Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Traditional family Christmas tale about showing kindness.
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The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY, Thomas (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) and his mother Susan (Joely Richardson) move to a small village after his father dies at war. Preparing for their first Christmas in a new home, Thomas realizes he's lost the wooden Nativity set gifted to him by his dad, and struggles to look forward to a Christmas without him. Susan turns to grumpy local woodworker Jonathan Toomey (Tom Berenger)—nicknamed "Gloomy Toomey" by the village children—to create a new set in time for Christmas.
Is It Any Good?
There's a real classic innocence to this 2007 family drama about a boy and his mother who connect with a lonely woodworker at Christmas. Adapted from a children's book of the same name, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is wholesome and traditional, if a touch on the nose. Kids expecting layered humor, big set pieces, or CGI may be disappointed, but there's something enduringly appealing about the story. Berenger is enjoyably gruff as the reclusive title character, his reactions to others providing much of the humor here. And both Richardson and Ward-Wilkinson are warm and relatable as a mourning mother and son. A young Saoirse Ronan gives a scene-stealing performance as one of Thomas's local friends, kind but spirited, and willing to stand up to her bully brother (another standout performance from Jack Montgomery). There are snowball fights and festive cheer, and cold hearts being warmed by the kindness of others. It's something perhaps to bridge the gap between multiple generations over the festive period, even if it's a little simplistic compared to more modern fare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Thomas, Susan, and Jonathan learned in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. How did their outlooks change from the beginning to the end of the film? How did their behavior change? Why is it important to keep an open mind toward other people?
Thomas and Susan showed empathy in the film, particularly in their interactions with Jonathan. What impact did that have on him? Did you think it encouraged him to show empathy himself? Why is empathy an important character strength?
The movie is adapted from a children's book by Susan Wojciechowski. Had you read the book before watching the movie? If not, has the movie inspired you to go away and read the book? Can you think of any other Christmas movies adapted from books? How do they compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2007
- Cast : Luke Ward-Wilkinson , Tom Berenger , Joely Richardson
- Director : Bill Clark
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Formula Films Limited
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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