Movie Review: Columbia Pictures' Miracles From Heaven

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Miracles from Heaven

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, John Carroll Lynch, with Eugenio Derbez and Queen Latifah
Directed By: Patricia Riggen

Written By: Randy Brown
Produced By: Producers: Joe Roth, T.D. Jakes, DeVon Franklin
Executive Producers: Matthew Hirsch, Derrick Williams, Zack Roth

Official Sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.

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Being a native Texan, I had heard the story of the Beam family and their miracle daughter. I was looking forward to seeing it on the big screen, especially with Jennifer Gardner, Queen Latifah and Eugenio Derbez in the cast. I'm happy to report that this week's film, Miracles from Heaven, more than delivered. It was so good!

I appreciated the realness of this true to life story. I liked that the Beam family, the family on which this film is based, could be my neighbors. It made the story more relatable that the family was not over-glamorized. The Beams felt perfectly flawed. The flaws work to further the message of the film, the message that this story could happen to anyone.

Miracles from Heaven makes no bones about it being a faith based film. It doesn't apologize for its faith, but it doesn't press faith on the audience, either. More than anything, the film tells a story, it tells you what it thinks of the story, but ultimately allows the audience to decide what, if anything, the story means to them. I loved that it wasn't preachy about faith. Felt well-balanced.

I loved the cast. I've been a big fan of Eugenio Derbez since Instructions Not Included. I wish he had a bigger presence in American cinema, and I enjoyed him in this film. Jennifer Gardner did a wonderful job. Her portrayal of a protective mom tugged at my heart. Kylie Rogers as the ailing Anna Beam will bring tears to your eyes. So, be prepared for that.

Miracles from Heaven is a tear-jerker, for sure. Bring tissues. However, it isn't a depressing film. There are some hard moments, but it all feels genuine and tasteful. It's a great film for holidays. Wonderful for families. And you don't have to be of any particular faith or have faith in a larger power to enjoy it. It is a good story for the sake of good story-telling. See Miracles from Heaven open in theaters now.

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