Customer Reviews

Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As more westerns hit the screens, it is refreshing to find a family western that stresses loyalty and portrays the importance of bonds between family and friends, and even more amazing when that film blends this between cowboys and Indians.

"Miracle at Sage Creek" hits this mark; it is a story about two families, era 1880's Wyoming settlement- one lead by a bitter patriarch rancher and the other a mixed white-Indian household. David Carradine plays the father/grandfather who, blinded by the loss of his wife at the hand of Indians, ultimately finds forgiveness and acceptance of his Indian neighbors- his eyes are opened to see that it is the community and love for each other that matters most.

Also refreshing is to see the strong friendships the children of these mixed families have for each other, and how they are both taught by their parents to seek guidance- one through prayer to God, and the other to the "Great Spirit"- albeit to lien not on their own strengths. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths." PROVERBS 3:5-6

The acting is clean, the sets superb. Amazing work with the horses, dog, and children! Young upcoming actor Wyatt Turner does an excellent job portraying the sick grandson, along with the outstanding acting talents of these young actors: Masam Holden, Darian Weiss, and Marissa Baca.

WHAT a cast- West Studi and Irene Bedard play their Indian parts without flaw, Tim Abell, Michael Parks, Francine York, Buck Taylor, Sarah Aldrich, David Quinn round out the all-star cast.

NO profanity, horse chase scenes, and shooting make this an all-around western that any western genre lover should see, and that every family should share with each-other!

I picked this one up as a free rental because an earlier film would not play properly. My decision process went something like; hmmm... a film with Kwai Chang Caine and Pocahontas in it has just got to be good. So much for my sophisticated thought processes.

Some times it really is that simple, however. David Carradine did not disappoint in his performance and neither did Irene Bedard, who, for those folks who don't read the credits, was the speaking voice of Disney's Pocahontas. Wes Studi, who plays the father of Irene's character, absolutely shines in his role.

It is a modern classic Western that has all the things that made the Western genre king in times past, and quite possibly will bring it back to dominance in times to come. In some ways, it is reminiscent of an old Disney film like Old Yeller, though it is blessed with a happy ending.

The values portrayed and celebrated are those I would want my children exposed to. For the cast and crew of this movie, thank you so very much for a really good film! May God be with each and every one of you.

This was a good film. The director did an awesome job and must have wanted to do a real family story. I would not hesitate letting my kids or grand kids watch this movie. The actors were great, I love Wes Studi and David Carradene. The role of Daniel played by Fred Griffith was a great touch that brings the story to a close. I had not heard of Fred Griffith before this movie but I'm now looking for other movies he's been in.

I would definately reccommend this movie to anyone at any age. I wish I could say that about more movies.

***UPDATE: If you plan to buy or rent this movie, avoid this version and get "Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek" instead. Apparently it's a slightly longer version...and has the missing snow (?). Just do a search and you'll find it here on Amazon.***

I have no idea what this movie was doing in the Action section of Blockbuster. I have no idea how Kirby Jones of Western Writers of America (one of the endorsers on the jacket)could possibly believe this is "one of the best Westerns in 20 years"--absolutely BIZARRE comment. I also have no idea how it could have won a Spur Award for Best Western Drama (unless there weren't many Westerns made in 2006?).

I suppose the main problem is that the movie is misrepresented in terms of its genre. It's fine for a family film or a TV Christmas special (although I thought it snows in Wyoming in December?). It's a family drama with two odd, short gun fights (the first one was okay but the second one was totally unbelievable--guys unable to hit the other guys at close range?) that happens to take place on a Wyoming homestead in 1888. The filmmakers are not at fault for this--they clearly say that they wanted to make a Western-flavored film that kids would like.

I think the biggest criticism I have for it, though (genre mix-up aside), is the lack of simple details that would make it more believable as a period piece. First, with the exception of Wes Studi (who is believable as a diplaced Crow chief in his diction and bearing), the actors all sounded and looked like 21st century people wearing 19th century clothes and saying lines that either you'd say today or which someone today would imagine someone might say in 1888. Most of the actors do admirably well with the not-too-great script (although the kids are certainly miscast). But my other complaint is that there wasn't one speck of dirt anywhere! I will admit, however, that it wasn't any help that I watched 3:10 to Yuma (the new one) yesterday. Night and day. True, it's not exactly a family film and this one had to tone down typical Western violence, but I don't see how it would be bad for kids to see frontier people with bad teeth and the grime, dust, and sweat that comes with working hard on a homestead. This kind of realism wouldn't make anything dismal--it would actually make the story more uplifting. Ah well.

I must say that, as a fan, I was also slightly disappointed that Wes Studi didn't have more lines and that Irene Bedard's lines were not very well-written (although she did well with what she had to work with). The ubiquitous David Carradine was good, as was the actress playing his daughter. Probably the best praise I can dole out is for the DP. Many very nice exterior shots, particularly of the land and horses. A great use of HD.

This one is a great movie, kind of predictable. Enjoyed one of the last performaces by Carradine. Still would recommend for enjoyment.

Good story line, good moral aspects! Hard to find good entertainment without the usual sex, violence, and bad language! Very good family
tale!!

You don't have to wait till Christmas season. This is a good movie to watch all season long .

This movie was OK, but I was pretty bored. It does not move fast at all and it was hard to keep with it.

The director did a first rate job here, given the script he had to work with. It is predictable and many times does not accuretly portray how actual persons in the 1880s would speak or act.

Very good photography and location.

The actors are all top rate.

I was impressed with the stunt actors work as well.

This is one of those films that should be around for many years to come at Christmas time on TV.

I bought this movie as it was filmed at Old Tucson Studios and at Mescal Arizona, two places i visit every year when I go to ucson on vacation. It wasnt a bad film, there are not many westerns made anymore, so you gotta see em when you can, I feel this movie wsas worth my money to buy it.