Search - The Maldonado Miracle on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 7/2/2022...

I love movies that are directed by women...this one is by Selma Hayek. They are usually more heartfelt and sensitive. This is a wonderful story and well made movie.

Patricia K. (decopatty) from ROANOKE, VA
Reviewed on 8/23/2012...

it was very enjoyable and surprising

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

What A Pleasant Surprise!

Chris H. | ,OH,U.S.A. | 02/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Hope Springs Eternal

FLbeachbum | Ormond Beach, Florida United States | 08/05/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""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."

Cheers the Spirit

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 03/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"