But not a disaster either. Something about the very long, if slightly convoluted, title really intrigued me and this review is coming from somebody that does like a fair share of Hallmark's festive work (which has a big mix of surprisingly good, very bad and somewhere in between), though don't still consider them masterpieces by any stretch. And who loves Christmas, a love that will never stop, and has done from a young age.
Part of me did wish that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' was better, considering its somewhat intriguing title. Is that disparaging it though? No, despite how it sounds. Actually think it is quite decent. It is not quite a miracle, it needed to be very good or more to be that but just misses out on that, but it is a long way from a disaster. For me, it is actually among the better films seen as part of my Christmas film quest started at the end of last year, certainly one of the better Hallmark offerings and refreshing after hating 'Baby's First Christmas' so much.
There is so much that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' does very well. Have no qualms to say about the scenery, regardless of questions over authenticity this aspect has nearly always been lovely in the Hallmark Christmas films, and the photography is neither too drab or garish. The soundtrack is not blaring or constant. The direction keeps the pace running smoothly mostly and doesn't make the film get too heavy or too fluffy. The script has more surprising depth than most Hallmark Christmas films and is not as corny or as awkward as with other offerings.
Likewise with the story. Which is unexceptional certainly, but it charms, moves and warms the heart and to me it didn't matter that it was not as light-hearted as other Hallmark films and had more of a mature tone. That was refreshing actually and despite fears the religious element doesn't get overdone or preachy. The ending is predictable, being easily telegraphed very early on, yet moving. Luke MacFarlane is so down to earth and endearing in his role and while not as good Jill Wagner is generally heartfelt and is a good match chemistry-wise with him. The cast are good.
Wagner's performance is not always even though, there are instances where she overdoes the uptightness. Even for a character meant to be uptight. Not everything felt unnecessary, the rival boyfriend character was a clumsy attempt at conflict and nothing really is done with that angle. More padding than anything else.
More tightness in the pace would have been more welcome, some of the film drags and doesn't go very far momentum and story direction-wise.
In summary, not bad at all. 7/10
Part of me did wish that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' was better, considering its somewhat intriguing title. Is that disparaging it though? No, despite how it sounds. Actually think it is quite decent. It is not quite a miracle, it needed to be very good or more to be that but just misses out on that, but it is a long way from a disaster. For me, it is actually among the better films seen as part of my Christmas film quest started at the end of last year, certainly one of the better Hallmark offerings and refreshing after hating 'Baby's First Christmas' so much.
There is so much that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' does very well. Have no qualms to say about the scenery, regardless of questions over authenticity this aspect has nearly always been lovely in the Hallmark Christmas films, and the photography is neither too drab or garish. The soundtrack is not blaring or constant. The direction keeps the pace running smoothly mostly and doesn't make the film get too heavy or too fluffy. The script has more surprising depth than most Hallmark Christmas films and is not as corny or as awkward as with other offerings.
Likewise with the story. Which is unexceptional certainly, but it charms, moves and warms the heart and to me it didn't matter that it was not as light-hearted as other Hallmark films and had more of a mature tone. That was refreshing actually and despite fears the religious element doesn't get overdone or preachy. The ending is predictable, being easily telegraphed very early on, yet moving. Luke MacFarlane is so down to earth and endearing in his role and while not as good Jill Wagner is generally heartfelt and is a good match chemistry-wise with him. The cast are good.
Wagner's performance is not always even though, there are instances where she overdoes the uptightness. Even for a character meant to be uptight. Not everything felt unnecessary, the rival boyfriend character was a clumsy attempt at conflict and nothing really is done with that angle. More padding than anything else.
More tightness in the pace would have been more welcome, some of the film drags and doesn't go very far momentum and story direction-wise.
In summary, not bad at all. 7/10