A Gift of Miracles

source: A Gift of Miracles

2015 did see some good Hallmark films, as well as some bad ones and plenty in between. Had a good feeling that 'A Gift of Miracles' would work, with it having one of the most appealing and relatable-sounding premises of 2015's Hallmark batch and have always admired it when Hallmark tackle mature family themes (even when they don't always work). Rachel Boston is more watchable than she isn't and it was great to see 'West Side Story's' Rita Moreno again. 'A Gift of Miracles', regardless of its imperfections, is a lovely, sweet and well meaning film on the whole and a worthy Hallmark effort. Not one of the best Hallmark films of 2015, but closer to that extreme than the worst. There is also a lot to like in 'A Gift of Miracles' and it does a nice job with its premise and relatable family themes. It was refreshing too seeing as the previous 2015 Hallmark film seen ('Just the Way You Are' with Candace Cameron Bure) didn't do anything for me. It isn't perfect, with it being too slow to begin with and occasionally too sappy in the latter stages (even for the premise). Did find the ending too neat and convenient in how things are resolved, which seems to be very common with Hallmark. Would have liked to have seen more chemistry between Boston and Jesse Moss, it was not non existent but it did feel too low key. However, a lot is good. Boston is charming and heartfelt as one of her more likeable and relatable characters (something that has been very hit and miss in her career), no signs of overplaying or going through the motions. Moss is endearingly geeky and quirky without becoming neurotic. Moreno is sincere in her supporting role, and Andrew Airlie is a solid presence. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with in easy to relate to situations. Furthermore, it t is beautifully filmed and the scenery is stunning to look at. The music is not intrusive, and didn't feel too melodramatically loud, repetitive or too constant (all of which being common with Hallmark's music), actually found it very sensitive. The direction lets the drama breathe while not allowing it to drag. The script is sincere and mature without being too melodramatic or too serious, while not sugar coating. The same goes for the gentle, charming and moving story, which is not always as fleshed out as it could have been but the good intentions and sincerity were to be admired all the way through as was the relatability of the themes. Very nice film all in all. 7/10.

Moviecut—A Gift of Miracles

source: A Gift of Miracles

I read the review made by krocheav and I believe the reviewer was describing an 8/10 movie. Indeed, its unique elements of: (1) a loved one, a mother in this case, from the afterlife looking out for her baby girl; (2) by putting in motion a series of extraordinary events and circumstances that would drive a statistician crazy; (3) one of which is for the daughter to complete a list her mother made before she died in an accident; and (4) that all come neatly together for closure, catharsis, fulfillment and love, make for something new in Hallmark's library of often recycled, rehashed and derivative scripts. The two leads and the supporting cast were fine. Sure, there's the usual trope of a single woman always being set up by a zealous friend and/or relative, and the clichéd "perfect" ending, but this movie's assured, unhurried pace, the way it was shot, enabled it to rise above Hallmark's seasonal average. And then there's Rita Moreno. Her turn here could have been maudlin. Or worse, laid on thick. But no. She was restrained, a portrait of a mother who had grieved over the loss of her only son, but did not let her grief take over and destroy her life, and who, over the years had come to terms with it. I watched that revelation scene several times and each time I'm reaffirmed in my sincere belief that I was watching a superior actress work her magic. Rita Moreno deserves a movie worthy of her talents. Rita Moreno lifts A Gift of Miracles and makes it great.

Darcy Miller (Rachel Boston) is a reserved science nerd microbiologist. Her grant proposal is too scientific, too complicated, and she has no use for imagination. She is put together with writing professor Nathan Riley (Jesse Moss) to pump it up. A storm causes damage to the family storage and she finds a list from her late mother. It's a list of things that her mother wanted to give away to various people. She runs into Nathan who convinces her to finish her mother's list. I love the concept but I don't buy these characters. I don't buy her as a closed off science nerd and I don't buy him as a free spirit zen master. She should at least wear some nerdy glasses and he should be wearing a hookah shell necklace. I also noticed something else. She's taller than him. They should talk to Tom Cruise about that. Otherwise, I like the premise of finding yourself in completing your mother's wish list. That has real power as long as it's done right. It's asking a lot for Hallmark.

I originally started watching this movie because Rachel Boston is delightful in most Hallmark movies. Her performance is no different in this one but Jesse Moss totally blew me away. I looked him up following this movie and realized that I had seen his work previously, he just hadn't stood out to me until now. Here he plays a geek who isn't socially awkward and who seems close to his mom without being a Mama's boy. It was quite refreshing. I loved the banter between these actors. Its a lovely movie.

I liked the movie, brings a suspense to the next development of the clues in the book. The characters are funcional and real well chosen. The story of the movie is really nice and emotional. I like these kinda of stories.

Loved this movie, I found it to be very deep and spiritual. I could watch it again and again and get something new out of it each time. I loved the dialogue. I think it was well written and the acting was fabulous. Of course it also made me cry a few times but it was all very meaningful and the end is funny and uplifting. I have seen 'the secret' and listen to Abraham Hicks teachings so I get a lot of the references.

I have a weakness for Hallmark romances, but usually they average in the 6-7 range for me. I was pleasantly surprised by how strong "A Gift of Miracles" is. The screenplay has some interesting depth as the two leads--her, the logical skeptic--and him, the 'universe is speaking to you' guy. True, it's nothing that hasn't been done before, but it's well done here. I enjoyed the story of the mother's legacy. The romantic leads are cute, and while there wasn't much 'spark' or sexual tension in the story, it's sweet in an overly-family-friendly way (one kiss at the very end and in long shot!). If you like Hallmark, this is one to watch.