If you want to watch a light-hearted feel good movie with the family, this would certainly be it. It has a bit of everything, which appears to have disappointed some reviewers who were trying to put this movie into a specific genre box. There was some intrigue, comedy, romance and magic. The actors did a fine job and you did start connecting with them in spite of the brief time some of them were on screen. Overall, a fun movie to watch with a good message to boot.
113 Reviews
Cute but Hallmarky
bestgaycities10 June 2020
Sweet but no.
kerihagan11 April 2020
I know you're supposed to suspend disbelief when watching movies but as an engineer, I'm frankly offended of the representation of the profession and as a Canadian no one in this movie has the proper accent for someone living on the east cost!
That being said the movie is sweet and funny. Definitely not something I would rewatch but definatly something to consider if bored.
uninspired attempt to make a cheesy family movie
hevig7 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
So a guy who is interested in nothing, suddenly gets healing powers in a small Canadian town. Spoiler: confusion, wining, aaaand he refuses to accept this gift. Then a dying girl who seems very much full of energy, comes to change his mind. Let me guess, the lesbian vet isn't lesbian at all and all ends well at the end of the movie? Let's find out.
I bet those actors were disappointed when they watched the end cut. I just saw the imprisonment scene and it was so .... well let's say it was clear what it was supposed to be (a cheesy 90ties feel slapstick scene) but it just couldn't even cut that. The scene was embarrassingly unimaginative, as if it was leaning heavily on either an established funny atmosphere or movie mojo - which is simply not there. The "home alone" kind of punch line music was there, but the funny bits weren't. That kind of describes this movie. The actors are mediocre, but everything else is profoundly unable to deliver. Lice the directing which looks the part at first sight, but the director allowed for flat, dull performances without pushing the actors to do better. Perhaps in the mind of a 10 year old - a simple one, to be specific - this movie totally makes sense and is quite amusing. To me, sadly, the intended fun, and the entire movie, is like a cheap Chinese electronic gadget - a poor quality copy that can't hold a candle to the real thing, and makes you sorry for wasting your money.
I can't wait - no, I actually I can wait to see the other half of the movie (watched an episode of Rick and Morty just now because I was at risk of boring out), and nothing remotely interesting has happened yet - aside from seeing the delightful Camilla Luddington on my screen, which is a bit of a treat.
Then the revelation scene. Random shots of a beach, dragonfly and birds, and then the lead actor struggling to find some credibility while refusing the gift which was bestowed upon him (by God, no less). He has exactly one day to decide if he wants it or not. Sigh. The back story is razor thin, and the nice looking Camilla Luddington can't prevent the viewer from experiencing a massive downer, when the last hope for betterment is shattered now that it is clear this movie is only getting worse.
This opens the door for a new sport: how bad will it get? Will it be in fact bad enough to be a "So Bad, It's Good" movie? So I put my hopes into that folly, and maybe Camilla Luddington will lose some clothes, or do something hot, if only to try to compensate for this idiot of a movie.
Everything is badly underdeveloped. The story, the characters, even the animals. There was ample opportunity though, had there been brought some brightness, some creativity to the table. By timing the cuts just slightly witty, directing the actors for better expressions, it would have been a much better movie. But it isn't.
The editing is so bad it makes me carsick.
The film hits a new low when Amelia is having fun on a farm, and "Faith" from George Michael is playing. "Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body" - suggesting the underage, dying girl should be touched or touching a body, at least introducing a sexual motive to this scene... it felt very wrong, the director must have forcibly rejected all of the warnings that kind people gave him, to let this one through. He probably intended to have the audience only hear the phrase "I gotta have faith" in a non-sexual way but hey, the song is what it is.
I just looked at his profile and damn, this guy put a white line on the inside of his lower eyelids for dramatic effect. Also I see he has been doing mainly acting, then managing (all in Spanish), and now directing and writing this film. That explains.
The movie ended as was anticipated, and then a mentioning of children's camps and Paul Newman kind of leaves me feeling like a dick for dishing this movie. But then again, it seems kind of cruel to raise hope in terminally ill children, like this film appears to target.
End credits.The entire production crew has Spanish names. Okay, that was it, adios.
