Mrs. Miracle (2009 TV Movie) User Reviews (25)

Where Mary Poppins went for Christmas

[JaynaB · 7/10 · 4 December 2011]

This movie opens on a familiar scene of children driving away a string of housekeepers, but that's only one of the plot threads in this heart-warming seasonal movie. There's a lot to like despite the frequently-visited trope of the super-nanny straightening out the chaotic household.

What makes it an outstanding example of the concept is not only the highly relatable problems faced by the family - no over-the-top issues here - but the realistic way those problems are brought out and resolved over the course of the film.

The young boys are cute and lively but troubled. The way their inner trouble is portrayed is subtle - comments by their teachers and a brief, odd reaction from their father (the handsome and vulnerable James Van der Beek). Nanny predictably fills a void in their lives.

She also, predictably, nudges their dad gradually into delivering what his sons need from him, and what he needs from himself. Nanny's mechanism for coaxing Dad out of his funk is the delightful Reba (played by the equally delightfully Erin Karpluk with deftly handled emotional fragility), a local businesswoman with her own problems.

The romance felt a bit rushed, especially between the first meeting and the first date, and the nanny's departure was also rapid. Another reviewer complained about the speed of reconciliation in Reba's family but I found it very realistic.

In fact, one thing I particularly like was that, instead of the plot benefiting from one of those last-minute miraculous interventions so common in Christmas movies, the 'Christmas Spirit' only nudged, and the humans had plenty of chances to turn away from the inner changes needed to bring the plot to a satisfactory resolution. It felt real and probable, especially as played by Van Der Beek and Karpluk.

I'm pretty sure I'll be watching this movie again in future years.

Mary Poppins comes for Christmas

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 20 September 2015]

Doris Roberts gives a wonderful performance as a Mary Poppins like nanny who comes into the life of grieving widower James Van Der Beek and his two twin sons. Her name is Mrs. Merkel but the kids start calling her Mrs. Miracle. And soon a few miracle like events start happening.

Van Der Beek is an incomplete person, he tries to play both roles with a series of housekeepers who quit on him. He won't let go of his late wife and refuses to talk to the kids about the mother they don't remember. Through the good offices of his Miracle worker he meets Erin Karpluk who is nursing a broken heart and a grudge against a sister who stole the man she wanted away. You just know that these two people are meant for each other, you just have to provide the right circumstances.

Shot in Canada this film was done for the Hallmark Channel and it's one of their better original films. Although you might think at times you're watching a feature film length episode of Highway To Heaven or Touched By An Angel, Mrs. Miracle can stand proudly on its own merits.

Definitely for fans of Doris Roberts.

Upbeat and sincere, but routine

[MartianOctocretr5 · 6/10 · 8 December 2009]

Doris Roberts shows up to save the day when a widower whose rambunctious twins terrorize a parade of baby sitters. OK, we've seen a lot of this before. The bratty kids motif is a little old now, but other things going on in this Hallmark offering make for a pleasant diversion.

What Christmas movie would be complete without a romance? Erin Karpluk and James Van der Beek have some great chemistry, and each has a past hurt, setting up a mutual healing process that is the primary theme of the movie. Mrs. Merkle (Roberts), when she's not a super nanny, is a match maker, and it soon becomes obvious she has some miracle talents up her sleeve to help everybody out to a happy ending. Think a matronly version of Peter Falk's Angel Max character.

While the plot is familiar, the acting is impressive, given this was a made-for-TV movie. The cast make a fine ensemble; scenes such as the first accidental confrontation between the two estranged sisters is handled very well. Issues such as forgiveness and letting go of hurts are dealt with sincerely.

A feel-good story; entertaining enough for a stay-in evening.

Meant for the Holidays...

[hmusol · 7/10 · 13 December 2018]

That James Van der Beek is a charming fellow. The script gives him that and not much else. But it's sweet and Doris Roberts is a treat!

Nice mixed genre Christmas film from Hallmark

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 3 January 2019]

"Mrs. Miracle" is a pleasant mixed genre film for the Christmas holidays. It has comedy, drama, fantasy and family. The plot combines a number of elements that have been used in various films.

