'Miracle Run' is the name of the foundation to benefit Autistic youth. The movie is based on the true story of Corrine Morgan (Mary Louise Parker), a single mother who fought for her twins sons to remain in public school rather than being educated by the state in a mental health facility simply because they were autistic. These boys, Steven and Phillip, are the center of our story, as high performing autistic boys (and later teenagers in the latter half), who prove to be quite successful and talented young men, despite being autistic.
We see that growing up, the boys had much difficulty when they were younger. Steven wouldn't speak. Phillip mimicked everyone. But the mother works with her son as well as a specialty teacher sent from the school board to tutor the boys. And soon enough, Phillip and Steven develop into capable and successful young men. As Steven says during his presentation at the Miracle Run benefit in the finale, "If it wasn't for our mother's love, my brother and I wouldn't be here today."
Miracle Run was made as a promotion of the rights for autistic children. The film lets you know that some 50 parents should expect their children to be autistic (I forget what the exact figure is of children diagnosed with the disability), but that these children should still be entitled to the same rights and privileges as everyone else (I assume that this movie is largely pointing to the right to an education). The disability shouldn't define them.
It is, in some respect, you're average Lifetime TV production about the single mother fighting for her children's well being. This movie is quite similar to the 1990 Linda Hamilton movie, 'Go Towards the Life,' which was about the true story of a mother fighting for the rights of her sons who were diagnosed with AIDs. The characters are quite similar, as well as the general thrust of the story. But nonetheless, there is something quite nice about this particular film, aside from the significance of its message about Autism.
I think in large part, the film worked as well as it did due to a good cast. Mary Louise Parker is the endearing mother, Claire. Adian Quinn is her charismatic boyfriend and support, Doug. Even the young actors did a good job of portraying Autistic children (Steven and Phillip were not impaired to the same degree that say Leonardo DiCaprio's character was in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape). It is an enjoyable little movie and worth watching. If for nothing else, it persuades parents of autistic children not to give up on them.
We see that growing up, the boys had much difficulty when they were younger. Steven wouldn't speak. Phillip mimicked everyone. But the mother works with her son as well as a specialty teacher sent from the school board to tutor the boys. And soon enough, Phillip and Steven develop into capable and successful young men. As Steven says during his presentation at the Miracle Run benefit in the finale, "If it wasn't for our mother's love, my brother and I wouldn't be here today."
Miracle Run was made as a promotion of the rights for autistic children. The film lets you know that some 50 parents should expect their children to be autistic (I forget what the exact figure is of children diagnosed with the disability), but that these children should still be entitled to the same rights and privileges as everyone else (I assume that this movie is largely pointing to the right to an education). The disability shouldn't define them.
It is, in some respect, you're average Lifetime TV production about the single mother fighting for her children's well being. This movie is quite similar to the 1990 Linda Hamilton movie, 'Go Towards the Life,' which was about the true story of a mother fighting for the rights of her sons who were diagnosed with AIDs. The characters are quite similar, as well as the general thrust of the story. But nonetheless, there is something quite nice about this particular film, aside from the significance of its message about Autism.
I think in large part, the film worked as well as it did due to a good cast. Mary Louise Parker is the endearing mother, Claire. Adian Quinn is her charismatic boyfriend and support, Doug. Even the young actors did a good job of portraying Autistic children (Steven and Phillip were not impaired to the same degree that say Leonardo DiCaprio's character was in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape). It is an enjoyable little movie and worth watching. If for nothing else, it persuades parents of autistic children not to give up on them.