I bet those actors were disappointed when they watched the end cut. I just saw the imprisonment scene and it was so .... well let's say it was clear what it was supposed to be (a cheesy 90ties feel slapstick scene) but it just couldn't even cut that. The scene was embarrassingly unimaginative, as if it was leaning heavily on either an established funny atmosphere or movie mojo - which is simply not there. The "home alone" kind of punch line music was there, but the funny bits weren't. That kind of describes this movie. The actors are mediocre, but everything else is profoundly unable to deliver. Lice the directing which looks the part at first sight, but the director allowed for flat, dull performances without pushing the actors to do better. Perhaps in the mind of a 10 year old - a simple one, to be specific - this movie totally makes sense and is quite amusing. To me, sadly, the intended fun, and the entire movie, is like a cheap Chinese electronic gadget - a poor quality copy that can't hold a candle to the real thing, and makes you sorry for wasting your money.
I can't wait - no, I actually I can wait to see the other half of the movie (watched an episode of Rick and Morty just now because I was at risk of boring out), and nothing remotely interesting has happened yet - aside from seeing the delightful Camilla Luddington on my screen, which is a bit of a treat.
Then the revelation scene. Random shots of a beach, dragonfly and birds, and then the lead actor struggling to find some credibility while refusing the gift which was bestowed upon him (by God, no less). He has exactly one day to decide if he wants it or not. Sigh. The back story is razor thin, and the nice looking Camilla Luddington can't prevent the viewer from experiencing a massive downer, when the last hope for betterment is shattered now that it is clear this movie is only getting worse.
This opens the door for a new sport: how bad will it get? Will it be in fact bad enough to be a "So Bad, It's Good" movie? So I put my hopes into that folly, and maybe Camilla Luddington will lose some clothes, or do something hot, if only to try to compensate for this idiot of a movie.
Everything is badly underdeveloped. The story, the characters, even the animals. There was ample opportunity though, had there been brought some brightness, some creativity to the table. By timing the cuts just slightly witty, directing the actors for better expressions, it would have been a much better movie. But it isn't.
The editing is so bad it makes me carsick.
The film hits a new low when Amelia is having fun on a farm, and "Faith" from George Michael is playing. "Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body" - suggesting the underage, dying girl should be touched or touching a body, at least introducing a sexual motive to this scene... it felt very wrong, the director must have forcibly rejected all of the warnings that kind people gave him, to let this one through. He probably intended to have the audience only hear the phrase "I gotta have faith" in a non-sexual way but hey, the song is what it is.
I just looked at his profile and damn, this guy put a white line on the inside of his lower eyelids for dramatic effect. Also I see he has been doing mainly acting, then managing (all in Spanish), and now directing and writing this film. That explains.
The movie ended as was anticipated, and then a mentioning of children's camps and Paul Newman kind of leaves me feeling like a dick for dishing this movie. But then again, it seems kind of cruel to raise hope in terminally ill children, like this film appears to target.
End credits.The entire production crew has Spanish names. Okay, that was it, adios.
Lovely movie but I wanted to see more magic
Lenobia19 June 2022
An okay movie to watch for unwinding after a long day. When the movie is about magical gifts and all though, you want to see more of that magic rather than mostly watching long scenes with cringe acting, I'm sorry. It could be a better movie with better acting & directing.
Giving the 7 for mainly Oliver Jackson, as he was quite lovely and real in his role. I would not say the same for the Camilla Luddington and Kaitlyn Bernard's performance though. Their acting felt quite fake to me and decreased the quality of the movie unfortunately.
It is overall a nice subject and good time spent watching this movie. I hope there would be more productions of similar kind, hopefully with better quality.
Giving the 7 for mainly Oliver Jackson, as he was quite lovely and real in his role. I would not say the same for the Camilla Luddington and Kaitlyn Bernard's performance though. Their acting felt quite fake to me and decreased the quality of the movie unfortunately.
It is overall a nice subject and good time spent watching this movie. I hope there would be more productions of similar kind, hopefully with better quality.