James Van Der Beek plays the male lead, Seth Webster. He is a widower of several years who has twin sons. He hasn't been able to get over the loss of his wife, but he loves and dotes on his boys. The sons are a handful and Seth can't keep a housekeeper for long because of them. He apparently is able to work at home a great deal as an architect.

Erin Karpluk plays the female lead, Reba Maxwell. She's not interested in men since leaving theater work and starting her own successful travel agency. She is estranged from her sister who ran off with Reba's fiancé just before she was to be married several years earlier.

The film has a good dose of comedy throughout, and also is a serious drama with each of the leads not being able to reconcile their lives. But they both can see the problem in the other person.

The third character is Mrs. Merkle. Her character, played by Doris Roberts, resembles "Mary Poppins" and "Nanny McPhee" from those films. The twins, Judd and Jason, call her Mrs. Miracle. And, before this film ends, Seth, Reba and others will come to see the housekeeper as a real miracle worker.

This is an entertaining and good film from the Hallmark channel and its annual Christmas holidays programs.

Here's a favorite exchange of Mrs. Merkle with the twins. Mrs. Merkle, "Well, sometimes grownups need to be alone to talk things over." A twin, "What kind of things?" Mrs. Merkle, "Well, scientists have been trying to figure that out for hundreds of years. I'm not sure they're ever going to figure it out. But I have my own theory." The boys listen with rapt attention. Mrs. Merkle, "I think they're talking about what they want for Christmas." The other twin, "Ohhhhh!" Both boys nod knowingly.

Thanks, Hallmark. This is a lovely, lovely film...... a must-see for romance fans and suitable for all audiences

[inkblot11 · 10/10 · 28 December 2009]

Reba (Erin Karpluk) has returned to her hometown, after a try at professional acting. Her new gig is being a preschool teacher and a director for the upcoming Christmas show for the school. But, she is still despondent that her lovelife has been so hurtful. It seems her sister ran off with her fiancé and they haven't spoken in years. Meanwhile, a gentleman (James Van Der Beek) has also come to town with his young twin boys. A widower, he, too, is down on love and having trouble with the kids. Into their lives comes Mrs. Merkle (Doris Roberts). She nabs the job of nanny-housekeeper for the twins, who immediately dub her "Mrs. Miracle". Indeed, Mrs. Miracle soon has the boys behaving nicely and in a happier state of mind. As the miracle lady proceeds to find a way for Reba and the handsome widower to meet, again and again, is she sowing the seeds of love for their futures? And, can she solve other problems for them, too? Is she human or could she be, gasp, a true angel from above? This was one lovely film, very sweet and suitable for all audiences. It has humor, drama, romance and nice performances. Make time to see it, do. It is a miracle a film as beautiful as this one is here to warm our hearts. Thanks, Hallmark. You stand alone in making high-quality films that absolutely everyone can love watch and love.

Not quite a miracle, but nonetheless a charmer

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 21 September 2021]

Saw 'Mrs Miracle' as a big fan of Christmas, one of the few times of the year always looked forward to and with some of my fondest memories being from this period. Christmas films have varied wildly over the years, but when they are good they are great. When they misfire, they are mediocre at best and at worst awful. Also saw it because Doris Roberts was always a very watchable actress and her comic timing was a joy in a lot of her work.

'Mrs Miracle' was pretty decent. It is not one of the best Christmas films ever made (am not going to name them as that would be unfair), then again that wasn't expected. It is also a long way from being one of the worst. It is somewhere in between overall, being a very pleasant effort with a lot that is good but also an unexceptional one where the criticisms are understandable. Having said that, as far as the recently seen Christmas films go, 'Mrs Miracle' is among the better faring ones.

Am going to begin with what doesn't come off so well. As to be expected the story is predictable, with a lot of easily telegraphed scenes and an outcome that is obvious from the outset. Some draggy pacing here and there too, especially a somewhat slow-going start.

Quite a fair bit of the dialogue does make one cringe and like some festive films it is not without its cheesy moments, some of it getting a bit much. Will agree too that while everything with the forgiveness is very sincere and well intended, considering the scenario that it centres around it didn't feel realistic. What happened is something that is pretty unforgivable in real life. Have seen a lot of too tidy and neatly resolved endings in Christmas films, Hallmark is pretty much a major serial offender of this, 'Mrs Miracle' is no exception.

