Miracle at Sage Creek (2005) User Reviews

Great story idea, but not well produced.

[SteveEshleman · 5/10 · 8 February 2008]

Michael Landon's "Little House on the Prairie" is similar in concept, and "Miracle at Sage Creek" producers should have watched a few of those shows to learn how to make a viewer's heart feel a story. And too many production liberties were taken. For example, the only thing cold about the weather was the conversations about how cold it was.

I like a "feel-good" story, but it needed more showing and less telling. The characters simply were not developed very well, so it was difficult to share their troubles or feel great about the resolutions of those troubles. And time was wasted on meaningless "excusions". For example, we were given a rather lengthy introduction to the Judge's wife early, and then she never reappeared.

This is the kind of movie I like and pull for, but this one was B Rated at best.

Slow Start Hurts This Nice Film

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 25 May 2007]

Can a western be too nice? Yup, as much as I hate to say it here, because this a goodhearted, good-messaged film with good people and - yes, a touch of good Christianity, the fact remains it's a dull movie for the most part.

You need some kind of edge in a western and it's not here, at least in the first half of the film. If you're boring in the first 30-60 minutes, you're going to lose them.....even in a very nice movie like this one.

In a faith-based film, as this is, I don't expect nor want profanity or gory stuff, but you have to have some action and some villains that are more than just one old man carrying a grudge and acting a bit sour, as Keith Carradine does here. That isn't enough.

However, kudos for the effort and for bringing God into a positive light in a western movie. I was glad to at least support like that with my rental money. I also appreciated seeing nice kids, a nice mom and dad, and I always enjoy seeing Wes Studi. I wish he had a bigger role in here. The acting in here was fine, too.

There are a lot of good elements to this film, but it got off to such a slow start it lost me.

This May Hold Interest For Some

[krocheav · 6/10 · 17 November 2013]

Wouldn't call this curious offering great, but won't call it bad either. It was a relief to see a small scale modern Western that didn't see the need to go down the Clint Eastwood trail of super nasty, so called cowboy 'art'....

This story concentrates more on the daily living standards of 'pioneers' than simply the rough oater types. It's main problems, regarding story, lie in the fact it doesn't properly introduce us to the characters. It's difficult at times to figure out who's who. The movie has the look of a show that may have been longer than it's final release.

The first signs of this come with some badly timed edits that don't gel with the general good look and flow of Virgil Harper's fine Cinematography. There are also several characters who tend to disappear when you are expecting them to feature much more than they do.

The location shots are a treat for the eye with vistas and grand horizons filled with majestic skies. The Director: James Inveld (Brother of Ricky Inveld who was Ricky Nelson's drummer, who also died in the same plane crash) has gone for a deliberately paced unfolding of the story, a bit like the classic 'Shane' used to such good advantage. There are odd bursts of violence that remind us that this is still an untamed land, but mostly it's content to follow the personal lives of settling families.

Acting is surprisingly good, especially David Carradine as the bigoted landowner. He is matched by Actor, Producer, Musician and Emmy winner: Daniel Quinn, a performer with solid acting training in the UK. Lovely Sarah Aldrich is also good as his wife. The youngsters do well and turn in quite convincing performances. Pity the usually interesting Michael Parks has so little to do (edited out perhaps?) Also good to see Wes Studi making an all too rare appearance, giving the picture a better balance to the Native American Indian side of the story.

The Music score: partly composed by the Director (with Michael Turner) adds some fine atmosphere to a film made by semi-professional independent producers. This won't please gung-ho action fans or those who lean towards being more technically aware, but should be enjoyed by seekers of undemanding family fare.

Interesting to note: The actor playing the nasty, gun happy, racist cavalry recruit: Thadd Turner, also holds writing, production and technical credits for this film, and is himself, a sharp shooting champion.

A Great Western!

