a film like a soup for soul. slow, delicate, wise, tender, nostalgic, wise story about a lost time, using the accuracy of small details for give roots to a film about fundamental truths, faiths and need of stability, love, miracles and importance of the family. an useful film. for rediscover Patrick Swayze in a role who seems be only for him. for the good acting of the children. for the dog. and, sure, for Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. the story is so simple than becomes one of viewer. the fruit of charity defined, in soft manner, Christian teachings.and the recreation of the spirit from a simple, modest but brave world is a precious gift for define the present reality. so, a beautiful film. a real beautiful one.

I actually read a review that Siskel and Ebert gave this movie in my local newspaper. They both said this movie was horrible and gave it a few more bad reviews. Can't remember what it was, but when I saw the movie, I loved every minute of it. This movie basically shows how a simple act of kindness can bring a family closer together in times of desperation. I enjoyed how much thought went into producing such a heart-warming tale and so many times when I watch it, it makes me understand what the family goes through and sympathize with them. For people who want a movie that can truly bring a family together and show that even the most difficult things that occur in life can have a way of working out, this movie will definitely show you that.

This movie was billed as "fun for the whole family" -- NOT. It was awful. The setup/beginning of the movie has a lot of great possibilities. But it just gets stranger and stranger as the time goes on.A "Family friendly" movie DOES NOT include sunbathing in the nude, implied relations between mom and a drifter, cancer/deadly disease for the little brother, flying around in the sky, and losing your business and home as an adult. Depressing and weird.My 6 and 8 year old may not have picked up on some of the innuendos but from age 72 to age 6 we all hated it.

I watched this film today, while I had the day off work, just bumming around on the sofa when I checked the movie channels and saw that this one had just started. I thought the story line was pretty basic, and the same kind of family film idea's have been used before but this one I really enjoyed. Had a very nice ending, and the acting was pretty good. Acting was good and I agree that the boy's acting was pretty good. Very good for family viewing, might buy it on DVD for my girlfriend if I can find it on the web somewhere. I didn't find it very emotional but I can see how some people would, the film does have some sad parts, but the ending is very pleasant and rounds off a very nicely written film.