As someone who enjoys both the annual barrage of Hallmark Channel holiday movies and the legendary teen soap drama “Dawson’s Creek,” I was immediately drawn to the 2009 feel good Christmas tale “Mrs. Miracle.” Based on the novel by Debbie Macomber, “Mrs. Miracle” would go on to be the Hallmark Channel’s number one viewed movie in 2009 and would spawn additional movies that continue following in the series of the books.
Actor James Van Der Beek was brought to prominence as the titular Dawson Leery during the late 90s, and though he has appeared in a number of marginally successful Hollywood movies (“Varsity Blues,” “The Rules of Attraction“) Van Der Beek proves that he is a capable leading man when given the right opportunity.
Alongside Van Der Beek is legendary Broadway, film, and television star Doris Roberts. Roberts acting career began over half a century ago, and her first movie appearance was in the 1967 comedy “Barefoot in the Park” alongside icons Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Roberts is best known for her television role as the overly intrusive matriarch of the Barone family in “Everybody Loves Raymond” in which she took home multiple Emmy’s.
Hallmark Channel movies tend to run on the tawdry side in terms of writing, effects, and overall presentation but “Mrs. Miracle” proves to not only be a well written and acted movie as far as Hallmark goes, but one that can withstand the punches of mainstream critiquing as well.
Seth Webster (Van Der Beek) is a single father of twin boys; Judd and Jason. Seth’s wife passed away several years ago (in typical Hallmark fashion, all single parents are widows or widowers – divorce is never an option) leaving him to raise the boys on his own. The beginning of the film reveals a series of agency sent housekeepers quitting in frustration, courtesy of their dealings with the rabblerousing twins. As the latest nanny storms away with Seth pleading for her to come back, she sharply informs him “You don’t need a housekeeper, you need a miracle.”
In a concurrent storyline, Reba Maxwell (the stunning Erin Karpluk) is introduced. Reba is the owner of a travel lodge and has had an ambiguous falling out with her sister. Reba’s best friend Kate (Chelah Horsdal) is a teacher at the local school – and has the Webster twins in her class.
One morning, the bubbly Mrs. Merkle (Roberts) arrives at the Webster’s doorstep, and advises Seth she has been sent by the agency to be the new housekeeper. The boys instantly take a liking to her (referring to her as Mrs. Miracle via an erroneous mispronunciation of her surname). Through a series of mishaps (orchestrated by Mrs. Merkle) Reba winds up directing the school’s annual Christmas play, where she is introduced to Seth and his sons, and the magic of Christmas season love.
Though predictable and synonymous with almost every other Hallmark Channel holiday movie, “Mrs. Miracle” easily rises to the top by the performances of the stars. Van Der Beek makes a highly believable leading role, and carries the performance with ease. As a single father of twins, Seth has a life filled with stress and mishaps, and as a result, dating has taken a permanent backseat. The chemistry between Van Der Beek and Karpluk is as perfect as a snow covered field, with the former seeming to channel his iconic Dawson Leery role as he awkwardly goes about wooing Reba. And Doris Roberts demonstrates her penchant for perfectly portraying the loving motherly type characters that have made her an industry mainstay.
The story is obvious from start to finish, but flows in a succinct manner without being muddled down with too many side stories or unnecessary elements. “Mrs. Miracle” is a perfect holiday movie, with a heartwarming story and a sprinkle of laughs that has definite replay value. It’s a perfect movie for a cold December night. Fill a mug with hot cocoa, and curl up on the couch for a thoroughly enjoyable treat.
by – Matt Christopher