Seeet Awkward Sudser
Dragonborn6411 April 2020
good, light hearted Hallmark film with a twist
iamjamalwhite17 June 2020
Wife and I enjoyed this one last night. Story about a screw-up, man-child that finds out his family has the ability to heal people. It does a lot of back and forth of maturing with him but overall a fun ride. The scenery is beautiful. Good for the whole family.
Waste of time, even on a boring day
corrupteddivinity14 November 2017
So I thought I'd have a lovely weekend coming, got this film to watch with my boyfriend on a rainy, cold November Saturday night and... what a disappointment. The main character is quite unlikeable, keeps repeating the same phrase that everyone is mental around him, doesn't even want to comprehend what's going on. The little girl that appears later in the film played well, yet her character came out of nowhere and the scenes they wanted to create with her and the main character (that were supposed to be heart-warming and sweet) were more cringy than what they were aiming for. The film had a lot of potential but it was ultra boring and dragging for too long. Don't recommend.
PS. Maybe I feel this way about it because I watched it before my period.
PS. Maybe I feel this way about it because I watched it before my period.
Arango threw a curve ball, and a lot of people missed the pitch
A_Different_Drummer18 November 2017
The first thing that everyone missed is that this is an "auteur" movie, that is, the writer and director are one and the same.
The significance of that is important.
Canada, since the launch of its film sector in in the 1980s via tax credits, has built a solid and reliable industry by being essentially the "Walmart" of the sector. Constantly undercutting Hollywood prices (because of the cheaper Loonie) has kept the cash flowing.
And the Canucks have also taken hostage obscure sectors of the business that no one else was paying attention to. For example, 90% of all the so-called "X-mas" films you have seen in the last 20 years were Canadian-made.
Finally, Canada is where most once-successful franchises go to die. When you see a horror franchise or action franchise on its very last legs -- think Freddy Kruger IX or something like that -- chances are it is Canadian made.
So, against this odd backdrop of entrepreneurial spirit, it is rare and refreshing to see an auteur express a vision that is not a knockoff of something else.
And that is the key. This film is an original, it is like nothing you have seen. It takes place in one of Canada's most picturesque (showcase) small towns but it is not a small town piece like Doc Martin or Gilmore Girls or even Corner Gas. It has elements of faith but it is not a "faith-based" movie. It has elements of a rom-com yet without the "rom."
Again, an original.
And it is technically perfect. The script is solid. The acting from the leads is excellent, especially the often-overlooked Jonathan Pryce. (Secondary characters are hit and miss, which unfortunately is the curse of Canadian film making.) The story holds the attention. The questions raised are interesting. In many ways the film revisits issues from the blockbuster hit Resurrection (1980) but in a much subtler way.
It is solid workmanlike entertainment and deserves a better rating than most members have given it.
Recommended.
The significance of that is important.
Canada, since the launch of its film sector in in the 1980s via tax credits, has built a solid and reliable industry by being essentially the "Walmart" of the sector. Constantly undercutting Hollywood prices (because of the cheaper Loonie) has kept the cash flowing.
And the Canucks have also taken hostage obscure sectors of the business that no one else was paying attention to. For example, 90% of all the so-called "X-mas" films you have seen in the last 20 years were Canadian-made.
Finally, Canada is where most once-successful franchises go to die. When you see a horror franchise or action franchise on its very last legs -- think Freddy Kruger IX or something like that -- chances are it is Canadian made.
So, against this odd backdrop of entrepreneurial spirit, it is rare and refreshing to see an auteur express a vision that is not a knockoff of something else.
And that is the key. This film is an original, it is like nothing you have seen. It takes place in one of Canada's most picturesque (showcase) small towns but it is not a small town piece like Doc Martin or Gilmore Girls or even Corner Gas. It has elements of faith but it is not a "faith-based" movie. It has elements of a rom-com yet without the "rom."
Again, an original.
And it is technically perfect. The script is solid. The acting from the leads is excellent, especially the often-overlooked Jonathan Pryce. (Secondary characters are hit and miss, which unfortunately is the curse of Canadian film making.) The story holds the attention. The questions raised are interesting. In many ways the film revisits issues from the blockbuster hit Resurrection (1980) but in a much subtler way.
It is solid workmanlike entertainment and deserves a better rating than most members have given it.
Recommended.
