He is a sweet, gentle, quiet, loving, caring, concerned and did I say sweet boy. He began talking after being very sick and hospitalized on Thanksgiving of 2005. I hope everyone gets to see this movie learns that Autistic kids aren't crazy, they are just Autistic. Is heartbreaking in many ways but for me and my little girl is been a blessing in more ways. My son has actually taught us to appreciate the smallest of things. What we see, hear, feel, touch, and hugs and hugs and love. I thank God everyday for my two kids, my sweet loving little family-my Sunshine kids. Without them there is never sun in my life.Honstly, Martha Cabrera www.parenttalkusa.com

The subject is autism, something most of us know absolutely nothing about. This movie focuses on Steven (played by Zac Efron, so good in High School Musical). In the climax, Steven is motivated to run cross country, but the coach is reluctant to let him compete, because he always seems to lose his way on the course. Clueless Douglas asks, "why don't you just follow the others?"I have always been a fan of Mary-Louise Parker. She is a good actress, and has that cute movement of her nose as she speaks. |Here she is mom, Corrine Morgan-Thomas, who ends up fighting hard for proper treatment of those who are autistic.SPOILERS. During the race, which Steven almost doesn't start because he saw a girl he liked with another boy, we learn why he couldn't follow the other runners. He was so fast that he was always out front. |He catches up and gets in the lead, guided by red ribbons nailed to trees. He wins and sets a new course record (for that age group, I presume). Then, as the movie ends, we see him delivering a short speech regarding autism.

'Miracle Run' is the name of the foundation to benefit Autistic youth. The movie is based on the true story of Corrine Morgan (Mary Louise Parker), a single mother who fought for her twins sons to remain in public school rather than being educated by the state in a mental health facility simply because they were autistic. These boys, Steven and Phillip, are the center of our story, as high performing autistic boys (and later teenagers in the latter half), who prove to be quite successful and talented young men, despite being autistic. We see that growing up, the boys had much difficulty when they were younger. Steven wouldn't speak. Phillip mimicked everyone. But the mother works with her son as well as a specialty teacher sent from the school board to tutor the boys. And soon enough, Phillip and Steven develop into capable and successful young men. As Steven says during his presentation at the Miracle Run benefit in the finale, "If it wasn't for our mother's love, my brother and I wouldn't be here today."Miracle Run was made as a promotion of the rights for autistic children. The film lets you know that some 50 parents should expect their children to be autistic (I forget what the exact figure is of children diagnosed with the disability), but that these children should still be entitled to the same rights and privileges as everyone else (I assume that this movie is largely pointing to the right to an education). The disability shouldn't define them. It is, in some respect, you're average Lifetime TV production about the single mother fighting for her children's well being. This movie is quite similar to the 1990 Linda Hamilton movie, 'Go Towards the Life,' which was about the true story of a mother fighting for the rights of her sons who were diagnosed with AIDs. The characters are quite similar, as well as the general thrust of the story. But nonetheless, there is something quite nice about this particular film, aside from the significance of its message about Autism. I think in large part, the film worked as well as it did due to a good cast. Mary Louise Parker is the endearing mother, Claire. Adian Quinn is her charismatic boyfriend and support, Doug. Even the young actors did a good job of portraying Autistic children (Steven and Phillip were not impaired to the same degree that say Leonardo DiCaprio's character was in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape). It is an enjoyable little movie and worth watching. If for nothing else, it persuades parents of autistic children not to give up on them.