SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Abegail Noëlle While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Wyatt There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

card54 Miracle in Lane 2 works on several levels. First and most noticeable, it is a wonderful movie about overcoming obstacles, being persistent, working with mentors, etc., etc. Everything we come to expect from this genre.It is also a good disability awareness movie, suitable for a wide audience. The movie demonstrates the way 2 groups of people typically respond to persons with disabilities; those who "get it" and those who don't."Miracle" reflects, in Disney's soft-edged style, some of the challenges faced by children with physical disabilities, their parents, their siblings and the larger public. It deals with some touchy subjects with sensitivity AND a dose of reality.Based on fact? Yes. Factually correct? Well, the writers took a lot of license with the details of how the All American Soap Box Derby works. That's secondary to the story, however. Suffice it to say one won't learn much about the way AASBD operates from this flick, other than kids building and competing in gravity-powered racers. You will learn more about the issues mentioned above.That said, there was enough factual correctness that when my stepson, a wheelchair user most of his life, was motivated by this film to compete himself, we were able to make contact with the gentleman who (still?) manufactures the hand brake used by Justin. Last I heard, it remains the only "non-standard" component permitted on any standard AASBD racer.BTW, Not only did my stepson compete locally, he became a Vermont State Champion and competed in the 2002 World Championships in Akron. While we were there, he spent some time with the real Justin.

garyandkitty Justin Yoder (played by Frankie Muniz) is your average twelve-year-old kid, except for a movement problem known as spina bifida. He likes sports, but until a point near the end of the movie when he finds out he at least has a chance to be good at something. I indirectly quote: "Okay, there may be a few minor problems with me trying to win a trophy. For starters, will I have enough time? You see, I have a problem called hydrocephalus. It makes spinal fluid build up in my head. One shunt malfunction, and unless they get me to the emergency room right away . . .well, you get the picture." Right after he says, "you get the picture," I always say to the TV, "Yeah, I do." This is because I have the same problem, but we won't get into that yet. There are some very funny parts scattered throughout the movie, like right after Justin explains hydrocephalus. His parents and brother freak out. I like the climax, because it is realistic. I think you know what happens.

loraine2 Justin Yoder (Frankie Muniz) wants desperately to win a trophy. He wants to compete, to succeed, to win. One problem. Justin is in a wheelchair.While his disability has hampered him for years, Justin finally finds something that he can do--soapbox derbies. After talking his parents into it, he launches into a whole new stage of his life, finding that he is good at something, and he might even have a chance at a trophy.This movie caught my eye one day a little over a year ago on the Disney channel. I watch 'Malcolm in the Middle' and quickly recognized Frankie Muniz. However, it was not him I came away loving, it was Patrick Levis. Patrick plays Seth Yoder, Justin's older brother. I have a brother of my own with a disability, so I understood every single one of Seth's feelings and frustrations. The scene in which Seth breaks down and spills his feelings to his father was especially poignant. Thank you, Patrick, for such a beautiful and understanding performance. This movie is careful not to deny the truths of being a sibling to someone with a disability--a rare and wonderful thing for films.All in all, a magnificent piece of work, especially for a made-for-TV movie.

Jerry-114 This was a great family-oriented movie. The only criticism I have is regarding the "God" sequences. They were stupid. They added nothing to the film, and, in fact, detracted a great deal from it. The very last scene of the movie (the angles-in-wheelchairs) should have been cut out completely. It left a very bad taste. Otherwise, a great film!