Plot Summary
When a group of teens, under the prompting of a college student, becomes involved in illegial drug use, the community is rocked after one of them overdoses herself into a coma. The police are pressured to find the culprit, but the kids run and hide, except for one brave Christian boy (who was at the drug party that night for some reason) who wants to help his friends (?). As family is being torn apart by destructive choices, only the power of God can save them from themselves.
Production Quality (1.5 points)
The UnMiracle (strange title indeed) is an extremely unique film in many ways. For starters, the beginning of this film is a different sort of experience, mostly due to some strange and dizzying special effects. There is also some shaky camera work for drama’s sake. Also, at first, there is some weird audio quality and odd sound effects, as well as some strange lighting in some scenes. However, for the most part, these quirks improve throughout to make for a mostly average production. Video quality is relatively stable throughout, and the soundtrack is at least creative in some ways. Though the editing can be confusing at times, this production is basically fine and just needs a little tune-up.
Plot and Storyline Quality (.5 point)
From the get go, The UnMiracle has a clear agenda that is pushed through obvious dialogue and messaging. While there are many pertinent and realistic issues portrayed here, they are not presented very well. The characters are very flawed, which is great, but they tend to only be one-dimensional in order to represent the issues that are being pushed here. At first, there are some strange undertones to the film that are mostly driven by the creepy Stephen Baldwin narration. It seems like sometimes this film is trying to tell us something deeper that it never quite conveys properly. Yet these cryptic factors are not all bad, as they also include some intriguing psychological elements, as well as a relatively fair portrayal of mental health issues, even though it could use a little deepening. But this does not make up for the confusing and disorienting sequences throughout, as well as the trite and simplistic approach to problems and the very easy fixing of characters’ struggles by throwing Bible verses at them. There are also tons of characters and subplots here with very little focus. Thus, there is too much going on that needs severe organization, yet there it still potential even in all of the confusion.
Acting Quality (1.5 points)
With Kevin Sorbo and Stephen Baldwin pulling Eric Roberts roles (very brief and small appearances) in this film, the remainder of the cast is hard to figure. For one, there is a lot of strange and loud makeup throughout. At first, a lot of the acting is unsure and amateurish and even lethargic and passive at times. The drug acting is odd and needs work. However, emotions are mostly realistic, and there is concerted improvement throughout, which is enough to make this an average score.
Conclusion
This film is mostly a hot mess and needs a major remake or rework. It could potentially be a series if done properly. But this would mean serious acting coaching (and possible re-casting), way more focus in the storyline, fewer ‘fancy’ production tricks, and some education and research on mental health and substance abuse issues. In the end, it could be done, and this creative team has some potential, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 