However, Roberts radiates with charm and comic joy. James Van Der Beek is also charming and easy to like, in fact all the acting is well above average and they have characters that are worth caring for. The chemistry between them all is far from clinical and comes over as warm and genuine. The film looks decent, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. The Christmas atmosphere is handled charmingly and affectionately and the romance is genuinely sweet and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz.

Roberts' presence does lighten things up and avoids 'Mrs Miracle' from getting over-serious. Despite the predictability, it has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and while not all the messaging succeeds it is well intended and has an honesty about it, also found it relatable. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much.

Concluding, while unexceptional it's a pleasant watch. 6/10.

Heartwarming and a feel good movie

[Luvhallmark · 10/10 · 5 March 2019]

Even though this movie has been out for years, I watched it again, I had purchased it on DVD. I enjoyed this movie very much from beginning to end. I always like to see Erin K, I think she's fantastic and I thought the chemistry between her and JVDB was very good. Doris R was so adorable and lovable in her role, she played it so well (R.I.P.). The kids were cute too! I also liked all the supporting actors in this movie, they seemed to all compliment each other. The story line/plot was very good and it held my attention nicely. I've watched this movie a few times over the years and I must say the scene towards the end when the sisters make up, always brings a few tears to my eyes, well done to both actresses!! This is definitely one of my favorites.

Terrific performances!

[brookenichole-98054 · 7/10 · 28 November 2020]

Mrs. Miracle is one of the better Hallmark Christmas movies. The story is great, the chemistry is on point, and the Christmas aspect adds a wonderful touch. I absolutely loved the whole concept with forgiveness and moving on. I thought it fit perfectly into the story and was handled well. Erin Karpluk and James Van Der Beek give terrific performances, along with Doris Roberts. Overall, this movie is worth the watch!

made when there was budgets for these things so, not embarrassing

[iranu-74195 · 5/10 · 10 November 2019]

There's at least budget here - someone actually spent some money, rather than buy some fairy lights and a shoot in Boulder at night time. Here we have the perfect dilemma of Hollywood editorial. All Christmas movies have to have a God-Jesus character (usually Father Christmas, but might be covered by an Old Saige in the village, or a talisman, or even, insultingly, an animal) who has "come down to Earth" to re-enliven non-believers or the afflicted/lost. On this occassion the concept of a messianic element, or listening God, is played by a Jewish female - you couldn't make this up.. and really, it is likely deliberate. Roberts, as Messiah, is of course excellent in her timing and delivery and is a lovable character.,, but definitely would look odd in stained glass. There's also some welcome changes in the leading parts. The female lead is a shapely brunette rather than a stick-thin bottle blonde. The male isn't called Scott and doesn't have a face like chicken mayo. However, when EVENTUALLY they break the romantic ice, on the fist kiss, the undermusic is "Come let us Adore him", played in time with the kiss, Which, when you think about it, is REALLY weird. This equates the Male Lead (temporarily) to Jesus and she "adores" him. Twisted, but funny. There's sometimes some real snow here and well shot interiors and a well-paced script. Everyone enjoys themselves and the single Dad gets his hands on some very tasty yuletide buns - what's not to like?

Perfect Christmas Tv Movie

[ajworden-54648 · 10/10 · 1 December 2019]

10/10... Thanks Hallmark. Yes its cliched and formulaic but it's a happy film and I love it... Even after watching most Christmases.

Charming and uplifting

[jml1988 · 7/10 · 2 December 2020]

Warm, witty and charming. I liked that the movie showed the difficulty of facing your past, despite how painful it might be.

Not that miraculous!

[adamjohns-42575 · 5/10 · 4 February 2021]

Well, I know she could use magic, but the romance happened very fast.

It's not a bad film, but you didn't really get to see how Mrs Miracle managed to make it all happen. The boys just started listening to her without fighting the system, the romance just happens and moves on and the upset and resolution that happens in all of these types of film was just daft.

Also can we call James a leading man any more, if he ever was? I always preferred Pacey, on the rare occasion when I did watch The Creek.

The pageant is also too long and terrible and we don't get to see him bonding with his sons and learning how to handle them while doing Christmas things like making cookies. It's all about his attraction to her and then he still doesn't know how to look after the kids.

