Unless one nurses a passion for the totally insipid, this movie can not be recommended, since even a talented performer as is Teri Garr can not lift a single scene above a level of mediocrity. Roger (Tom Conti) and Jean (Garr) Briggs are divorcing after ten confrontational years of marriage and as they are separately driving to and from celebratory functions, their vehicles collide due to a swerving maneuver by Jean to avoid striking a fleeing burglar, played by Paul Rodriguez. The felon, Juan, kidnaps the Briggs pair and removes them to his residence where he, along with confederates, robs them and bundles the bound victims into a closet. The duo do not long remain secured and, when Juan's house is unaccountably assailed by a large contingent of police he, along with the Briggs couple naturally escape, evading pursuers while driving to an airport where Juan's partner in crime Harry ( Christopher Lloyd) awaits with a cargo plane laden with illegal narcotics. This aircraft takes off amid police gunfire, flying toward Latin America, piloted eventually by the nonexperienced Roger as the two criminals bail out and the film meanders on, with such as Mexican village police, a native witch doctor, and an assortment of odd miscellany contributing to what is apparently meant to be a type of madcap comedy. The awkwardly organized series of episodes that comprises the film is plotted for comedic effect, but the dialogue is consistently trite and forced, and intended witty bickering of Roger and Jean falls flat. Direction and story are both by Jim Kouf, and each is weak, with featured players having to verbally fill gaps in the action because of flaccid helmsmanship, a flaw that post-production polishing fails to eliminate through the editing process. Conti is miscast and his essays at fervid emotional expression only embarrass a viewer, with talented Garr betrayed throughout by a double handicap of a foolish screenplay and hapless direction.
13 Reviews
Don't try this at home
jtur8825 January 2001
This is probably the last movie ever made using a script that was written for Abbott and Costello. Even the incidental music was reminiscent of the slapstick comedies of the 40-s. It's the Bowery Boys in modern dress. It's worse than Ishtar. Parts that were spoken in Spanish were subtitled in English---but parts that were spoken in Indian were subtitled in Spanish!
This film could be used for instructional purposes in a film school: Don't ever, ever, ever do anything the way it was done in this film.
This film could be used for instructional purposes in a film school: Don't ever, ever, ever do anything the way it was done in this film.
Short of a miracle
Lejink4 August 2010
Watched this 80's movie on TV and it came with the latter-day warning about the dangers of flash photography, when in truth, it should have come with a warning for the ears, as it's filled almost from start to finish with shouts, screams, bangs and crashes. From that particular era when Hollywood was churning out slapstick marital rom-coms seemingly by the score ("Ruthless People", "First Wives Club" et. al.) "Miracles" seeks to emulate "Romancing The Stone" (sort of) but adds the twist of employing a UK actor in the lead role - Tom Conti, but inexplicably lumbering him with an American accent.
Unfortunately, Tom's accent, like the couple's ill-fated plane journey, bales out about half-way to its intended destination, while alongside him, Teri Garr, as his newly-divorced lawyer ex-wife gets all wet and emotional in a pink ball-gown she's required to wear from start to finish. Along the way, taking in the "miraculous" coincidences which presumably inform the film's title and see lots of little good things happen, usually to the indigenous Latin American population of the country they cross into, springing okay, miraculously, from their haphazard adventures, they arrive, you'll not be surprised to learn, at a happy ever after conclusion, reuniting them and seeing them re-marry over the closing sequence.
Christopher Lloyd gets to reprise his "Taxi" / "Back To The Future" kookiness but the law of diminishing returns was already applying by this time. For an episodic chase film like this to work, it helps if you've got likable characters, smart one-liners and exciting stunts. Unfortunately, this film has none of the above and thus seems far longer than it actually is so that you'll probably be glad, like me, when it reaches its nondescript ending.