[deanteaster · 17 January 2006]

I loved the fact that this was a gritty western wrapped in a family friendly blanket that all ages can enjoy. The cowboys and the Indians blending nicely into a melting pot that was more accurate to the old west then some showings. The script was well crafted and the cast brought it all to life. I loved Wes Studi's calm turn as a kind grandfather in sharp contrast to his powerful roles as violent aggressive characters in "Dancing With Wolves" or "Last of the Mohicans." I'm excited for the two upcoming western's "The Hard Ride" and "Wild Michigan" and I think Thadd Turner deserves all the attention for making these westerns come to the screen. Tim Abell is also worth noting as a gentle yet strong "bridge" between the two worlds of the white man and the Native Americans. Carradine is on target as Ike the "Scrooge" of this Christmas Western. I think this will be a classic when looked back upon many years from now.

Worth the viewing for its cinematography if nothing else

[texasjetman · 7/10 · 28 November 2023]

Good story well executed. Very good director the filming was excellent really the type of work you'd expect from a much higher budget film with top rated actors. This cast did a great job it's obvious to me they worked very hard on screen and the attention to details in the sets was well done. Seeing these great actors come together in a film later in the years of performing to me really shows they truly want to work. My compliments to cast and crew. I do not remember the location of the shooting but it was certainly very well planned. Mr Carradine is certainly getting on in the years but can still demand an on screen presence. My compliments.

A pretty confusing movie - CONTAINS SPOILERS!!

[weeziepepper · 4/10 · 10 September 2006]

My Dad and I just watched this movie, he's a pretty big fan of westerns like Lonesome Dove. We were confused at the beginning about the relationships of all the people. We finally figured out the main details (two families at odds with each other for various reasons). David Carradine was good and some of the other actors were OK. The main problem we had was about John (Tim Abell). He gets injured but when they cannot find him they just assume he's dead. What's up with that? I would at least want to find the body for a proper burial. Then the families all just decide to hang out for Christmas time dinner. John's wife doesn't even seem too upset - come on she thinks her husband just died! Starting at about 2/3 of the way into the movie my dad and I kept saying to each other "Where's John?". At the very end we got our answer but by then we didn't really even care. It seems like lots of you really liked the movie and I did like the spiritual messages. It is also a nice family movie. I just was a little annoyed with the John issue. Thanks.

Reverent Western drama with some action

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 24 December 2017]

RELEASED IN 2005 and directed by James Intveld, "Miracle at Sage Creek" (aka "Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek") is a Western about two families in 1888 Wyoming who overcome bitterness, hatred, prejudice, doubt and death during Christmas. MAIN CAST: David Carradine, Wes Studi, Sarah Aldrich, Daniel Quinn, Irene Bedard & Tim Abell.

The problem some viewers have with this Western is that the events take place near Cheyenne in southeastern Wyoming around Christmas time, but it was shot in southeastern Arizona outside Tucson where there's desert, cacti and no snow. For comparison, the wintery scenes of "The Hateful Eight" (2015) were shot 250 miles FURTHER SOUTH from Cheyenne near Telluride, Colorado.

Whereas this is a glaring problem for "Miracle at Sage Creek," particularly for people who care about geographical details, the obvious reason the producers shot the movie in southeastern Arizona was to save money. After all, there are ready-made movie sets near Tucson, like Old Tucson and Gammon's Gulch Movie Set, but generally not in the Cheyenne area. The only way I could overlook this issue was to imagine the events taking place in southern Arizona. Really, I have no idea why they didn't just tweak the story so that it takes place there.

Another thing to consider is that Westerns, particularly older ones, are notorious for being shot in places far from where they propose to take place. A good example are the many ones that take place in Texas, but were conveniently shot in Arizona or California. With this and the above in mind, perhaps we can have mercy on "Miracle at Sage Creek."

Overlooking that transgression, this is a decent inspirational Western focusing on drama rather than conventional Western action, although there some of that (shootouts). And, despite the error in locations, the settings are magnificent (they're just not anything close to southeastern Wyoming). Moreover, both Carradine and Studi are stalwart in their roles while the others listed above offer capable support. What I appreciate most, beyond the picturesque scenery, is the palpable tone of reverence, which is helped via the venerable score by James Intveld & Michael Turner.

