I must confess, I do love the concept of the 'Godwink' series. A 'godwink' is an event or personal experience, often viewed as a coincidence, where God is trying to nudge you in the right direction. In the past, Hallmark has done a good job of balancing the religious and secular elements in the series. 'Miracle of Love', the fourth installment of the series, might be the exception to this for some viewers, as it does have a stronger religious undertone than, for example, last years' 'Second Chance, First Love'. The story in this one follows Joy (played by Katherine Barrell), a recent graduate with a master's in nursing who is still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. After attending a seminar, she decides to volunteer as a fellow for a community service event called Advent in Oshkosh. There she meets Eric (played by Alberto Frezza), who is also volunteering as a fellow, working as a writer for the organization's newsletter. And so, our journey begins as we watch the two spend time together helping a family rebuild their home while, at the same time, discovering the feelings they have for one another. The story is slow-paced. Indeed, reading the other reviews, it seems some viewers found the story to be too slow, boring even. True, for much of the movie, it is mostly about Joy and Eric getting to know each other (while helping the family) and Joy's inner conflict concerning a life choice she must make. In other words, the excitement level for much of the movie isn't very high. I did find Joy's inner conflict somewhat problematic, morally speaking, and, thus, maybe it is a bit overdone. By the time we get to the climax of the film, though surprising, I did not engage with it as much as I would have thought. This is partly due to the slow-paced nature of the storyline (as just noted) and partly to do with how the event (the miracle) is attributed directly to Joy, as another reviewer pointed out. It felt odd or put differently, it is a bit too much. The acting, overall, is strong. Barrell and Frezza have convincing performances. Given that I am a fan of Wynonna Earp, I am familiar with seeing Barrell on-screen. I thought she did a good job portraying Joy's inner conflict (even if I thought the issue was problematic). Frezza too has an engaging performance as Eric, the wannabe writer. The two have good chemistry on-screen, which for me is the most appealing aspect of the film. Like another reviewer, I am a fan of the photos of the real people (the movie is based on) at the end. It provides a bit of authenticity to the story. All in all, it is a warm, slow-paced Christmas movie with a religious undertone. If you are a fan of the 'Godwink' series or prescribe to the 'God has a plan' mindset, you'll no doubt enjoy 'Miracle of Love'.
17 Reviews
Inspired by true story
Jackbv12314 December 2021
I look forward to new entries in this series especially when it's based on a true story. This one says "inspired by" and there's no telling what that means in terms of sticking to the actual story. I say that because it becomes relevant in this movie especially as regards the last part of the movie. Some incredible things happen that qualify as miraculous. Unfortunately, the movie appears to associate some of that directly to Joy.
The first part of the movie focuses on the volunteer team working on a project to finish the construction of a house for a family who lost everything in a fire. The team, often inspired by Joy's ideas, quickly becomes totally invested in making the family's new house a welcoming home. There are many sentimental moments. The story appears to be heading for predictable, but there is a huge twist before the climax.
There is good chemistry between Katherine Barrell and Alberto Frezza, (I was mildly surprised to see that Barrell's character had the same name, Joy, as her character on Good Witch.)
The first part of the movie focuses on the volunteer team working on a project to finish the construction of a house for a family who lost everything in a fire. The team, often inspired by Joy's ideas, quickly becomes totally invested in making the family's new house a welcoming home. There are many sentimental moments. The story appears to be heading for predictable, but there is a huge twist before the climax.
There is good chemistry between Katherine Barrell and Alberto Frezza, (I was mildly surprised to see that Barrell's character had the same name, Joy, as her character on Good Witch.)
Eye candy
juliewllsn22 December 2021
My favorite part is seeing the photos of the real family at the end.
cgvsluis18 December 2021
This wasn't my favorite or the Godwink film series on Hallmark, but not for lack of trying. I liked the main couple Joy and Eric. They meet during a two week service gig. He flunked out of seminary school and is going to try to be a writer, she just finished her degree as a nurse practitioner and is just waiting to take the boards.
The two meet at the airport and fit together like two peas in a pod. While making a home for a family who lost theirs in a fire, Eric and Joy get closer to one another. Big conflict arises in that Joy has a boyfriend.