Unfortunately, Tom's accent, like the couple's ill-fated plane journey, bales out about half-way to its intended destination, while alongside him, Teri Garr, as his newly-divorced lawyer ex-wife gets all wet and emotional in a pink ball-gown she's required to wear from start to finish. Along the way, taking in the "miraculous" coincidences which presumably inform the film's title and see lots of little good things happen, usually to the indigenous Latin American population of the country they cross into, springing okay, miraculously, from their haphazard adventures, they arrive, you'll not be surprised to learn, at a happy ever after conclusion, reuniting them and seeing them re-marry over the closing sequence.
Christopher Lloyd gets to reprise his "Taxi" / "Back To The Future" kookiness but the law of diminishing returns was already applying by this time. For an episodic chase film like this to work, it helps if you've got likable characters, smart one-liners and exciting stunts. Unfortunately, this film has none of the above and thus seems far longer than it actually is so that you'll probably be glad, like me, when it reaches its nondescript ending.
Even in Black & White, This is a Colorful Movie !
elshikh423 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In the early 1990s, my personal TV was a black and white one, with only 3 active channels (OH MY GOD, WHAT A TRAGEDY THAT WAS!). Anyhow, back then, I was having a very dull afternoon. But with this movie, it turned into Miracles!
All of its elements clicked, especially the cast. Teri Garr is something else. She can be innocent, annoying, comic, angry, sad, and vivid in the same time. It's great to see her in a movie of this sort. Too bad that cinema didn't use her that well. She could have been a star of some romantic comedies at the time. But alas. In any case, I know that this is a reason why her fans, including me, must cherish this movie best.
Tom Conti is fine. He made a productive duet with Teri. I loved the scene in which the plane falls down while the 2 are insanely laughing on the situation itself. However, why I thought that Conti was having a strange paroxysm of Peter Sellers?? He seemed to me haunted, during the whole movie, by the late actor's soul, moves, voice,...etc!
I love this comedy. It's filled up with action and mad events. The thing about it is that everything you don't expect happens. However, the best of it remains in the fact that this action comedy is about the return of love between 2 people. I just adore genre movies when they have MEANING.
For a buddy-movies' freak like me, this movie IS important. It has the formula of "arguing man and woman on the run, who become lovers at last", which is a common theme in these movies instead of "2 arguing men on the run, who become friends at last". This formula is so familiar since older godfathers like Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970) and Foul Play (1978). Now, in relation with 1986, I listed other similar movies of the same kind that were produced, some were super like (Legal Eagles) and some were disastrous like (Shanghai Surprise). It's clear that (Miracles) joins the super ones. It's funny, surprising and lovable.
Finally, it was black and white TV set, but - believe it or not - I just can't forget this movie's colors!
All of its elements clicked, especially the cast. Teri Garr is something else. She can be innocent, annoying, comic, angry, sad, and vivid in the same time. It's great to see her in a movie of this sort. Too bad that cinema didn't use her that well. She could have been a star of some romantic comedies at the time. But alas. In any case, I know that this is a reason why her fans, including me, must cherish this movie best.
Tom Conti is fine. He made a productive duet with Teri. I loved the scene in which the plane falls down while the 2 are insanely laughing on the situation itself. However, why I thought that Conti was having a strange paroxysm of Peter Sellers?? He seemed to me haunted, during the whole movie, by the late actor's soul, moves, voice,...etc!
I love this comedy. It's filled up with action and mad events. The thing about it is that everything you don't expect happens. However, the best of it remains in the fact that this action comedy is about the return of love between 2 people. I just adore genre movies when they have MEANING.
For a buddy-movies' freak like me, this movie IS important. It has the formula of "arguing man and woman on the run, who become lovers at last", which is a common theme in these movies instead of "2 arguing men on the run, who become friends at last". This formula is so familiar since older godfathers like Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970) and Foul Play (1978). Now, in relation with 1986, I listed other similar movies of the same kind that were produced, some were super like (Legal Eagles) and some were disastrous like (Shanghai Surprise). It's clear that (Miracles) joins the super ones. It's funny, surprising and lovable.