Although it is watchable, it's not for me this time.

Mary Poppins Comes To America

[bigverybadtom · 7/10 · 15 July 2017]

It is near Christmastime, and a young widower has six-year-old rambunctious twin boys who drive all the other nannies away with their antics-but Mrs. Merkle appears suddenly and is able to make them behave better. Not by waving a magic wand, but by simple psychology. But she does not deal only with the children.

The widower himself is still grieving for his wife, and as a result won't tell his twins about her, nor will he play his piano any more. Mrs. Merkle subtly arranges to get a woman owning a travel agency to meet him, help with a local school pageant and meet her estranged sister.

The story works because Mrs. Merkle, as mentioned before, does not use magic, but is able to subtly push people to do things using suggestion and psychology-though she somehow knows information that nobody evidently tells her. Perhaps she uses magic after all? It doesn't really matter. The movie may be routine, clichéd, and predictable, but it succeeds thanks to good performances by the actors and a storyline that is just long and simple enough. Not deeply meaningful, but good family entertainment.

Predictable

[tnmccoy63 · 6/10 · 6 December 2009]

Most Christmas movie plots are pretty predictable, and this one is no exception. It has the standard Christmas elements: new nanny; recalcitrant kid/kids; widow/widower; chip---or memory---on the shoulder; mistaken perceptions; happy ending with the girl/boy marrying,or at least dating seriously. It only lacks a 'real' Santa Claus figure in the plot, or maybe a reindeer or two. And despite the hype about the writer, it's just a Christmas oriented 'Nanny McPhee.' Consequently, this is not an impressive work of art for the writer, Debbie Macomber. But, for Christmas movies, it's good. And I've chosen to watch it more than once.

Well written and well acted.

[rebekahrox · 10/10 · 18 November 2017]

Every time this comes on, and once I catch a glimpse, I have to keep watching. The acting of the two leads, Van der Beek and Karpluk is top notch, and that indefinable certain something between them, Chemistry, is there in spades. You genuinely become invested in them. They play two good people with shadows in their past that is preventing them from being happy and living their best lives. In his case, his grief over the death of his wife is keeping him closed off from his sons and moving on. He has cut music and playing the piano out of his life. In her case, her anger and bitterness with her sister for stealing her fiancé in the worst possible way has kept her from reconciling with her and negatively impacting her whole family. With the help of Doris Roberts and a few strategically placed "miracles", she helps them see their way clear to dealing with their pasts and finding happiness and fulfillment with each other and their families. It never fails to bring tears of happiness.

James Van Der Beek makes this one worth watching...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 25 December 2009]

And amazingly, his name is entirely missing from the IMDb credits for the movie! He's not the only focal point. But JAMES VAN DER BEEK has the principal role in this story about a widower who needs a housekeeper who can deal with his two rambunctious boys--and stumbles across romance with plucky ERIN KARPLUK.

Both are hurt from their previous romantic encounters and have to find true love through forgiveness and the machinations of a fairy-tale figure who becomes his housekeeper, nimbly played by DORIS ROBERTS.

The Christmas program part of the story is the weakest sequence in the whole made-for-TV movie. But because the cast is refreshingly natural (the two boys are excellent), and because James Van Der Beek is exceptionally sincere as the boy's young father (especially in his scenes with Erin), the predictable tale stays afloat because of the charming way it's told.

Recommended viewing around the holidays--even if there is an air of deja vu about the whole thing.

Mrs. Miracle

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 10/10 · 23 December 2020]

10/10 - while this isn't a 10/10 movie in a traditional sense, it is still a perfect Christmas story for all audiences

Movie better than novel

[Nancigee741 · 7/10 · 7 December 2009]

This movie is one, a first for me, that I can truly say is BETTER than the book. (The book contains too many other subplots, especially the annoying, psychotic in-laws.) I can easily see why they were omitted to make the story fit into a two hour made-for-TV drama.....................

The movie followed the book closely, but did not give us enough Mrs. Merkle "Miracles". You were never quite sure what she was...Debbie Macomber should have taken a few more clues from the old Nanny and the Professor show and stolen a few more subtle hints as to Mrs. Merkle's powers...................

The book is the last by author Debbie Macomber I could tolerate reading....her writing has become trite and preachy instead of entertaining and interesting and are not worth the price charges for novels these days......................