While this is a "feel good" movie with one predictable element at the very end, it addresses several heavy topics, like prejudice, injustice, bitterness, hatred, life-or-death situations, confrontation, unexpected violence, the humbling need for a miracle, the power of simple faith ("heathen" or not), positive confession and the beauty of a change of heart.

THE FILM RUNS 90 minutes and was shot in southeastern Arizona (Benson, Mescal, Old Tucson, Douglas & Gammons Gulch). WRITER: Thadd Turner.

GRADE: B

I'm glad I did'nt pay a rental fee for it

[obm4 · 3/10 · 18 January 2007]

I honestly can't see why all the critics on here; say bad things about good movies and good things about bad ones?Oh look at the scenery,oh pretty music,wow so real?One could not call this one realistic by any means.The husband gets attacked and shot by bad guys,falls over a cliff.They look for him once run into the bad guys give up looking.They did'nt tell anyone like the army, who is the law in them days that he's lost,shot,the bad guys?Never played up the feelings of the grandpa and Indian chief to get into the characters so we could feel good when they bonded?This was a very low,badly written movie.Take it for what it is, and it's a clean movie at least.Gary

Christmas Western Elicits a Few Tears

[s-m-shaw · 8/10 · 19 November 2005]

Miracle at Sage Creek

Movie Review for the Cowboy Chronicle, International monthly publication for SASS (Single Action Shooting Society)

By Steve Shaw

Rarely are Westerns made for television these days. The few exceptions attempt to recast the Western in a bitter, physically violent role, oftentimes with offensive language. Westerns the entire family can enjoy are difficult to find…they just don't make 'em anymore. Miracle at Sage Creek is a rare, welcomed change. This well-developed story, with fine acting, has you speculating about the miracle, since several materialize; a splendid and appropriate family-oriented film for the Christmas holidays. The story is set in 1888 Wyoming with David Carradine portraying rancher Ike Franklin, a hard-nosed, ruthless old man, embittered with the death of his wife at the hands of a Sioux war party ten years earlier. Just before Christmas, Ike hatches a scheme to legally remove neighbor Chief Red Eagle (superbly underplayed by Wes Studi) and his family off their small adjacent homestead with the use of US Cavalry. Red Eagle's son-in-law, John Stockton, a one time suitor of Ike's daughter Mary, perhaps the only man that could reason with Ike, is ambushed, shot and left for dead by villainous road agents while on his way home from town. Ike's daughter Mary and her husband, Seth, operate the Sage Creek Station, a stagecoach stop on the road between Lush and Chadron. Ike disapproves how the two are raising their two young sons, and of course, feels Seth not good enough for his daughter. When their youngest son, Kit, becomes infected with scarlet fever and is not expected to recover, Ike's despondency intensifies. How these two families overcome their prejudices and the tragedies befalling them is capably told. This film will elicit a tear of two, as should any well-told Christmas story. David Carradine is at his best, supported by, arguably one of the best actors to portray an Indian, Wes Studi. Familiar names and faces sustaining these two veterans are Buck Taylor, Tracy Nelson, Michael Parks, Irene Beddard, and Tim Abell. The film, shot at Old Tucson Studios' Mescal movie site in Arizona, is directed by James Intveld, by a script written by Thadd Turner. Turner should be familiar to many of you. His well-researched, non-fiction book "Wild Bill Hickok: Deadwood City – End of Trail" was reviewed and recommended by this author in a previous Cowboy Chronicle issue. Thadd was a national level competitor in Cowboy Action Shooting from 1995-2001 and was a contributing editor for True West Magazine from 2001-2003. Through his production company, Talmarc Productions, Turner produced this film and also served as stunt coordinator and co-lead wrangler. In fact, if you look close, you will see Turner as one of the US Cavalry troopers attempting to evict the Indian family. The film has been picked up by American World Pictures for distribution through Hallmark with a release date of January 2006. Check your local listings.

great intentions do not a great movie make

[TIles_re · 2/10 · 19 June 2006]

I understand the need for family movies, traditional values and though I share that need I have to say that the critics on this website too eager to be pleased.I can see what the filmmakers were trying to achieve,the story of two families separated by culture and yet brought together by tragedy, finding out their need for each other in their darkest hour. But this was not a great movie,it was barely watchable. I liked the cast, the performances were great, but the script just did not make any sense. The lines were often just too corny and rang completely untrue and unrealistic.

