I was interested in the Miracle Club from the trailers mainly to see Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith, two of my favorite actors. I had trepidation because some films like this are slow and too talky and mostly because I find Laura Linney to be one of the overrated and annoying actors in the past 25 years from You Can Count on Me and Primal Fear through Hyde Park on the Hudson and everything between except the Big C TV series where her character suited her peripatetic style perfectly.

Well, reverse all those fears. The Miracle Club moves briskly with some very funny moments mixed with many poignant ones. Whether it comes to cinematography, pacing, coaching the acting, background, all of it, the Direction was superb. Kudos to Laura Linney - instead of her usual bleak and two-note performances in the past - she is marvelous as Chrissie using her mother's passing as a journey of discovery. Maggie Smith is magnificent and leant considerable depth to her character -every scene with her was perfect.

Greetings again from the darkness. The Grotto of Massabiele in Lourdes, France is a major Catholic pilgrimage site, where each year millions visit to experience the healing powers of the flowing waters. Legend has it that in 1858 the Virgin Mary appeared to a local woman, turning this into a holy site. The healing powers of Lourdes plays a significant role in this film from director Thaddeus O'Sullivan and the film's co-writers Joshua D Maurer, Timothy Prager, and Jimmy Smallhorne.

It's unfortunate that the history of Lourdes and the lead performances offer the only points of interest in the film ... and what a shame that is. Ballyfermot in 1967 is a rural community on the outskirts of Dublin, and the parish priest, Father Byrne (Mark O'Halloran) has decided to carry on with the local talent show/fundraiser on the heels of the funeral of a beloved local woman. The Grand Prize for the talent show is tickets to the Lourdes pilgrimage, and a multi-generational singing trio of Lily Fox (Oscar winner Maggie Smith), Eileen (Oscar winner Kathy Bates), and Dolly (newcomer Agnes O'Casey) have their heart set on winning the pilgrimage. Each woman has her own need for the miracle cure: Lily has been carrying a burden for too many years, Eileen found a lump on her breast and doesn't trust doctors, and Dolly is the mother of a young boy who doesn't speak.

It's Chrissie's (Laura Linney) mother who recently passed, and Chrissie has returned to the community for the first time since leaving for Boston forty years ago. What's readily apparent is that the grudges being held by Lily and Eileen and Chrissie date back to that long ago time, and this is their only chance for reconciliation. But the wounds cut deep, or so we are led to believe. The problem here is that the film dances around the serious and dark psychological subject matter, and wants so much for this to be a heart-warming experience for viewers. And perhaps it will be for those who prefer to sit back and accept what's given, rather than expect fully developed characters and story lines.

Forty years of secrets and guilt and grudges is too heavy a load for anyone, and these women have relied on faith and religion to carry them through. There are bits and pieces showing the importance and value of friendship, compassion, and forgiveness ... although we see the flip side is good, bad, and ugly. The cast is outstanding and responsible for this being watchable, yet mostly we wonder why it remains surface depth.

Sony Pictures Classics plans to release the film in theaters on July 14th.

If you like dramatic movies with comedic relief and you believe in Lourdes, The Miracle Club is the perfect film. Alongside its thorough plotline, it stars many known celebrity figures, such as Maggie Smith, Laura Linney and Kathy Bates.

The storyline begins in 1967 in Dublin, Ireland and Lourdes, France with three women, Eileen (Kathy Bates), Lily (Maggie Smith) and Dolly (Agnes O'Casey) participating in a talent show to win tickets to the Lourdes. Unexpectedly, Chrissie (Laura Linney), the daughter of Eileen's and Lily's late friend, shows up for the funeral of her mother. While grieving, Chrissie finds her mother's voucher for Lourdes and decides to join them. Together, these four women experience the ups and downs of friendship and life and, although they all go to visit the Lourdes for different reasons, they have one thing in common: each prays for a miracle.

This movie is truly a gift to watch. It is the definition of hope and faith. Although the four actresses are all spectacular in their performance, my heart leans towards Maggie Smith playing Lily Fox. Lily struggles with the death of her son and her own health, yet always seems to make those around her happy. My favorite scene with Lily is when the women are at the Lourdes bathhouse and she hears Eileen scream. Then a nun comes out and says they are ready for Lily, to which she replies, "Well, I'm not!" which is kind of funny. I also love Agnes O'Casey's portrayal of Dolly as a kind, but mentally struggling mom and wife, who takes her child Daniel (Eric D. Smith) to the Lourdes so she can make him speak. She believes it is her fault that he cannot speak, and tries her best to overcome his mental obstacle - that is my favorite characteristic about her. I also love the scenery of Lourdes; it is tranquil and peaceful, the perfect place to recollect your thoughts and find miracles.

The film's message is that miracles do happen, although they may take time to occur. Please be aware that there is partial nudity, miscarriage and abortion references, slight suicide references, and some profanity.

I give The Miracle Club 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Ari P., KIDS FIRST!