Finally, it was black and white TV set, but - believe it or not - I just can't forget this movie's colors!
Silly, but fun
hotlurvemachine25 July 2004
Although this movie has not done well on the polls of Amazon, whenever I've seen it I've always found it enjoyable. (So much so that I felt obliged to write this brief review on it !!) O.k, its a bit daft in places and some of the humour is a bit dated perhaps, but the story trundles along with plenty of twists, its not predictable and the relationship between the two main two characters slowly builds up and develops throughout the film.
Both Tom Conti and Terri Garr give good performances and are believable in their roles. (And I've always had a shot spot for Terri Gar, and I find her particularly appealing in this film !)
The bungling villains are also well played (though a bit cheesy) and Christopher Lloyd seems to enjoy playing his part.
Overall, this film is never going to be considered a masterpiece as its just a light hearted family comedy adventure story - designed to be watched by kids, but engaging and entertaining enough to be watched by their parents as well.
Both Tom Conti and Terri Garr give good performances and are believable in their roles. (And I've always had a shot spot for Terri Gar, and I find her particularly appealing in this film !)
The bungling villains are also well played (though a bit cheesy) and Christopher Lloyd seems to enjoy playing his part.
Overall, this film is never going to be considered a masterpiece as its just a light hearted family comedy adventure story - designed to be watched by kids, but engaging and entertaining enough to be watched by their parents as well.
A miraculous tale of divorce, love and appendicitis
Lee B24 November 1999
I love this movie. Roger (Tom Conti) and Jean (Terri Garr) are a newly-divorced couple who meet again by accident (literally!) and wind up on a truly incredible journey. Christopher Lloyd has a supporting role as a mad pilot.
My favourite parts are the witchdoctor, the plane landing sequence and the jailbreak and its consequences. The only false note is Tom Conti's American accent, but it's easy to overlook as the rest of the movie hangs together so well.
9 out of 10 from me!
My favourite parts are the witchdoctor, the plane landing sequence and the jailbreak and its consequences. The only false note is Tom Conti's American accent, but it's easy to overlook as the rest of the movie hangs together so well.
9 out of 10 from me!
A love story set in an adventure film with a miraculous ending.
xxabmoore3 September 2006
I'm a Tom Conti fan and was attracted to the movie because he was in it. After seeing it the first time I tried to count the number of miracles that occurred. Little ones and big ones, but what I liked best was how all the little miracles kept bringing the hero closer to where he was needed. I didn't realize this until the end of the movie. I enjoyed the way the relationship between the husband and wife changed due to adversity, how they came to depend on each other rather than being independent. The love story is honest, the adventure scenes exciting, the photography clear and colorful, not drab and gloomy. I've seen this movie several time and whenever I have a chance I get someone who hasn't seen it over to watch it. This is a great little movie with a big message.
One Of The Best Religious Movies Ever Made
Chidiock15 May 2003
and undoubtedly the only one to contain a reference to oral sex. I must confess that the "Miracles" of the title were not apparent to me as such until the second viewing.
In this film, every prayer (Even an "Oh God!") is answered, in such a way as to be unapparent to the beneficiary. Conversely, every use of you-know-Who's name in vain is swiftly punished in the same manner. Especially, note the prayer that opens the film and how it is eventually answered.
Nothing flashy, no parting of the Red Sea or the sun standing still in the Heavens--just a deft touch to give the deserving a little help when needed.
In this film, every prayer (Even an "Oh God!") is answered, in such a way as to be unapparent to the beneficiary. Conversely, every use of you-know-Who's name in vain is swiftly punished in the same manner. Especially, note the prayer that opens the film and how it is eventually answered.
Nothing flashy, no parting of the Red Sea or the sun standing still in the Heavens--just a deft touch to give the deserving a little help when needed.
