Blog Tour for new Christmas film Miracle Maker with review #MiracleMakerFilm @moorepublicist

It all starts with one little seed of love.

"The Miracle Maker is coming!" 
Everyone in the tiny hamlet is excited when they hear the news that the renowned man of wonders is coming to their village. But the humble traveler who appears isn't what anyone expected. They were looking forward to someone magnificent who would change their lives. But it seems this man can barely take care of himself, let alone fulfill the dreams of others. However, miracles can come in all shapes and sizes-and sometimes from unexpected places.

A delightful full-length feature film about a turn-of-the-century Western town in desperate need of a Christmas miracle is now available on DVD.

            In their longstanding commitment to developing faith-based films, Covenant Communications has joined Paulist Productions and Mainstay Productions to produce Miracle Maker, a family film that will resonate with people of all ages. The DVD will be available at Costco, on Amazon, at Deseret Book and Seagull Book, and wherever LDS products are sold.

            The residents of Woodhaven are feeling discouraged—work is scarce, money is low, love is lagging, and spirits are down. Then a mysterious telegraph arrives, and a handsome stranger walks into town with nothing more than his dog and a chicken. Throw in a mean-spirited landlord, a love-sick preacher, a pair of delightfully charming old biddies, and an enchanting little girl—and what happens next will warm the heart and create a healthy dose of the Christmas spirit as the entire town is changed for the better.

            Miracle Maker—based on a story written by Covenant author Ann Acton—shows what happens when seeds of love are planted and people create their own miracles by performing acts of service.

            Filmed primarily at This Is the Place State Park in Salt Lake City, old town Heber City, and American Fork, the film features a diverse cast of well-known actors, including Brian Krause (Charmed TV series), Jasen Wade (17 Miracles, Saints and Soldiers, Cokeville Miracle), Adam Johnson, Jake Stormoen, Melanie Stone, and eight-year-old Kalea Atkinson.

            John Lyde and Sally Meyer once again combine their talents as director and screenwriter. The two have previously collaborated on popular films Christmas for a Dollar, Christmas Oranges, He Knows My Name, Abide with Me, Minor Details, and You’re So Cupid.

TRAILER:

Purchase: Amazon 

"Miracles happen everyday. They're all around us. We just have to know where to find them." Pastor Thomas Keating tells his young congregants those very words in a scene from Miracle Maker, a recently released holiday movie. I don't need to explain how many times I've sat down with my family to see a supposed 'family' show or movie, only to be hit with bad language or a racy scene within the first fifteen minutes of viewing. Miracle Maker is a clean, inspirational and highly enjoyable film for all ages and the message it conveys is simple: everyone can make their own miracles.

The movie is filled with lovely imagery, the story is sweet and believable, and the cast is simply wonderful. It was great to see Brian Krause (he played Leo on Charmed) as Mr. Booth, the town 'bad guy,' a wealthy and curmudgeonly landlord many residents think of as Scrooge. We soon learn here is a reason for his behavior so when he begins to change we cheer him on. Each resident, young or old, has their own story which is nicely resolved by the end credits. The child actors were so good but I have to single out Kalea Atkinson. With her cherubic face and huge addicting smile, this young actress stole every scene she appeared in. I also really enjoyed Jasen Wade as Matthew, the 'Miracle Maker' who walks into town with a shovel, a dog and a chicken. Mr. Wade lit up the screen with his comforting smile and natural grace, while having the ability to say exactly what needed to be said in the moment. Jake Stormoen as Thomas also stood out with his tender portrayal of a man of faith who wants to reconcile with his true love, Lily (Melanie Stone playing the soft-spoken and scarred Miss Booth who learns to stand up for what/who she wants). Thomas carries a lot of weight on his shoulders--role model and friend to the children, sole supporter for his bedridden widowed mother, and town pastor. He fulfills his roles always with a small smile. 

The movie certainly tugs on the heartstrings and grabs the viewer in. There's humor, a past slight rectified, lovers reconnect, a once silenced voice is found, romance blossoms and there's even a baby's birth. Yes, there is something for everyone to relate to in the tales of Woodhaven's people.

Miracle Maker may take place in the Old West but its main message still resonates today. People do have the power to make their own miracles. They just need to believe. So while you're wondering what to do after Sunday family dinner or trimming the tree, pop this delightful movie into the DVD player, then sit back and get ready to enjoy all Miracle Maker offers. My family and I loved it.