An unwanted gift for him, but not for the others!
Reno-Rangan24 February 2018
I don't think this was made from the religious perspective. I really liked the initial parts. It was nothing new, but such initiation always intrigues about how the rest of the film would turn out. Of course it was a comedy, but beyond that there's emotion. A young man is offered to clear his debts, in return he has to do what was told, that he has to spend a year in his ancestor's rural place in Canada. He's sent to there with a purpose. He ignores after learning about it, but when a young girl with cancer meets him, he could change his mind. So what happens next was a predictable twist, but a good way to end.
I don't mind watching Christian films. Because most those I've watched does not promote the religion. Instead, it revolved around people who believe in it. That makes us to understand them better. This was almost a similar one. I'm a big fan of tearjerker flicks, so expected that moment. But it was decent. That kid part helped to establish the film even better. I almost liked the film, except in the end, it all fell apart. Like it was waiting to change the neutral stance to religion. Otherwise, it is a nice film. That's why it failed to get a different sect audience. Still, fictionally, it can be an enjoyable one.
5.5/10
I don't mind watching Christian films. Because most those I've watched does not promote the religion. Instead, it revolved around people who believe in it. That makes us to understand them better. This was almost a similar one. I'm a big fan of tearjerker flicks, so expected that moment. But it was decent. That kid part helped to establish the film even better. I almost liked the film, except in the end, it all fell apart. Like it was waiting to change the neutral stance to religion. Otherwise, it is a nice film. That's why it failed to get a different sect audience. Still, fictionally, it can be an enjoyable one.
5.5/10
What did i just watch
maeganjmerrell14 April 2020
Good hearted, emotionally fulfilling movie that is surprisingly good
cmhouser11 November 2017
I didn't have much hope for the movie based on the actors as they're not well known... however I'm very glad I took the time to watch it. Oliver Jackson-Cohen played a very good role for this well written, somewhat emotionally tugging (in a good way) script.
There isn't anything specifically that will jump out to you or blow you away, however by the end, you'll feel very rewarded by what comes to light as the overall reason the movie was written and produced has one of the best undertones I've seen from anything in movies recently. There isn't a huge God based message in the movie, despite being about faith and something bigger.
Overall, I think Paul Newman would absolutely give The Healer a thumbs up. Most will be happy they spent the time to watch and feel emotionally rewarded for their time. Despite this movie not costing much to make, it's certainly one of the better flicks I've seen this year.
There isn't anything specifically that will jump out to you or blow you away, however by the end, you'll feel very rewarded by what comes to light as the overall reason the movie was written and produced has one of the best undertones I've seen from anything in movies recently. There isn't a huge God based message in the movie, despite being about faith and something bigger.
Overall, I think Paul Newman would absolutely give The Healer a thumbs up. Most will be happy they spent the time to watch and feel emotionally rewarded for their time. Despite this movie not costing much to make, it's certainly one of the better flicks I've seen this year.
Hallmark movie with adult language
bluegray-1935514 June 2020
Worst Movie Ever
anpa-548622 June 2020
I should have stopped watching this after the first 15 minutes but powered through the whole film. Not only is the writing and dialogue very poorly written, this movie does not have a plot line. It is hard to follow, confusing, and just skips and leaves other ends untied. I highly recommend that you do not watch this movie unless you love cringey movies with bad writing, bad acting, and no plot line.
That part made me sad and angry. I really wish it could be different.
sarahh723 December 2019
I really want them to re-script and re-film Alek's scene in the church and his conversation with god .It was totally impolite and not allowed. Also it doesn't fit with the upcoming events , He was supposed to announce his regret and need to god instead.. he should have prayed.
Ok, The ending seemed rushed. "Abigail" seems like a young Winona Ryder clone.
woodspritegardens2 November 2020
Ok, movie, however, the lead, male actor was right, in that it wasn't enough time to decide. Also, I don't think people get gifts back, by demanding or threatening the giver. It could have been better, with a better lead up to the ending. It's a great "what if" story. What if one could eradicate illnesses & afflictions from society.
