10/10 - a good Hallmark throwback that will get you in the spirit and make you eek out a tear or two

While I did enjoy this movie, I liked the first one more. I thought the story line was cute, brother is fighting was in Afghanistan and he entrusts his son with his younger sister, JS. I think she did a nice job in this particular role although she seemed to over act in a few scenes. I thought the chemistry between her and EJ was very good, they seemed to connect well together. I'm not quite sure though what the writers were thinking in regards to Lauren Holly's role! I can't imagine how they could think we would enjoy how her role was written and acted.... she was so over the top goofy, arrogant and mean. Her facial expressions were cringe worthy. I wonder if the writers had intended her to be so off the wall goofy and by doing so we would find it really funny, well, I didn't, I thought it was really bad... seriously, do you honestly think a guest appearing on QVC or HSN selling her brand would ever act so obnoxiously and then the body shaming jokes were horrendous.... her role was written and acted so poorly. I very much enjoyed the story line between the father (owner) of the toy store and his son. Doris Roberts was once again so adorable and endearing in her role and I loved the friendship she formed with the pretty Mexican woman, so cute!! I like how they wrapped it all up at the end, a very nice surprise for both the father of the store and his son finally getting along and even share a hug (tears) and also the father comes home from Afghanistan for Christmas to be with his young son. All in all, I did enjoy this movie and have watched it a few more times over the years! RIP Doris Roberts, you are loved and missed by many.

"Call Me Mrs. Miracle" is a very good film for the Christmas season. Doris Roberts reprises her role as Mrs. Merkle, aka "Miracle," in this sequel to her 2009 role in "Mrs. Miracle." Both are TV films, of course, aired on the Hallmark Channel. While I haven't watched commercial television since the end of the 20th century (because of its overall general decline in quality),I do watch films that are made for TV - either on DVD or by online streaming. And, this sequel is even better than the first film.

The plot is refreshing and interesting with a number of twists. The characters are mostly very likable, and the cast all seem to fit the roles perfectly. I think the role of Holly's boss, Lindy Lowe, is even very good precisely because Lauren Holly overplays the snobbish, egocentric, atrocious Lindy with such exaggeration that everyone is sure to dislike her. And laugh at her outlandish persona. And the fact that Jewell Staite's Holly isn't terribly shaken by her offsets her craziness, and all her staff seem to take it in stride.

Eric Johnson is very good as Jake Finley and Tom Butler is very good as his dad, J. R. Finley, who has lost the Christmas spirit for 20 years since his wife's accidental death on Christmas Eve. All of the rest of the cast are very good and contribute very nicely to this pleasant Christmas story. Quinn Lord, as the 10-year-old Gabe is perfect in his expressions and actions - never disrespectful or sassy, but sort of quietly wondering about his Aunt Holly who seems so out of date but whom he loves and knows she loves him.

Lastly, the music is exceptional in this film. It's noticeable because of the changes when scenes go from a little tense, to rushed and hurried, and then to whimsical. This in an overall very good film - good enough to be added to one's library or files for viewing again during future holiday seasons.

Here's my favorite line toward the end of the film. J. R. Finley, "I think I'd like to retire and work on my golf game." Jake Finley, "You've never played golf." J. R., "That's why I need to work on it."