Hands down, one of the most hilarious, side splitting, laugh out loud movies of all times.
mugwah21 March 2004
This is a comedy well worth seeing. If you like to laugh, then this is a movie for you. You can't be a dolt and appreciate everything that this movie has to offer. "Miracles" contains so many different styles of humor. There is a little slap stick throughout, but most of it is very well thought out, well timed lines and loads of clever, subtle things that can only be caught by someone with quick wit. I never tire of watching this movie. Remember that the title is "Miracles" as you watch it. I hope that this movie will make it to DVD. It is a fun comedy. If you can find it in the video store, give it a whirl. Like so many films, the more times that you see it, the more that you will get out of it. Enjoy!
Very funny, gem of a movie.
wtheld29 April 2007
How can you top Tom Conti, Terri Garr, Paul Rodriguez, Christopher Lloyd and a good script? Lots of very clever and subtle (some not-so-subtle) humor as well as a nice message run through this delightful movie.
I've always liked Terri Garr anyway (Full Moon in Blue Water, After Hours, and, of course, Young Frankenstein]), so it wasn't much of a stretch for me to love this film.
This is the kind of film that turns up at 7AM Sunday morning on a cable movie channel...in point of fact, that's where I first saw it...and catches you by surprise. As soon as it's out in DVD I'm going to snap it up.
Besides, any movie that can make the line "look for feet ground" hilarious gets my vote.
I've always liked Terri Garr anyway (Full Moon in Blue Water, After Hours, and, of course, Young Frankenstein]), so it wasn't much of a stretch for me to love this film.
This is the kind of film that turns up at 7AM Sunday morning on a cable movie channel...in point of fact, that's where I first saw it...and catches you by surprise. As soon as it's out in DVD I'm going to snap it up.
Besides, any movie that can make the line "look for feet ground" hilarious gets my vote.
A comedy for those in the mood
w-drennon21 February 2005
Read reviews anywhere about the 1986 version of Miracles starring Terri Garr and you will either see terrible ratings or outstanding ratings. You seldom see any middle ground except in the averages of the reviewers. I thought I would add this thumbs-up rating to balance out the bad. I admit that if you are not in the mood for a comedy, forget this movie. There are no profound morals or insights into life. There is no social injustice righted. Few things in this movie would ever happen in real life. Yet, if you are in the mood for comedy, Miracles (1986) will certainly provide the motivation to laugh.
Bad things happen to a recently divorced couple, but in the wake of their misfortunes are subtle "miracles" for others. Part of the humor comes from the fact that when faced with dangerous situations, this bickering couple is more concerned with complaining how each other is reacting to the dilemma than the gravity of the situation itself. There is a wide variety of comedic techniques from slapstick to subtle humor. This movie revolves around a recently divorced couple who have such fundamental differences that they would never get back together in real life. However, this is not real life. It is a romantic comedy where miracles can take place, especially in a movie that bears that name.
I was in the mood for a comedy when I watched this movie, and I was not let down.
Bad things happen to a recently divorced couple, but in the wake of their misfortunes are subtle "miracles" for others. Part of the humor comes from the fact that when faced with dangerous situations, this bickering couple is more concerned with complaining how each other is reacting to the dilemma than the gravity of the situation itself. There is a wide variety of comedic techniques from slapstick to subtle humor. This movie revolves around a recently divorced couple who have such fundamental differences that they would never get back together in real life. However, this is not real life. It is a romantic comedy where miracles can take place, especially in a movie that bears that name.
I was in the mood for a comedy when I watched this movie, and I was not let down.
Not Really Religious, Yet a Good Study of Romans 8:28
hammerdoc-934-44531113 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The "spoilers" in this review are very generalized, and I don't believe any specific plot lines or jokes are ruined by it.
While there may be grounds to criticize this movie for its dialogue and directing, I still cannot help myself--I really liked it. Perhaps it is the talent; I really like Teri Garr (very talented actress) and Paul Rodriguez (comedic genius). Tom Conti has his moments, too.