So here is the characters: There are two families, family number 1 includes dad, used to be involved in unspecified ministry, now in charge of a stagecoach rental business, mom and two boys. Grandfaher of family number 1, angry guy, blames Indians for the death of his wife for unspecified reasons and wishes his daughter had gotten married to dad number two.

Family number two, includes dad who is white, mom who is Indian, son, daughter, who has no lines at all, and wise old Indian chief grandfather. Dad number 2 seems to still have a crush on mom number 1.

****warning- following content might contain spoilers**** Dad #2 steals a horse right under the nose of the two guys hired to kill him and they do not even bother going after him, they just shoot at his direction once.

Mom #2 is all choked up and grateful that grandfather #1 will not take her land back completely ignoring the fact that he is the reason her husband, dad # 2 is presumably dead. Let me see, taking the land, bad, murder mucn much worse... if my husband was murdered the land would be the least of my worries.

Boy #1 and 2 are missing and mother #2 waits the whole day at her house for the dad #1 to show up and look for them, even though her dad, grandfather #2 seems perfectly able to at least try.

Rich detail, good pacing, great story and direction. Go see and enjoy!

[maryerand · 10/10 · 20 November 2005]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was serene and stately. I liked the timing of the way each scene unfolded and the pace of the editing because it gave me time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere of each of the scenes in their rich detail. This quieter slower pacing was appropriate to the quieter and slower times which it portrayed and the expansive landscape of the west which requires slowing down to take it all in. There were no rude shocks along the way for "effect" (like the cheap thrills of too many movies these days) The sensitivity, depth, and subtleties of real human relationships were conveyed well. Really good acting and I thought perhaps the best I've seen from David Carradine. The careful attention to props costumes and sets really made it feel like I'd gone back in time. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon!

Don't waste you're time

[duboiskowtoe · 2/10 · 21 May 2008]

This was, to put it lightly, unwatchable garbage.

My crap detector first went to orange alert when the two boys look for fire wood by sitting down and picking up the sticks in there immediate area and pile them together. This was then followed by a gun fight where people take cover behind barren shrubbery and don't get shot. Not only do they not get shot, they add in rickashay sound effects meaning that they aren't just retardedly bad shots, but the twigs are actually blocking to bullets.

Who ever directed this film should be black listed and maybe checked for Alzheimer's or blindness.

Rent it First

[PrairieCal · 4/10 · 4 July 2006]

From reading previous comments it seems as though every relative, friend, and casual acquaintance of anyone even remotely connected with this movie has pulled out every superlative in the book to recommend it.

In actual fact this is a slow, plodding, uneventful film without out a single character to identify with. It has too many characters -- none of which have really been developed sufficiently for us to care about any of them -- too many stories going on at the same time, and too many clichés. Add to this continual references to God and prayer and one gets the feeling we're being not so subtly preached to.

We'd all like to see clean and wholesome family oriented movies but that doesn't mean we'll settle for substandard fare.

A fine cast is totally wasted here. Rent this film before you consider buying it. I'm betting you won't put out money to own it.

A few problems...

[runnoft-1 · 1/10 · 1 November 2006]

I'm watching the movie right now, so I don't know how it ends.

Um, Christmas-time in Wyoming, and there's green leaves, green grass, flowing water, shirt-sleeve attire, no breath fog.. meaning, it's not very cold in Lusk, Wyoming in December?? WHAT? The Indian woman was washing clothes outside, sleeves rolled up, in December, in Wyoming. Wyoming has long, wicked-cold, windy winters. That immediately took a lot of the reality away. It was filmed in Arizona, they should have just set the story there, as "Wyoming Territory" didn't have much to do with the story. There were homesteaders and Indians in Arizona, too. It's just too unbelievable. Maybe later it snows in the movie, but I've been to Wyoming, and seen it snow in JUNE, and I've been there in February and it was very cold and windy. Nobody went out in just light jackets.

