Synopsis

The residents of Woodhaven are feeling discouraged—work is scarce, money is low, love is lagging, and spirits are down. Then a mysterious telegraph arrives, and a handsome stranger walks into town with nothing more than his dog and a chicken. Throw in a mean-spirited landlord, a love-sick preacher, a pair of delightfully charming old biddies, and an enchanting little girl—and what happens next will warm the heart and create a healthy dose of the Christmas spirit as the entire town is changed for the better.

Miracle Maker—based on a story written by Covenant author Ann Acton—shows what happens when seeds of love are planted and people create their own miracles by performing acts of service.

The movie is filmed primarily at This Is the Place State Park in Salt Lake City, old town Heber City, and American Fork, the film features a diverse cast of well-known actors, including Brian Krause (Charmed TV series), Jasen Wade (17 Miracles, Saints and Soldiers, Cokeville Miracle), Adam Johnson, Jake Stormoen, Melanie Stone, and eight-year-old Kalea Atkinson.

John Lyde and Sally Meyer once again combine their talents as director and screenwriter. The two have previously collaborated on popular films Christmas for a Dollar, Christmas Oranges, He Knows My Name, Abide with Me, , Minor Details, , and You’re So Cupid.

“It’s my hope that after watching Miracle Maker, families will understand that you can make your own miracles,” Lyde says. “Our message to audiences is that if you need a change in your life, you can create the change yourself.”

This full-length feature film was released on DVD on November 3.

Review

I’m a sucker for a feel good movie that warms the heart, and this movie does not disappoint!  Think of it of A Christmas Carol meets the old west – although there aren’t any angels of Christmas Past, Present or Future.   Mr. Booth pretty much owns Woodhaven and isn’t very gracious but luckily doesn’t throw out families if they are a little short – although his attitude is that the people in the town do not work for what they have or want, and this is the furthest thing from the truth.  Booth also has a daughter, Lily, that loves the preacher Thomas.  However, a tragic accident has turned Booth against Thomas and forbids him from seeing Lily, and even letting her leave the house.  Crazy, I know!

There is a wide cast of characters that add depth to this town and the story.  I think one of my favorites is plucky little Rae who is a spitfire and doesn’t take anything from anyone.  But more than the characters, this movie is about hope, faith and kindness.  The stranger that comes to town that everyone thinks is a Miracle Maker is just a normal human like anyone else, but what he teaches the citizens of the town is that everyone is capable of acts of kindness and when you have a small community you have to take care of one another.  It’s a lesson that is timeless and hopefully anyone watching this movie will realize that for themselves.

When the movie first started I was trying to determine what else I have seen with the actor that plays Mr. Booth.  Well, as mentioned above, it is Brian Krause from Charmed (loved that show!).  The rest of the cast may not be big names, but they all play their part well in conveying the message of the movie.

We give this 5 paws up and highly recommend watching the movie.