Terri Garr turns in a very good performance in this movie. Paul Rodriguez, manages to be outrageous, yet believable, and is excellent in this role. Christopher Lloyd is, well, Christopher Lloyd. In this case that is a good thing, and I wish he had a little bigger role in this movie. Even Tom Conti, turns in a decent performance despite an occasional flat delivery. I think a lot of some reviewers' negative reactions to him in this film are due to his character's "Type A," and CLASSICALLY "surgeon-esque" personality. In this, he plays it entirely realistically. While not all surgeons are like that, having known a number of them during my medical training, I can assure you, many are.
However, it is the title character of this movie that is the true star. This movie shows many goods being brought from what seem like (minor to extreme) inconveniences to the main characters, all heading toward and contributing to the main miracle, which turns out to be the point to the whole adventure/s.
"All things work together for good to those who love God." So goes a verse in The Bible, and it applies aptly to this movie. This movie is denominationally neutral, however. Even if you don't believe in God, this movie should not offend. It easily allows one to imagine some unseen force in the universe that uses what seems to be random, unrelated mishaps to come together to accomplish a greater good in a cause larger than ourselves.
I personally find it comforting and even spiritually enlightening to know that even the crosses we bear* can be turned to the good by the Almighty, and that in the process we can even be used as instruments for a much greater good than our tiny brains could imagine.
I think this is why, despite the sometimes-poor dialogue and occasional flat deliveries, I really appreciate this movie. Even to the point of unembarrassedly saying that it is one of my favorites. I bought two because the tape on which I taped it off of cable years ago has worn out. VCR tape doesn't last very long, and I sorely wish that this title were on DVD.
*(Yes, I'm Christian, so I phrase it in that context. Wear whatever you want.)
While there may be grounds to criticize this movie for its dialogue and directing, I still cannot help myself--I really liked it. Perhaps it is the talent; I really like Teri Garr (very talented actress) and Paul Rodriguez (comedic genius). Tom Conti has his moments, too.
Terri Garr turns in a very good performance in this movie. Paul Rodriguez, manages to be outrageous, yet believable, and is excellent in this role. Christopher Lloyd is, well, Christopher Lloyd. In this case that is a good thing, and I wish he had a little bigger role in this movie. Even Tom Conti, turns in a decent performance despite an occasional flat delivery. I think a lot of some reviewers' negative reactions to him in this film are due to his character's "Type A," and CLASSICALLY "surgeon-esque" personality. In this, he plays it entirely realistically. While not all surgeons are like that, having known a number of them during my medical training, I can assure you, many are.
However, it is the title character of this movie that is the true star. This movie shows many goods being brought from what seem like (minor to extreme) inconveniences to the main characters, all heading toward and contributing to the main miracle, which turns out to be the point to the whole adventure/s.
"All things work together for good to those who love God." So goes a verse in The Bible, and it applies aptly to this movie. This movie is denominationally neutral, however. Even if you don't believe in God, this movie should not offend. It easily allows one to imagine some unseen force in the universe that uses what seems to be random, unrelated mishaps to come together to accomplish a greater good in a cause larger than ourselves.
I personally find it comforting and even spiritually enlightening to know that even the crosses we bear* can be turned to the good by the Almighty, and that in the process we can even be used as instruments for a much greater good than our tiny brains could imagine.
I think this is why, despite the sometimes-poor dialogue and occasional flat deliveries, I really appreciate this movie. Even to the point of unembarrassedly saying that it is one of my favorites. I bought two because the tape on which I taped it off of cable years ago has worn out. VCR tape doesn't last very long, and I sorely wish that this title were on DVD.
*(Yes, I'm Christian, so I phrase it in that context. Wear whatever you want.)
Energetic screwball comedy suffers from strained premise
lor_21 April 2023
My review was written in April 1987 after watching the film on HBO/Cannon video cassette
"Miracles" is another casualty of the video revolution. A top-of-the-line production shot in Mexico in 1o984 by Orio (with a reported $10,000,000 budget), pic received a negligible regional release in July 1986 ahead of its current home video availability. Without the simple (and remunerative) video cassette option, Orion might have given this one a little push theatrically.