If you did not like this movie, you will HATE Debbie Macomber's books written in the past 10 yrs (her earlier works were actually better)............................

Unrealistic

[scntyguy · 4/10 · 23 October 2020]

This Hallmark TV movie is ridiculous! The man's two boys are totally out of control, they act like wild animals! The story plot of everyone wanting Reba to forgive and forget about her sister running off with her fiancée is absurd! If it was me, I never would speak to the sister or her pushy not understanding mother ever again! 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

Marvelous Miracle ****

[edwagreen · 9/10 · 17 December 2009]

This is a very appropriate movie for the holiday season.

The part of the angel was made for veteran thespian Doris Roberts who is simply wonderful as the guardian angel who brings joy to the life of twin boys and their widowed father. Widowed father? Yes, she is a match maker with it all. Hello Dolly Miracle!

This story is appropriate to the holiday season because it deals with human understanding and forgiveness. Mrs.Merkel or Miracle brings two people together. The man we've already mentioned and a girl who lost her husband-to-be to her sister right before the wedding! The guy walked out on the sister several months later, but the sister remarried and has a child. Problem is that the scorned sister can't forgive her sister for what has occurred. Who really could?

Another Warm Fuzzy Christmas Movie

[Lily-32 · 9/10 · 5 December 2009]

I for one enjoyed it. It felt a little rushed sometimes and like they could have expanded on a few things, but it was still cute and I'll buy it on DVD. James Van Der Beek and Erin Karpluck had some great chemistry. I would have loved to have seen more of that with the story expanding just a little more on their characters' courtship. The Christmas program left much to be desired but it wasn't the focus of the story so we'll forgive them that one.

I do have one severe gripe and I've seen this many times over in movies that have a similar conflict with a specific character. With the back story between Reba and her sister I felt dissatisfied with Reba finally just showing up on her doorstep. If I were her I'd have a few more things to say and a few questions I wanted answered. Yes, perhaps they did talk and we weren't intended to see it but I would have liked to. In my mind it's no longer about the guy for Reba. He's long gone anyway and she's better off without him. It's about what her sister did and what would drive a sister to go that far. Mere competitiveness seems too trivial for a betrayal of that magnitude. So I would have liked to see that conversation. I would also have liked to see Seth at the piano in their home before his final decision to play at the pageant. I realize they probably wanted to emphasize his return by him just showing up but I would have liked to see it anyway. This movie wasn't really meant to be a nail-biter, after all.

Still, as I said, I enjoyed it and I'll be happy to have a copy when it's released on DVD. I was definitely more pleased with this than National Tree or Flower Girl.

Beautiful

[Jackbv123 · 9/10 · 16 September 2017]

Another of the nanny slayer children stories, but in this one, the single parent's new love interest is not also the new nanny. It worked out very well this way.

While the story is about Mrs. Miracle, I didn't think Doris Roberts was quite perfect. Can't put my finger on it, but something was missing.

James Vander Beek and Erin Karpluk had great chemistry.

The story had no real surprises but was still very heartwarming.

Heartwarming Film

[lgroden · 8/10 · 30 April 2022]

I love these kind of films - ones that go straight to the heart. Doris Roberts is wonderful as Mrs Merkel as are Erin Karpluk & James van der Beek in the leading roles. Definitely one to watch.

Gives me the tingles

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 23 January 2024]

8.0 stars.

This is the type of film you show your family on a regular basis, be it once a year, or maybe every other, but it should be seen by all families at some point. It's one of those feel good Christmas stories about the real nitty gritty hard stuff about life. This is about a woman who has been mortally wounded (figuratively) and she cannot forgive no matter how hard she tries. Once you find out what happened to her, you'll agree with her side of it. And the story is also about a man and his very young twin boys who lost a wife and mother some years back and he can't heal and the boys have no concept of who their mother was and why dad can't talk about her. Everyone needs a miracle, big time. Mrs. Miracle arrives just in time and she makes everything work. It takes a lot of pain and effort, but will be worth the journey to find happiness and peace in the end. There's even a nice little romance that is soft, uplifting, dramatic, and entertaining. What a marvelous and poignant tale that will make you weep, I promise.