They filmmakers must take us as people who all live in LA or NY, people who know nothing about geography and what places look like, and people who don't ever travel. I've seen some movies supposed to be Wyoming, but filmed in Canada, and you can't tell. The terrain in THIS movie didn't look at ALL like Wyoming.

Bad acting, especially the Grandfather Indian character. Unneeded choppy "Indian Accent". Words used I don't think someone new to the language would use.

Here's another: A mother and her son are sitting right by a fireplace that has a good crackling fire in it. She feels his head and determines he has a fever. How could she tell? Being a mother, I know better than to forehead-feel a kid for a fever when they're a few feet from a fire.

Snore.

You want a good western? See Lonesome Dove. See Tombstone. See Open Range. See anything else.

The way movies should be made!

[dcarrico · 10/10 · 22 December 2005]

It amazes me how much money "Hollywood" spends on overpaid, overrated actors, then when it comes to actually making the movie they cut corners. This is a family movie without all the filth contained in some movies today. You can watch it with the entire family. My four year old son watched it with me and he stayed involved throughout. Very authentic, close attention was given to the weapons, clothing, saddles and tack. The acting was great, even the young kids were believable.There are several veteran actors that show why they can still get the job done. It proves you can still make a great movie without multi-million dollar mega budgets.You will find that it is a great family story, with a great score, wide open spaces, and it just happens to be a "Western".

All in the Turner family

[dimplet · 4/10 · 21 December 2011]

Way to go, sound department. It would have been nice if I could understand what the actors were saying. Most of the time it seemed like they were mumbling, or whispering in the case of David Carradine. Turn up the sound enough to hear them, and you will be blown away by the music sound track, which was two or three times louder, or blown over by the sound effects.

As to the weather near Christmas in Wyoming, try highs around 32 F (I checked wunderground.com today.

Obviously, Miracle at Sage Creek is a family movie. It is also a family made movie, the Turner family, which occupies four of the eight "producer" slots on the credits, plus a music credit, a stunt credit, a writer credit and three actor credits --- four if you include Deputy Sheriff Turner, which seems to be thrown in as a joke.

Considering most of these Turners don't have much experience in movies -- and didn't have much after -- the end result is reasonably good for amateurs. If this is a "Christian" values movie, it is not as heavy handed as some of this genre. Its moralizing for racial tolerance, at least regarding Native Americans, is commendable.

However, if you are going to use "miracle" in the title, it helps if you deliver one, and it better be with a clever twist.

~~ miracle, noun 1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs 2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment ~~

Parting the Red Sea was a miracle. Passing my econ final was a miracle. But this was just tacking a few sentences onto a long script to produce a happy ending. And they all lived happily ever after. (Could the tropical Christmas weather have been the miracle?)

If you are looking for wholesome, evangelical Christian drivel, I hope you confuse this with the other miracle creek movie, Miracle at Morgan's Creek:

"After an all-night send-off party for the troops, a small-town girl wakes up to find herself married and pregnant, but with no memory of her husband's identity."

Don't worry, director Preston Sturges delivers a real miracle in his movie.

Miracle at Morgan's Creek is a great movie. And it's fun for the whole family. Watch it!

An enjoyable holiday western for the entire family

[ets2000 · 10/10 · 18 November 2005]

Family-friendly westerns are hard to find, especially good ones; "Miracle at Sage Creek" is certainly one of the few. "Miracle" could be described as a "Silverado" meets "Romeo and Juliet" with a touch of Ebeneezer Scrooge (appropriate considering the film takes place at Christmastime). The story of an angry family patriarch (played excellently by David Carradine) taking out his own legal vengeance on the half-Indian, half-white family living on "his land" mirrors many of society's current ills including prejudice and greed. The friendship that develops between the two families is heartwarming; their personal pleas to Carradine's cold character and desperate search for a fallen father will tug at the heart strings. The entire cast portray their roles with feeling. Wes Studi is amazingly powerful as the Indian grandfather whose wisdom is the backbone and a hopeful salvation for his family. The children (Darian Weiss, Masam Holden and Wyatt Turner) deserve their own kudos for natural performance and believability while not trying to act cute. Even the dog deserves a nod and an extra bone in his Christmas stocking. A few gun shots (standard for any western) may require hand-holding for the youngest viewers; however, overall this remains a wonderful film for the entire family.