Pic in fact is fitfully entertaining, but hampered severely by writer-director Jim Kouf's antiquated premise, which unwittingly recalls the Cecil B. De Mille approach of the late silent era. As implied by its title, all events in the film are connected, ever so tenuously and always unconvincingly by divine intervention At first it's cute, with lightning bolts and falling rocks setting into motion slapstick occurrences which literally mean life or death for the hapless protagonists. Eventually, the conceit becomes annoying.
Screwball farce is set into motion when an Indian witch doctor in some unidentified Latin American country prays to the heavens for assistance in saving his chief's daughter who is dying. North of the border, the first few of many lightning bolts cause disruptions which bring together inept bank robbers Paul Rodriguez and Christopher Lloyd with just-divorced surgeon Tom Conti and his lawyer wife Teri Garr. Rodriguez kidnaps the duo and Lloyd files the four of them to that Latin country to escape the police.
Predictably Contin ends up at the Latin village afte4r numerous misadventures and saves the little girl, who had an appendicitis attack. By film's end the bickering couple is back together, remarried in a Spanish ceremony.
Way overreaching (his early credits include the script for the horrendously static 1982 comedy "Pink Motel"), filmmaker Kouf evidently was aiming for the 1930s romantic farce, replete with stars Conti and Garr dressed in formal evening clothes throughout, plus the expansive "Romancing the Stone" adventure grafted on. Alas, they ar4e hardly William Powell and Carole Lomard, and though it is fun to watch Garr's patented, fast-talking explosions, Conti is seriously miscast. Attempting a neutral, American accent, he is not believable; in any event, the pic calls for a superstar personality, not a talented character actor. Conti's other 1984 starring assignment, "Saving Grace", similarly was given only a token release via Columbia.
"Miracles" has outstanding technical credits, including the late John Alcott's crystal-sharp lensing. Terrence Marsh's large-sale and wide-ranging production design, as well as impressive stunt work and special effects. A series of fun set pieces do not a movie make.
Pic in fact is fitfully entertaining, but hampered severely by writer-director Jim Kouf's antiquated premise, which unwittingly recalls the Cecil B. De Mille approach of the late silent era. As implied by its title, all events in the film are connected, ever so tenuously and always unconvincingly by divine intervention At first it's cute, with lightning bolts and falling rocks setting into motion slapstick occurrences which literally mean life or death for the hapless protagonists. Eventually, the conceit becomes annoying.
Screwball farce is set into motion when an Indian witch doctor in some unidentified Latin American country prays to the heavens for assistance in saving his chief's daughter who is dying. North of the border, the first few of many lightning bolts cause disruptions which bring together inept bank robbers Paul Rodriguez and Christopher Lloyd with just-divorced surgeon Tom Conti and his lawyer wife Teri Garr. Rodriguez kidnaps the duo and Lloyd files the four of them to that Latin country to escape the police.
Predictably Contin ends up at the Latin village afte4r numerous misadventures and saves the little girl, who had an appendicitis attack. By film's end the bickering couple is back together, remarried in a Spanish ceremony.
Way overreaching (his early credits include the script for the horrendously static 1982 comedy "Pink Motel"), filmmaker Kouf evidently was aiming for the 1930s romantic farce, replete with stars Conti and Garr dressed in formal evening clothes throughout, plus the expansive "Romancing the Stone" adventure grafted on. Alas, they ar4e hardly William Powell and Carole Lomard, and though it is fun to watch Garr's patented, fast-talking explosions, Conti is seriously miscast. Attempting a neutral, American accent, he is not believable; in any event, the pic calls for a superstar personality, not a talented character actor. Conti's other 1984 starring assignment, "Saving Grace", similarly was given only a token release via Columbia.
"Miracles" has outstanding technical credits, including the late John Alcott's crystal-sharp lensing. Terrence Marsh's large-sale and wide-ranging production design, as well as impressive stunt work and special effects. A series of fun set pieces do not a movie make.
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