My favorite part of these Godwink films has become the photos of the real families at the end.
More religious than most of the hallmark films. If you appreciate that this might be a film for you.
The two meet at the airport and fit together like two peas in a pod. While making a home for a family who lost theirs in a fire, Eric and Joy get closer to one another. Big conflict arises in that Joy has a boyfriend.
My favorite part of these Godwink films has become the photos of the real families at the end.
More religious than most of the hallmark films. If you appreciate that this might be a film for you.
Refreshing and meaningful!
debbie_shiloh11 February 2022
Christmas is a spiritual celebration so it is encouraging to watch a movie that has a bit of depth in that regard. A refreshing change from the total focus being on Santa and his elves! There is a God in heaven so prayer and Faith should not be foreign subjects to spiritual people. Lovely Christmas story!
Slow moving
tinks-5197727 December 2021
A very nice storyline about a team of young people working together on a service project to help a family who have experienced a house fire. Very slow moving and plot was lacking, but ending very touching as it showed how God can intervene in extraordinary ways.
One of my favorites in 2021!
gary_mausolf30 December 2021
One of my favorites from 2021! It's a wonderful love story. The two lead actors playing Joy and Eric have amazing chemistry in this film. Both are superb actors! The story of them finding love while loving and serving others during a service trip to Oshkosh WI (of all places) was very heartwarming. During their journey, they end up finding their calling and finding their love for each other. I loved how they weaved the season of Advent into this Christmas movie. And I loved how they actually were not afraid to reference God or prayer in this "Christmas" movie. It's about time Hallmark! A film I can't wait to watch it again.
This was painful to watch
noracontrino18 December 2021
I feel like this movie may be used for the purposes of psychological torture in the future. NONE of the actors were good, and all of the characters talked and acted like martians. Please save yourself and don't watch this.
These Actors Deserve Each Other
susieqtpie12 January 2022
Round up each D List Hallmark actor and cast them into this one movie. I've never seen any of these people in anything. Forced dialogue. Lead actress has a boyfriend she doesn't care for, and she doesn't end the relationship? This is a religious movie based in Christianity, but lead actress portrays no ethics or morals in her relationships.
Now we're talking, Hallmark!!
txharrington21 December 2021
Based on a true story, this is one of my very favorites of the year!!! Acting was great. Love the storyline, characters, service, aspect, and love. Just enjoyed watching and really feeling the story. Looks like hallmark put some extra into this movie, and it shows.
Also, check out Mrs. Miracle story and for good fun The Christmas House. Hallmark 2021 only had a top 5 movies for me so far but now, it's 6! Sweet as can be!
Also, check out Mrs. Miracle story and for good fun The Christmas House. Hallmark 2021 only had a top 5 movies for me so far but now, it's 6! Sweet as can be!
A more religious Hallmark movie.
Avidviewer-0284714 December 2021
Didn't finish watching it, too religious for me. Some good cast, but most of them were mediocre to poor. Christmas by itself along with Christmas carols is probably religious enough for most viewers. Giving characters socially concerned occupations doesn't make the script any better. Poor script and poor acting.
Loved it! Love the religious nature!
sandrahofer14 December 2021
Must have cut the budget, this is bad
MickyG33314 December 2022
5.0 stars.
I could sense this was a lower quality film from the very start. It feels like they cut the budget and replaced the usual top billed cast for a pack of supporting ones.
Entertainment value: I had difficulty sticking with this, and I was not entertained. The fact I had to cut this movie before I could finish it says it all. 3.8.
Female lead: I've never seen her before. Didn't detect much charisma or screen presence, but she can somewhat perform. 5.0.
Male lead: I've never seen him either, but it's obvious he was a more seasoned actor. 6.5.
Chemistry: not too bad, what can you expect from two amateurs? 4.8.
Supporting cast: half of them were pitiful, a few were pretty good, such as the doctor and his staff, and the leads two friends were ok. 5.0.
Writing, directing, cinematography. The writing is atrocious, the directing is what made this flop, but the cinematography wasn't abysmal: 4.2.
