Customer Reviews

The Maldonado Miracle

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Maldonado Miracle" is the story of a small and sleepy former mining town coming back to life, demonstrating how oftentimes people fail to see what's right in front of them. This is Salma Hayek's directorial debut, and I look forward to seeing more of her work. Peter Fonda is Father Russell, who is at a turning point in his life, as are most of the other major players. The relationship between bar owner Cruz (Ruben Blades) and coffee shop owner Maisie (Mare Winningham) is especially charming. The essential plot revolves around a young boy (Eddy Martin) in search of his father, hiding in the church with his dog. I'm keeping this information cryptic so as not to provide any spoilers. Suffice it to say that this portrayal is well done, with fine actors and the occasional surprise humor. It won't change your life, but it may uplift an evening.

I just watched this tonight with a little trepidation,wondering if it was just another "Miracle Of Marcellino",which is another great movie,by the way,that also involves a Christ on A Cross. Imagine my surprise to find this is a completely different story,and yet so good I must own it as well. I was completely draw into the characters and the story,and I was also very happy with the music and songs,especially the song at the beginning and the one the boy Jose sings is beautiful. I am always delighted as a Christian to find an inoffensive movie that is not only "safe" viewing for the family,but high quality and great entertainment as well,as admittedly many movies with a Christian theme, such as the Left Behind ones are soooo bad! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this.

Wow- More than I expected from a movie.. Not only is there a plot, but it challenges your faith and teaches that miracles can also come from human relationships. The cast shines, especially Mare Winningham and Rueben Blades. I highly recommend this gem from first time director Salma Hayek..

Salma Hayak's freshman directorial attempt is an entertaining film. She comments in the DVD feature interview that it is difficult for women directors in Hollywood because it is a male-dominated profession. However, this effort shows promise. She also talks about how she searched to find Eddy Martin who plays Jose. In his only screen role to date, Eddy does a fine job as the young boy who illegally crosses the border, befriended only by his dog, into a different American world. Peter Fonda was first nominated for an Oscar as a screenwriter for "Easy Rider" in 1969. It wasn't until his nomination for best actor in 1997 as the beekeeper in "Ulee's Gold" that his minimalist acting style was recognized for the intensity it generates on screen. As Father Russell, he is a quiet brooding priest, about at a crisis of faith, who shepherds the small struggling church in San Ramos. His performance is adept as in the scene where he faces reporters who want to know if there were a miracle. Father Russell isn't sure and we see all the levels of conflict flash across Fonda's face as he considers what he believes, what he knows & what he should be saying. Mare Winningham was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for "Georgia" in 1995. As the diner proprietor Maisie, she shows great tenderness to the little boy Jose, attraction for Cruz, and secret unhappiness. Panamanian singer/actor Ruben Blades who was in "The Cradle Will Rock" and James Redford's (Robert's son) freshman directorial film "Spin," does a nice job as the town local who has feelings for Maisie. Soledad St. Hilaire was in "Real Women Have Curves" and does an outstanding job here as Josephina who discovers the miracle and embellishes it. Father Russell has an assistant, Brother Amos, played by Scott Michael Thomas who was in "Hart's War" with Colin Farrell & Bruce Willis and also in "Flight of the Phoenix." He does a nice job as the novice whose hopeful attitude is one that the town lacks. My other favorite in this cast was Bill Sage who plays Lyle, married to the town beautician with a 10-year childless marriage. Sage was in "American Psycho" and has a new sci-fi pic "The Girl from Monday" coming out this year. He does an excellent job showing all the levels from blue collar beer-drinking sports enthusiast, negative down-in-the-mouth guy with an attitude, to loving prospective father as he and wife Stella have their own little miracle. Although his will be an unheralded role, he delivers an excellent performance. His wife Stella is played by Christina Cabot who had a small role in "The Italian Job." Hayak says that the picture is about hope. There is a lack of it in the town until the arrival of Jose. Based on a Theodore Taylor novel, it is a sweet story that cheers the spirit and warms the heart. Enjoy!

Maldonalo Miracle is entertaining and inspirational - one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time.
Great story, great acting, this movie is truly worth owning.

My wife and I watch wide varieties of epic drama, humor, musical and far too many violent dramas like Braveheart! This simple but profound story based upon the 12 yr old Mexican lad is greatly contrasted with all the others yet soon reaches out to tug at the heart! Peter Fonda is the cooler counter-part for his sister Jane. Yet so keenly fitted as the low-key Catholic Priest and care-giver for young Jose` who slowly encounters a Helper for his dog and himself! I thought Ruben Blades and Mare Winningham were great drama fill-ins for contrasting their fascinating stories alongside the Latino flavor of Jose. What a wonderfully spinning out of this simple but beautiful ending surprisingly wrapped-up for Mystery. We were Awed with Salma Hayek as first-time Director! Another Big Plus for retiree Chaplain Fred W Hood

The Maldonado Miracle is a very good movie. I watched it thinking I wouldn't like it, but in the end, I wanted to see it again. The world needs more movies like this, with good morals and good plots. There are too many movies out there with too much crap and filled with nothing but that. The Maldonado Miracle is filled with goodness and good teachings. I recomend this movie to everyone.

Perfectly casted and directed, this story of hope and humanity is a must-see for those with faith and those without. I laughed, I cried-it was the most real and moving film I have seen in a long time. Anyone watching this film could see themselves and people they know acting and reacting as the characters do. Mare Winningham is brilliant, as always. Ruben Blades, as her hopeful suitor, is as real as it gets. Peter Fonda does another great turn as the somewhat disbelieving parish priest.These are characters that are like yourself and all the people you know. You will not be disappointed.

I love movies that are simple and inspirational. This movie is one of those. The setting is a town breathing its last breath and many of the local town folks are dealing with important life struggles. Something unusual breathes new life into the town and the towns people. Was it a coincidence or a miracle?

The acting is good, setting perfect and characters people can relate too.

My husband and I loved this movie. He only watches action flicks, so I was so pleased that he got interested in this sweet film the other night when I turned it on. What a beautiful story. We all need to believe in miracles and this film reminds us of that fact. I can't wait to share this great find with my friends and family.