THE MIRACLE SEASON – A Review by Cynthia Flores
The Miracle Season is the new film from director Sean McNamara who gave us the indie hit film, 2011's Soul Surfer.
In this new film he tells the inspiring true story of the Iowa City West High School volleyball team. Who, after the sudden death of team leader Caroline Found (Danika Yarosh), had to band together with the help of their coach (Helen Hunt) to fight through the heartache of loss in hopes of winning the state volleyball championship.
Caroline's best friend, Kelly (Erin Moriarty), despite her broken heart over the loss of her childhood friend, must step up and learn to lead the team on the court.
This director likes to make good, solid family films that pass along a message of perseverance, courage and faith without being too heavy handed. Also, he’s really great at showing the action of skilled volleyball competition.
Helen Hunt is perfect as the tough as nails coach and William Hurt will break your heart as the grieving father, Dr. Ernie Found, who has to make his own way through all the loss his family has to deal with. I don’t care who you are, this film will make you cry along with the characters. I saw it with a good mix of young girls from local volleyball teams with their mom’s and coaches; and, I heard lots of sobbing in that darkened theater.
The young actresses in the film looked like good volleyball players and athletes not just pretty faces. The game scenes are tense, and fast paced. Think along the lines of such sport films as Hoosiers or We Are Marshall but for girls.
The Miracle Season is rated PG and is a breath of fresh air showing girls competing in sports each with the heart of a great competitor, just like the boys do.
So grab your tissues, and your mom or sister or best friend and enjoy this chick flick that shows how strong girls can be on and off the court. It’s not a great film but it is good. For that reason, I give it a solid B Rating.
Directed by Sean McNamara
Written By David Aaron, Elissa Matsueda
Rated PG
Selig Rating B
Running Time 1h 39min
Drama / Sport/ Biography
Wide Release April 6th
Starring: Helen Hunt, Erin Moriarty, Danika Yarosh, Jason Gray-Stanford, William Hurt, Burkely Duffield
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
