User Reviews

Most theatrical films today don't enter the realm of traditional values or refrain entirely from using words that make you feel uncomfortable with young children watching. Nor is there ever a product placement for Coca Cola very far away to remind us of crass commercialism. I picked this film up at my local library given it's Christmas themed title, and I don't know if I would ever have become aware of it otherwise. In many respects it's a melancholy tale dealing with heartache and loss, but counterbalanced by scenes of the young Tommy (Luke-Ward Wilkinson) making new friends in a new town and getting involved in the kind of mischief a youngster often finds himself in. The nativity set that serves as the dynamic for bringing the McDowell's together with Jonathan Toomey (Tom Berenger) also inspires the hermit woodcarver to re-evaluate his own life given the personal loss that's only alluded to briefly at the very beginning and end of the story. The attentive viewer will come away reminded that there are such things as happy sheep, proud cows and important angels that can help us connect with fellow travelers on this mortal coil. Set aside an evening for a family viewing of this heartening tale to recapture that Christmas spirit one more time.

this film features saoirse ronan in one of the best Xmas films in a long time which is about giving others a second chance this has tom berenger and joely Richardson this heartwarming story is based on a children's book that came out in 2008 when a broken hearted boy loses his wooden nativity that links his dead father who was in the the ww1 his worried mother as a loner who carves wood who is ill tempered to create a replacement and for him to allow her son to watch this woodcarver loneliness stems from the pain of his own past but together they form a bond and heal the wounds of the past the boy ask for greater and more difficult demands on this man who lives in his wood cabin in the forest with hi patience being tested and Xmas around the corner it snows and it helps all the people in this warm cozy film its a short film about 1hr30mins but its moving

Susan (Joely Richardson) and her young son, Thomas (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) have just moved to a country town in post World War I England. Sadly, the lady's husband has died in the war and his business went under, too. So, its a change of fortune and Thomas is bitterly disappointed with his new abode in an aunt's home. His biggest difficulty is that he had to leave his treasured nativity set behind, the one that he and his papa put out every Christmas, just the two of them. However, time can heal hearts and the young lad finds some new, caring friends. Also, Susan learns to cook better and adapt to her present life as well. One day, on a dare, Thomas bangs on the door of a reclusive woodcarver, Toomey (Tom Berenger), and disturbs him. When his mother finds out, she hurries the lad over to apologize. Once there, she is curiously interested in the gruff man and it is the same for him, eyeing her. So, Susan arranges for Mr. Toomey to carve a new nativity for Thomas and to let Thomas learn and watch the art of woodcarving. Can something magical happen in the lives of three little people? This is quite a beautiful film, in story, in acting, and in character. The old-fashioned virtues that we all aspire to, patience and hard work, are front and center in this wonderful film. But, there is still room for laughs and love in the tale, too. Richardson and Berenger make a very unusually nice couple and all of the other actors do fine work. Also, the glimpse into a forgotten world is extremely nice, too, for its great fun to see the old costumes and customs. If you are looking for an exceptional Christmas film to show to everyone on the block and inside the house, there are few better than this one. But, why wait until December? This makes for good viewing, no matter if its spring, summer vacation, or apple picking time.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is full of emotion and meaning. This movie is, also, entertaining and has some very funny moments! This is a rare movie, that is suitable for all ages, but it is not just for kids by any means. There are some important messages in this movie for adults.

I am trying to write this review, without giving away how it goes and concludes. Christmas is not Pish Posh and Jonathan Toomey learns this through Thomas and his sweet mother. If you want a Christmas, that shows love, compassion, forgiveness and the wonderful results of this, please buy this movie for yourself and for others, too! This is definitely a movie, that will cheer and warm your Christmas season.

I really love this movie! Get some popcorn, or pumpkin pie and celebrate Christmas early with this cute, uplifting film!

This is a heart-warming Christmas story. It tells about the lives of people, who are either hurt by losing loves ones to disease, or to a war. The main characters include Mr. Toomey, a depressed, reclusive woodcarver, who lost his wife and baby boy to a plague, and a mother and son, Thomas, who lost the father in the Civil war.

The boy and his mom have a double whammy, after the death of the soldier. Besides missing him a lot, they must leave their large beautiful estate in the city, and move in with a poor aunt, who struggles to survive on a little farm. There is humor in the story, as the mom has to learn how to cook and the boy must rise with the chickens and feed them! When they first meet Mr.Toomey, he is grumpy, rude and he does not want to help them. However, the boy's mom convinces the woodcarver to make wooden animals for a toy Christmas manger. Then, she boldly asks if her Thomas can watch him, so that her son can learn wood carving.

He hesitates, but then gives into this plan. There are a lot of funny, sweet moments during their visits with the woodcarver! In the end, they melt his heart and Mr. Toomey becomes Thomas's role model and friend. The friendship with Mr. Toomey and the mom sweetly develops, too! The movie ends with a happy Christmas gathering with city and country relatives and friends. It's an uplifting movie and it tells the real meaning of Christmas! This is a Christmas movie, that is very special!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a touching, sweet movie about people, tragedies, Christmas and the miracles that can uplift us and make us smile, again! Most of us can relate to this story in some way. (My dad died less then two weeks before Christmas, when I was only 12 years old.) When we lose loved ones near a holiday, or on another special day, this makes it tough to celebrate these special days in subsequent years. The sad memories can overwhelm us! However, we can be conquerors of depression, when we shift our focus on the needs of others, and when we pray to God for help, strength and comfort.

Although there are sad scenes, there are many happy and funny scenes. This movie is about how faith, love and goodwill can rebuild the lives of people and give them hope and new beginnings! This is a movie for children and adults. It's entertaining and it will make you smile. Yes, we can have happy endings and this sweet movie shows this! Buy this for yourself and get more copies to give to others! Jesus is the reason for the season and this movie shows this!

Why doesn't the Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey have a higher rating? In my opinion, this Christmas movie is a wonderful 9! I encourage the makers of this great movie to be just a bit bolder in telling folks what Christmas is really about. Jesus is mentioned in the movie, but mostly as a baby Jesus. Let's tell others the whole story about Christ and why He is the risen Savior!

It would be so awesome, if the producer made a sequel to the Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, showing Jonathan praying to receive the Messiah, as his Lord and Savior!

My wife, Connie loved the Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, also, but she would love to see a sequel that shows Jonathan marrying Thomas's mother and becoming a great stepfather to the sweet lad.

I recommend others buy this movie, because it is truly heartwarming and it would make a great Christmas gift. As other reviewers have said, it's really a touching film. I join the chorus of those who appreciate that it is a non-rated gem for all ages!