Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Good acting can't save earnest, faith-based family drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Miracles from Heaven
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 58 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is an emotional rollercoaster, featuring a heart-wrenching story about a sick girl that includes intense hospital scenes and themes of faith and miracles. While some viewers praise its inspirational message and powerful performances, many caution that the film's sad and disturbing moments may not be suitable for younger children.
- emotional journey
- powerful messages
- not for young kids
- intense hospital scenes
- touching story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, including accident and medical images
- Last updated : November 20, 2021
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