It's a bad good movie
carlosycontreras-553-33406515 March 2020
It is a very good movie actually, but as many people said: the main character is kind of a empty shell, the script very predictable but I enjoyed a lot, it is funny, have a nice message at the end, and it is kind of touchy... I enjoyed all except the main character acting , besides that, I liked the rest
An average watch
gk30300728 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Frankly, topics on which this movie is based upon have vast horizon to capture and make you feel amazed, leave aside movies which also do good given just a breakthrough. However, to this one i felt it needed a little more garnishing and icing to present an impeccable outcome. I felt in someparts a rush to deduce, someparts with not much explanation and only to name a few which made me feel good and kept me going with the flow.
One of an overwhelming feeling arose when at last Abigail is saved, i mean that wasn't necessary to prove that God exists or the healer has healing powers; a moment before Alec curses the Almighty and later there's no regret; frankly i dint liked it as to say that why for all the failures we blame God and Success is just because we did it.
An only one time watch.
One of an overwhelming feeling arose when at last Abigail is saved, i mean that wasn't necessary to prove that God exists or the healer has healing powers; a moment before Alec curses the Almighty and later there's no regret; frankly i dint liked it as to say that why for all the failures we blame God and Success is just because we did it.
An only one time watch.
Not what it says it is
spindr-3654410 January 2022
I thought it was supposed to be a feel good movie, but it was more like a town pressuring a guy to get their selfish ways. The main character is brought to a town under false pretenses, his handlers lie to him, then they bulldoze him to get their way. Not very feel good.
Life needs a little magic
meyuk4 November 2017
This is one of those films that exists to give us a light-hearted look at life.
It has all the ingredients of a story that gets you nodding in agreement, shaking your head in annoyance and smiling at the feel-good sections.
You may also feel your eyes filling up at times because the mix draws you in and pulls at your emotions.
So, settle down comfortably, get a box of tissues just in case, and enjoy a movie that has some mystery, a 'not so bad' baddie, minimal sex, no swearing and a fairy tale story line.
Well worth a viewing.
It has all the ingredients of a story that gets you nodding in agreement, shaking your head in annoyance and smiling at the feel-good sections.
You may also feel your eyes filling up at times because the mix draws you in and pulls at your emotions.
So, settle down comfortably, get a box of tissues just in case, and enjoy a movie that has some mystery, a 'not so bad' baddie, minimal sex, no swearing and a fairy tale story line.
Well worth a viewing.
Sweet family movie night show
neilandmichelene16 April 2020
In the Top 10 Stupidest Movies I've Ever Seen
kimintuitive10 April 2020
What on Earth was that movie? I found it annoying. First it was extremely aggravating, all the townspeople. Then where the story turned was out of nowhere and had no magic as it was paired with such poor storytelling. So then in the hopes it would turn for the better, I watched more and found it was an annoying, nonsensical story. I'm left with the most crotchedy feeling. Movies are supposed to make you feel something. So congrats to the movie makers, as I've never felt so irritated after a movie as this. Bahaha!
Feel good movie for all ages
paulbutterfield-7879315 April 2020
Watched this on Netflix last night when the worlds in lockdown and we need some feel good vibes, this movie ticks all the boxes, and everything all the family of all ages can enjoy, leave your head and expectations at the door and just watch it as it's meant for. We all enjoyed this immensely. Left me feeling with a warm glow.
Could of been better
faroutsea11 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Paul Newman tribute amongst end credits explained point of film but If the message is let children be happy carefree selves, if only momentarily and in the worst of circumstances then the obvious fairytale end is stupid. As it makes survival not happiness the point of the show.
The story is the fail! A healer needn't be so obvious and makes me think movie demographic is for children not parents of children with illness.
My rating is generous as could of been far better, reference (1991) Thelma & Louise but from the state trooper's perspective.
The story is the fail! A healer needn't be so obvious and makes me think movie demographic is for children not parents of children with illness.
My rating is generous as could of been far better, reference (1991) Thelma & Louise but from the state trooper's perspective.
OMG... all the whinning!
raptors-6974713 December 2019
The main character is all whinning, unbearable.
The movie is predictable, the plot is bad, the message of the movie is good but how it's delivered sucks.
Save your time, you know how it will end and it's not worthy the time invested.
See also
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