Il miracolo di Natale di Maggie

For Hallmark movies, this one was especially poignant and not simply sappy. Really liked the ending, though I could tell that was coming. Well acted. It's a keeper.

It should be noted that this is a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Movie. Hallmark advertises these as more serious and not as lighthearted as the classic Hallmark Channel movies. The cast was better than some of the Hallmark movies I've watched in the past - Hallmark has a habit of reusing many of their actors and actresses and while this is sometimes endearing (Candace Cameron Bure, Catherine Bell), sometimes it's like nails on a chalkboard (Erin Krakow, Alicia Witt) where they shoehorn one of their favorites into movies that they don't fit, just because they've worked with them in the past - in spite of what fans vocally prefer. I didn't find that to be the case here. I was only familiar with Luke MacFarlane's past movies and he fit this role nicely. The other lead who played Maggie seemed to be a nice mix of overbearing cynic meets slowly awakening optimist.

I've never read the book, but this was such a sweet movie. The thread of healing and hope that tied it all together made for an uplifting theme. This movie had more religious aspects than the typical Hallmark stories, which I appreciated. It was refreshing that a Christmas movie actually acknowledge the reason for the season. And even if this plot point wasn't exactly front and center, I loved that it was woven throughout and tied together. I'm optimistic Hallmark will continue to expand on this type of movie for the future Christmas seasons.

Review Date 7/6/2019

I have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Television Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever made. Since 2014 I average 100 a year.

This is a very enjoyable film. Single mom Maggie is trying to maintain the balance of being devoted to son Jordan while having a career. Jordan needs help at school and meets Casey, a tutor. They quickly bond, and Casey becomes more like a father figure.

This film however did not need the opening scene. It telegraphed everything this whole film was going to be. This was a major flaw. In general this an above average Hallmark movie that the romantics will just gobble up! This includes me

My first Luke Macfarlane Christmas film of the season and it's a good one. He is just so gorgeous and lovely in everything he does. I love his interaction here with the child character, Jordan, who is a very cool, but geeky kid.

I like the idea of the miracle and the story is just another nice romance.

I think the stories work better when there is a kid to get excited about the season. Christmas is always more enjoyable when there are kids around and you can experience it through their eyes. I hate that I'm a grown up now and even my youngest nephew is 15 and has little interest in the Christmas spirit that these films exude.

I can't wait to watch the next Luke film.

The story is a little bit different but with a familiar feel. It starts with a flashback of a teen boy and girl having a teen's romantic Christmas. But it's spoiled when Maggie's Dad abandons their family Christmas Eve. Maggie is nursing a lot of heartbreak as the story jumps forward to the now attorney Maggie who has a teenage son. She too had her husband leave her a week before Christmas. It happens that Maggie's son, Jordan needs a tutor and they find one in Casey. The movie doesn't progress the story much beyond that until the end, other than a lame attempt at a rival boyfriend for grown up Maggie.

Luke Macfarlane is lovable as a very friendly and down to earth Casey. Jill Wagner is the uptight and controlling Maggie. Macfarlane and Wagner are good together.

I love the ending even if the viewer may see it coming. Maybe not.

This movie has grown on me as I watch it again and again.