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My First Miracle
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dying teen needs hope at Christmas; mature themes, drinking.
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My First Miracle
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What's the Story?
It's almost Christmas in MY FIRST MIRACLE. Angelica "Jelly" Martin (Katya Martin) is awaiting a bone marrow donor. She has a rare form of cancer, and chances for a match are slim. Her working-class parents, determined and loving, are stressed, struggling to make ends meet, and health insurance is far from secure. At the same time, young Sean (Juan Castano) has fled from an impossible foster situation. He's living on the snowy streets, surviving by his wits, along with his talent for picking pockets. His only friend is Charlie (Sean Patrick Flanery), a down-and-out alcoholic who plays his cello for tips. When Angelica and Sean meet briefly, in a very unorthodox way, there's a spark between them. Sean's unconventional tracking finds Angelica at a medical facility during one of her grueling chemo sessions where she spends much of her time with Tommy (Elijah Eustler-Sharpless), a much younger and very vulnerable patient. A sweet but secret relationship between Sean and "Jelly" begins. As the teen's condition worsens, it appears that there's no hope for anyone. It would take a miracle to change that.
Is It Any Good?
Appealing, strong performances from the central actors, along with a feel-good story, lift this "believe in miracles" movie above most low-budget, direct-to-streaming holiday fare. There's built-in predictability, but writer-director Rudy Luna manages to elicit some surprises and real interest for his characters. At times it's slow going, and coincidences abound, but leads Katya Martin and Juan Castano really click and make an impulsive, unlikely relationship work. Young Elijah Eustler-Sharpless is an especially bright light in the production. It's also nice to see supporting characters given some heft. My First Miracle is best for those who enjoy holiday magic; cynics need not apply.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of movies about miracles, especially during the holiday season. What emotions do movies like My First Miracle evoke in audiences? How can everyday people help create "miracles" in their communities at this time of year?
Think about the many different reasons people may become homeless. Sean lives on the streets. In what ways did he have control over his situation; in what ways did he not?
Charlie is a mysterious character. How, if at all, did he impact the story? How do you think his life was changed by the events he witnessed?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 19, 2017
- Cast: Katya Martin , Juan Castano , Sean Patrick Flanery
- Director: Rudy Luna
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors
- Studio: Vision Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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