Miracle in Bethlehem, PA

Interesting the way the writers engaged the Biblical account of the Birth of Christ into this film. Clean, free of smut. Not completely accurate. Good discussion movie for when chatting about the Biblical references. More shocked that this movie originally showed up on LGBTQ Hallmark! Hallmark is obviously trying to get their past viewers that prefer Bill Abbott being at the helm. Hallmark failed miserably when booting out Abbott and are likely frustrated that GA Family is doing far better in ratings than "inclusive" Hallmark. Like seeing Ben Ayers in a radically different role. He was funny and challenged me to observe his various talents. Support cast were funny and enjoable to watch. Sets were great as well.

7.9 stars. The most refreshing part of this film is the arguments between the lead male and his recent ex-girlfriend. What a breath of fresh air. I can't recall the last time Hallmark had actual scenes of conflict at this level of escalation, mainly the ex girlfriend is for real yelling at him, like you see in movies with genuine drama - movies other than the usual Hallmark, Family, UP. I am still surprised and it's what makes this film stand out amongst the rest, literally 600+ Hallmark films I've seen, this is a first. The emphasis is also a bit above and beyond the norm. 'Miracle in Bethlehem, PA.' has a very inspirational and religious feeling to it. There is a focus on how most of the characters believe in the God of Christianity, and they pray for miracles and for good things, and of course, before meals. A hot-shot single white female lawyer is finally able to adopt a baby. She's been waiting for over a year on a long list of recipients who are generally unable to have children of their own. She has had difficulty being selected due to her single status. Once she finally picks up the baby from a hospital four hours away from her home in the city, she is on her way back when a snow storm hits the east coast. She is now stuck in some podunk town called Bethlehem, PA (of all names) and can't stay at the inn (because there is literally no room anywhere), but she doesn't stay with the animals and her baby is not in a manger, but you get the point. This "loser" of a guy (really he's just mourning the loss of his dad who died fairly recently) takes her into his home until the storm passes and the roads are cleared. The two of them bond, but what's really nice is the narrative is unique and uplifting. We get a really good feeling from all the characters and the events and storyline flow. The lead male's sister has a son, about seven years old, and she's pregnant and very bossy. The rest of the characters are undeveloped. All ends well, as is the typical Hallmark "happily ever after" theme, but the road is bumpy due to the lead female's apparent lack of trust in anyone or anything (especially her family-her mother in particular). We don't really know why she's so cynical, but it's probably due to her ex-husband who left her because she was unable to have children. P. S. The supporting female sister is a well known Hallmark regular who can't seem to land a leading role, and I suspect she never will. Also, there is a lot of discordant singing. The lead male's character is supposedly the lead singer of a band, but you can tell that he can't carry a tune. And the church choir was way off key. But maybe that's part of the charm, making this whole experience seem more legitimate.

The modern twist on the nativity was cute; the town, the inn, the "stable", etc. Mary adopting to become a single mother was a bit of a stretch, rather than having a baby of her own. Though having to drive to Bethlehem to pick up the baby was the plot point to get her into the town. She was gung-ho to adopt, then has a 5 minute soliloquy about how hard it is to be a single mother - she's been a single mother for literally 2 minutes of the movie. I agree with other reviewers that the religious themes are blatantly obvious - so there is no chance you miss them - but it's nice to see some family values in the Hallmark movies this Christmas. My biggest beef about the movie was the scruff Ben Ayers had going on. What is with the greasy, haven't-showered-in-a-month look?! All the women are impeccably dressed, hair and makeup perfect - and almost every male lead looks unkempt and raggedy. Scruff doesn't make the male leads look any younger or more hip - just sloppy. Won't be an annual favorite of mine, but was a decent one-time watch.

The modern twist on the nativity was cute; the town, the inn, the "stable", etc. Mary adopting to become a single mother was a bit of a stretch, rather than having a baby of her own. Though having to drive to Bethlehem to pick up the baby was the plot point to get her into the town. She was gung-ho to adopt, then has a 5 minute soliloquy about how hard it is to be a single mother - she's been a single mother for literally 2 minutes of the movie. I agree with other reviewers that the religious themes are blatantly obvious - so there is no chance you miss them - but it's nice to see some family values in the Hallmark movies this Christmas. My biggest beef about the movie was the scruff Ben Ayers had going on. What is with the greasy, haven't-showered-in-a-month look?! Yuck. Come on, Hallmark - all the women are impeccably dressed, hair and makeup perfect - and almost every male lead looks like an unkempt, raggedy slob. Scruff doesn't make the male leads look any younger or more hip - just sloppy. Won't be an annual favorite of mine, but was a decent one-time watch.