Music: actually not as good as most Hallmark, again refer to my previous comment they cut the budget on this movie. Most Hallmark films music is a 7 or 8, this one was a 6.0.
X-factor: zero.
I could sense this was a lower quality film from the very start. It feels like they cut the budget and replaced the usual top billed cast for a pack of supporting ones.
Entertainment value: I had difficulty sticking with this, and I was not entertained. The fact I had to cut this movie before I could finish it says it all. 3.8.
Female lead: I've never seen her before. Didn't detect much charisma or screen presence, but she can somewhat perform. 5.0.
Male lead: I've never seen him either, but it's obvious he was a more seasoned actor. 6.5.
Chemistry: not too bad, what can you expect from two amateurs? 4.8.
Supporting cast: half of them were pitiful, a few were pretty good, such as the doctor and his staff, and the leads two friends were ok. 5.0.
Writing, directing, cinematography. The writing is atrocious, the directing is what made this flop, but the cinematography wasn't abysmal: 4.2.
Music: actually not as good as most Hallmark, again refer to my previous comment they cut the budget on this movie. Most Hallmark films music is a 7 or 8, this one was a 6.0.
X-factor: zero.
This is how to traumatize a person
hwpythrnv21 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Seriously. I get that this is about miracles, and we all go into a Hallmark Christmas movie expecting a happily ever after. But we also assume that the characters still believe that things could go wrong.
It's utterly appalling how Joy is set up for a potential lifetime of trauma. When Eric is dying in the hospital, Joy is told multiple times that she is the reason he is surviving and he might not make it through the night if she leaves. So if the miracle doesn't happen, Eric dies and Joy is now living with the crushing guilt of having somehow not saved him by sitting at his bedside? Way to go Hallmark.
The emotional manipulation is worse than usual in this one, and not just in that horrifying sequence. I've watched a couple of the Godwink movies and they are all pretty much in the same vein but this one was by far the worst.
I won't even get into the awful acting and writing because I'm still too angry at the horrible ending.
Don't waste your time.
It's utterly appalling how Joy is set up for a potential lifetime of trauma. When Eric is dying in the hospital, Joy is told multiple times that she is the reason he is surviving and he might not make it through the night if she leaves. So if the miracle doesn't happen, Eric dies and Joy is now living with the crushing guilt of having somehow not saved him by sitting at his bedside? Way to go Hallmark.
The emotional manipulation is worse than usual in this one, and not just in that horrifying sequence. I've watched a couple of the Godwink movies and they are all pretty much in the same vein but this one was by far the worst.
I won't even get into the awful acting and writing because I'm still too angry at the horrible ending.
Don't waste your time.
Inspiring!
pocoloco-0447719 December 2021
I rewatch the movie and I'm changing my review from 7 to 9. At first I found it boring but when I rewatch it, I never thought that I would like it but I did. Storyline is good and I like the chemistry between Kat and Alberto. But I know there is something lacking, I couldn't figure what it is. Probably how it was directed or the background music or I just found it so plain. Probably if not with Kat Barrell, I would not force myself to watch this. Yet, I am happy I finish the movie. To be honest, I learned something. And there was this, "Oh, yes, aha! " moment that I really can relate. And I just found it weird when they are telling a quote about truth, I thought of Dom of W. E. It's the same as what Dom said in one panel. And that is lovely. I love movies that I can relate to or I can learn something.
different. in nice manner
Kirpianuscus25 December 2022
It has the gift to be little more than an ordinary Hallmark. Because the social message is more significant than the romance, because Nelson Wong as good spice ( it is his virtue in many other Hallmark Christmas movies ), because the childhood has the status of changer of lives and because the social message is fair crafted.
Short, in many aspects, a surprising film.
Noble message, beautiful portrait of a team and fair definition of purpose in life and family in large sense.
So, a real good film, charming for exploration of nuances, for acting and for christmas in a wise perspective. Because the story of two people , looking for job is great presented.
Short, in many aspects, a surprising film.
Noble message, beautiful portrait of a team and fair definition of purpose in life and family in large sense.
So, a real good film, charming for exploration of nuances, for acting and for christmas in a wise perspective. Because the story of two people , looking for job is great presented.
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