Season of Miracles

source: Season of Miracles

Season Of Miracles concerns a Little League team coached by John Schneider that has discovered a real baseball find. A regular Babe Ruth who both pitches and hits to perfection. The problem is that young Grayson Russell is autistic and with the usual socialization problems that come with that. This film is shot on location and for relative pittance and lacks a lot of production values. Other than Schneider the only other name you might recognize is that of Nancy Stafford formerly of Matlock playing a nurse. But as this is a regional story set in the south I think it was a wise decision to cast it with locals. They come across as real kids instead of Hollywood kids. Also standing out is Andrew Wilson Williams as the preacher's kid who stands up for his challenged teammate. Overt preaching is kept to a minimum which is good. Season Of Miracles is a nice family film.

This is a Christian based film with dialog that you'd probably hear kids saying in Sunday school but outside the preacher's kid not all that much on a little league ball field. The story takes place in a small Alabama town in 1974 and deals with the introduction of an autistic kid with impressive skills at hitting the ball way over the fence. After initial bullying of the kid from classmates ends, they have to deal with the bullying from other local teams, but the team becomes the one to watch as his skills keep helping them win games. "Nobody will ever make a movie about Spider Man", one of the kids says, an attempt to appeal to modern audiences with an inside joke. This film has a great message of acceptance and anti-bullying, but you're not going to hold the audience with preachy church scenes. Even as a spiritual person, I felt it was overdone in certain ways, with the kids talking like ministers in school hallways and basing their whole existence on beliefs some viewers will find extreme. John Schneider is the only known actor in the film, playing the coach, with Grayson Russell just fine as Rafer, the autistic boy. The script is the issue, with the kids not always seeming like real kids, and the adults all so kind and perfect, even Rusty Whitener as Rafer's embittered white trash father. This is a world maybe not bully free but far nicer than any community I've ever been to or read about, so it's hard to take seriously. But for the message of acceptance when not thumping the viewer over the head with it, there is a good intention. Technically, there are a few scenes where the camera work is very poor, like an experiment that didn't work. Minus the preachy moments, this would clock in at a little under an hour, so those who watch it and get annoyed by being preached at will have 20 minutes of ear covering.

I don't want to say too much but I had high hopes based upon the synopsis, however, it turns out to be flat and exceedingly lackluster,I even tried during the movie, to work out what it is that makes a good premise go so wrong. No one is convincing, least of all the autistic boy (they just don't say please or thank-you, all the boys I have ever worked with have no social awareness at all). The other boys just do not have a natural relationship with one another, it feels like they are just waiting for the lines to be said before speaking their own. I felt it was a Christian apology gone way way wrong. Its hollow and could have been so deep.Shame. I am an avid fan of family films and there are some great movies out there but unfortunately this is not one of them.

What a fabulous film. Great novel that's been well produced for the big screen. Set in the 1970s, Season of Miracles weaves a story of friendship that develops between little league captain Zack and The Robins' new secret weapon Rafer, an autistic boy who can hit the fire out of a baseball. The team rallies around him to stop the taunting and bullying from their ravels the Hawks. And in the process, learn a valuable lesson that comes by accepting those who at first may seem a little different, but truly have wonderful gifts they can share with all. Highly recommended for the entire family.

Season of Miracles has a lot going for it. After all, who doesn't love baseball. And the 70s. But at the heart of this indie gem, is the story of how a young team grew up one magical season when they encountered a boy with autism who changed their lives forward. Grayson Russell is wonderful as the autistic, baseball crushing, Rafer. John Schneider is a caring coach who not only teaches the game of baseball, but the more important game of life. Rusty Whitener plays Rafer's bitter father with depth and emotion. Music is fun and keeps the story moving. A classic American tale worthy of family night in anyone's household.

....too close to call. While presenting what is, potentially, a heart-warming story, this film falls flat on it's face with some of the worst directing and acting I've subjected myself to in years. Despite such great potential, the abysmally movie, is full of lackluster scenes and poorly edited, grade school performances. While I generally afford a lot more patience with new, young actors, this was simply painful to watch. Without waving my flag and getting emotionally caught up in the 'It's Americana so it must be brilliant' mindset,there is no part of this 119 minute snooze-fest with any memorable moments, besides the final credits.

Season of Miracles is true Americana ... Baseball, Friends, Family and Faith. An autistic boy named Rafer, played by actor Grayson Russell, joins the mediocre Robins, a little league baseball team, for their 1974 season in Alabama. Little did the team know that he would end up changing their lives forever. The kids deal with their bully rivals, the Hawks, and stand up for Rafer who can't defend himself. I found myself laughing, crying and cheering right along with their families and Coach, played by John Schneider, all the way home. The story by Rusty Whitener is wonderful and the production is well done. Season of Miracles is a must see movie with lots of teachable moments.

This film gives a voice to the autistic community as unique as those affected by the impairment. Not everyone communicates the same way, but everyone has a gift to share. Children, especially those who don't communicate in the traditional sense, should be nurtured and accepted for the talents and gifts they possess. "Season of Miracles" celebrates that. In a time when bullying is such an issue, this film promotes friendship and camaraderie in kids through their love of baseball. Don't miss this film, both for its entertainment quality and teachable moments.

"Season of Miracles" hits a home run with its coming-of-age story about a team leader, Zack Ross, played by Andrew Wilson Williams, who befriends an autistic boy, Rafer Forrester, played by Grayson Russell. The relationship between the two boys changes the lives of everyone around them. John Schneider does an great job as Coach who gives the boys on his baseball team, the Robins, lessons on life and baseball. The entire Robins' baseball team comes together to deliver a movie that is entertaining and poignant. You'll laugh at the antics of Batman, Donnie, Duffy, Tigger and Little Richard while experiencing some great moments from author and actor Rusty Whitener. It's not just a great baseball movie, it's a great movie and one that you'll want to watch again and again.