A Season for Miracles

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.

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.

This movie to me is so special that I can view it over and over and never get tired of it. It has become something I enjoy watching not only at Christmas but many times a year when I need a 'feel good' kind of movie. The actors do an amazing job of drawing you in and making you feel as if you are a part of the storyline. It is certainly worth buying if you have not taped it since it is one of the sweetest holiday movies I've seen in recent years. It is a family film showing the harsh side of life while giving hope that goodness can come out of a difficult struggle if you have the support and strength to get through it. My family and I will enjoy this movie for many years to come.

This movie is a favorite. An aunt strives to keep her niece and nephew together and are on the move at Christmas. Patty Duke is an angel. It's marvelous!

I've watched this movie over and over, and still love it. The story line is a little fantastical, totally in line with other holiday fare like "A miracle on 42nd street," but the dialog and characters are what really distinguish it. At least six of the cast have solid, deep characters with great dialog, integral to the story, which builds wonderfully and sparingly. Not an opportunity is lost for quaint, touching, moving lines (bring your tissues.) Yes, there are bad guys, but very much in the background, representative of an uncaring world. The focus here is on building family, and trust. Don't miss Mary Fogarty and Mary Louise Wilson as Agatha and Corinna, the ideal grandmothers.