I am not going to lie. I truthfully had no idea what Miracle Run was about, fully, and the only reason I had been wanting to watch it is because Zac Efron was in it, yes, that's the only reason; a bit ridiculous, but I usually just jump at any movie that has one of my favorite actor/actresses in it, or, in this case, an actor I find attractive. After seeing that it was a Lifetime original, my expectations were crushed and I immediately fell into dismay over what I was about to view.My expectations rose just a little when the opening credits appeared. After seeing Mary-Louise Parker starred, I became delighted. I find her to be such an enjoyable actress and have loved her in everything I've seen her in. The first twenty minutes? I had become so interested that I didn't even have any idea of how interested I was. The storyline starts off incredibly with Mary-Louise Parker portraying Corrine Morgan-Thomas, beautifully I might add, discovering that her twin sons, Steven and Phillip, have autism.The first half of the movie is about Corrine having to deal with her sons' autism and having to study up on how to better it in their lifestyle, which this half is what gets us concerned for the Thomas family and piqued to see what happens in the second half. The two child actors are not annoying in any way as you would think they would be, and they actually inspire sympathy for both of their characters and Parker's.When the second half rolls around, I was not bored, I did not think the film was spiraling away from the brilliance it started off with, but it indeed perfected the story and made the characters and our entertainment rise to the highest level this film could achieve. The actors' portrayal of the Thomas twins are so lovable that you wish you could hug them and never let go, and even the supporting actors help the story click and build to where by the end of the film you are left with a comforting warmth and sensitivity.This movie would have not been as fantastic as it was if it wasn't for the fantastic performances. Otherwise, it would have been another run-of-the-mill Lifetime failure that didn't inspire or persevere anyone into thinking of it so highly. The cast makes the script heartwarming and touching in the utmost sense, and I feel like this is an underrated film, suppressed by the LMN label. I recommend this for anyone. It's incredibly wonderful all the way through, and I certainly did not expect it to be. Job very well done with the subject matter and film itself.

Here it says "Miracle run" but I saw a big "The unexpected journey" in white during the first frame of the film, over a black background. One way or the other, both titles fit perfectly for what the movie wants to declare, to teach or to show, I don't exactly know.TV movies today, I believe, have an educational value. I'm not saying we've got to watch them like we watched that video that explained how we came into the world, so we can never forget it. I'm saying that if you've got the time, you should sit down and try to get something out of it.Months ago I saw "She's too young", a solid movie about the life of teenagers in the States…The drugs, the sex, Aids, etc. It was strong, for sure, but it seemed true. In "Miracle run", as in the latter film and as in "Everyday people", you'll find real characters living real lives. Have I said this a million times? Yes; but this is TV movies' specialty today.They manage to get a promising cast. Maybe some big stars, maybe some new talents…They make a mix. They pick a strong story, someone to write it and a gut with some experience to direct it. It sure won't seem the same as a movie we see each week in the movie theater, but the good thing is that it doesn't pretend to.The cast of "Miracle run" is headed by the dazzling Mary-Louise Parker (40 and looking gorgeous; that's a woman I'd like to put my hands on), as Corrine, the mother of two autistic seven-year old boys; in a performance that assures television is her place for the rest of her years. All the doctors had been telling her the boys take more time to grow up, but they don't talk and don't read and…They are seven. These first events end up in a couple break-up and the beginning of a new life.Eventually, with the help of a good old doctor, the kids will learn to read, to write, to talk, but will still feel disturbed in some occasions and their way of walking and expressing is not totally normal. However, they have a special intelligence, and if they don't acknowledge it, they'll be constantly driven by Stallone's triumph in "Rocky 3" (the second best movie of the anthology) to achieve their goals.Steven is a sports fan. He likes to run, to compete… "Like Rocky", he says. He goes running everyday and the scenes are shot like something will happen to him soon, but nothing ever occurs. He joins the cross country team and trains for a big race, but has problems because he gets lost. The parental figure will fix it.Phillip is more cultured; more artistic. He's always been quieter and has always listened to his brother. But he imitates, and he learns really fast. The first week he learns how to play chess, he beats the school's best player. He'll also develop great gifted musical abilities. The parental figure will generate this. The boys are played by two young actors, Zac Efron and Bubba Lewis respectively; and theirs are two promising interpretations. The first one did a TV show and is preparing a film; the second one hasn't worked since this film.But who's the parental figure? Well, not the best looking man to occupy that role; but he's called Doug, and he solves Steven's loosing issue and gives Phillip his first guitar. The role was given to Aidan Quinn, and it's amazing how he can look like a finished man in "Songcatcher" (a film I never saw) then seem to be thirty in "Evelyn", and first look like a hippie and like a cleaned up mister here. Transformation, dedication.Mike Maples' only screenplay covers all the aspects the film wants to deal with. The love relationship of one of the kids, the struggle of a single mother, the development of a relationship in your mid life, the rejection that exists because of the autism…His words and Gregg Champions' magic directing touch make this a totally watch able and fulfilling experience.

Understanding that I have been a huge fan of Mary Louise Parker's for a long time, I found her to be exceptionally brilliant in this film. She is believable, and I found myself totally entranced in her role as a devoted, incisive Mother. Also, the story line was not predictable, which kept me intrigued all the way through. An exceptional movie in my opinion, and I want to own it.One word that helps describe Mary Louise Parker as an actress is "mesmerizing." Her facial expression are enthralling, and she has a slight hesitation in her responses that leaves her open for clear thinking, regardless of the movie and the story line. Fried Green Tomatoes was another movie I recall where she was captivating in her hesitancy and attitude.

Single mom Corrine Morgan has just discovered that her seven-year-old twin boys, Steven and Phillip, are autistic. In one fell swoop, her boyfriend tells her that he can't handle the responsibility of playing parent to her kids, and the school district admits that it doesn't want to supervise the twins anymore. To top it off, she is struggling to make ends meet. While any other woman might have waved a white flag and surrendered to all these obstacles, the spirited Morgan decides to fight back - for herself and, more importantly, for her boys. Through pure determination she helps Steven and Phillip make incredible strides, surpassing everyone's expectations. Inspired by actual events, "Miracle Run" is sure to make you believe that anything is possible in your own life and that you too can tackle insurmountable odds and come out a winner.