When I learned the premise that The Miracle of the Cards is based on, that discovery was met with an inward groan. Here it is: a young boy with a brain tumor, not likely to survive, wants to break the Guinness Book of World Records count for receiving get-well cards. I was glad to see that the movie is based on a true story, at least, and not some urban legend or internet hoax.

Craig's mom (Catherine Oxenberg, above) visit's him in the hospital. Craig is played by Thomas Sangster. Duncan Fraser did a good job in his role as the English surgeon (Dr. Middleton) who originally treated Craig.

The story is told mostly through flashbacks during a sceptical reporter's interviews with the young patient's parents. From the mother's nightmares of seeing her son in a coffin (which began before his first symptoms), to his hospitalization and diagnosis with a rare form of cancer and his pursuit of the record for most cards received, this sentimental story is worth watching if you can remind yourself that it is based on a true story and that it's not a sappy takeoff on an urban legend / internet hoax.

Good production values, a few solid performances and what could have been a more compelling story line are unfortunately offset somewhat by a premise that has been defamed by internet hoaxes and by the length of the film at 89 minutes. Whether or not an hour and a half was needed to tell this story is debatable, but when a movie feels too long, it probably is.

visit the official website and watch the trailer:
http://miracleofthecards-themovie.com/

click here to order The Miracle of the Cards on VHS
click here to order The Miracle of the Cards on DVD

The Miracle of the Cards (2001, Cloud Ten Productions) (out of 4)
directed by Mark Griffiths
written by Lee Wilson
produced by Legacy Filmworks
Kirk Cameron as Josh
Catherine Oxenberg as Marion Shergold
Thomas Sangster as Craig Shergold
Peter Wingfield as Ernie Shergold
Duncan Fraser as Dr. Farley Middleton
Richard Thomas as Dr. Neal Kassell

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