Miracles from Heaven
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Good acting can't save earnest, faith-based family drama.

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Miracles from Heaven
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Based on 15 parent reviews
GREAT FOR TEENS
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Great Movie
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What's the Story?
Based on the memoir by Christy Beam, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN follows the Beam family's experiences as middle daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers), a spunky 10-year-old, comes down with an untreatable, likely digestive disorder. Anna's mom, Christy (Jennifer Garner), is completely demoralized watching her little girl waste away, especially when even the best doctor in the country (Eugenio Derbez) can do little to slow the effects of her condition. But just when all seems lost, a terrible accident could actually be just the miracle the Beams have been waiting for. and Martin Henderson
Is It Any Good?
Watching a child inch closer to death is definitely a somber experience, but viewers shouldn't get too upset; no matter how bad things seem, the film's title is a major clue to how things will end. You can spot Miracles from Heaven's destination from the onramp. And while the extremely earnest drama is pretty predictable (and underwhelming), it does boast a strong cast -- especially Garner as a mom who nearly breaks under her huge burden and Derbez as the sympathetic, Patch Adams-esque doctor. The film is well-made and certainly inspirational, but in the end it's just not all that entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters in Miracles from Heaven exhibit perseverance. Why is this an important character strength?
The film is based on the Beam family's real-life experiences; do you think this is what happened in real life? Does it matter whether viewers believe?
Do you think filmmakers generally stick close to the facts in movies based on true stories? Why might they decide to change things?
Who you think Miracles from Heaven is most intended to appeal to? Do you think it's for people who already profess a faith, or will it appeal to others equally?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 16, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: July 12, 2016
- Cast: John Carroll Lynch, Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson, Queen Latifah
- Director: Patricia Riggen
- Inclusion Information: Latinx directors, Black actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic material, including accident and medical images
- Last updated: January 1, 2023
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