Where does one begin?

[killerquean · 1/10 · 20 November 2012]

Sad to say that a movie with David Carradine and Wes Studi could be a Xmas turkey. The kids are constantly mugging (as opposed to acting), "Wyoming" in December replete with cacti and sunny, snow-free landscape(?!!)--all the stock characters of a Fifties Western are here, but not even John Wayne could have rescued this movie.

Michael Parks is the only actor who is really trying, the rest are very trying, indeed. If you want to see the principal players (Carradine & Studi) working their full range of ability, rent/buy "Commanche Moon" or "Bound for Glory". You can catch glimpses here of Studi at least trying to inhabit the role of a very amateur effort. Yes, if you want a G-rated movie for young children, this would work. Sadly, Nicholas the dog gets better direction and lines than his fellow actors. The notable exception is the mustachioed stage driver (Buck Taylor), who appeared in a supporting role in a fantastic Western-- "Tombstone" as Turkey Creek Jack Johnson.

If you're looking for something uplifting, get "Little House on The Prairie" or "Dr Quinn", which appear to be the inspiration for this movie-of-the-week knock-off. This was one of a triptych of movies (three movie set for $5), which says it all. Rent this for the kiddies, if you're into faith-based fare, then go out and get a real Western where the actors get to shine, e.g.,any of the Lonseome Dove mini-series, "Tombstone", "Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee", or even "Hidalgo", a great family movie which slipped under the radar a few years back.

Too many fake reviews...

[smlivingstone-01394 · 2/10 · 24 October 2017]

...to even trust a thing about this movie. I don't believe I've ever seen more relatives, friends and/or the filmmakers themselves try to weight the reviews and ratings for a movie more egregiously than this. Each 10 star review is written to one of two exact same formats, using the exact same style and praising the exact same things about the movie; even one of the reviewer's last name was the same as the family of filmmakers who produced this well meaning but gigantic yawn of a film.

Like I said, the film is at least well meaning and inoffensive. If that is all you require for your viewing pleasure, then go for it. But there are enough good films out there, even family and/or Christian oriented ones, to occupy the little time we all have to spend on entertainment. Don't waste a precious 1 hour and 23 minutes of your life on semi- professional movie-making that will leave you scratching your head over the plot and mourning the death of your brain cells.

Not great. Not bad. Just very unremarkable.

[I_Ailurophile · 5/10 · 31 December 2021]

The filming locations (Arizona, standing in for Wyoming) are indisputably gorgeous, and I appreciate the set design and decoration. Fine detail went into costume design, and James Intveld demonstrates a keen eye for some artful shots. Why, hats off to cinematographer Virgil L. Harper - his contribution is very noteworthy; all we see looks fantastic. Michael Parks is a name that should be a boon for any cast, and while David Carradine's countenance doesn't necessarily guarantee value in a picture, especially in the latter years of his career (see: 'The last sect'), it's nonetheless a pleasure to see him here. With that said, I think everyone before the camera gives performances of welcome sincerity.

Would that I could say I felt 'Miracle at Sage Creek' was more remarkable, and more deserving of specific praise. I don't think it's bad. But nor is it really noteworthy. Outside of the actors, much about the movie feels a little too staged and inauthentic for its own good. The themes and story ideas, and their application, are very familiar: loss, faith, injustice, racism, interpersonal conflict, hardship, hope, and so on. Scenes of drama are a little overbearing, scenes of action are underwhelming - and yet with that said, the chief feeling I get from the picture isn't "balanced," but "middling." More than half the length had passed and still it felt like I was waiting for the movie to properly begin. No doubt there are viewers who find this very satisfying, and fulfilling; I found the experience to be about as equivalently meaningful as checking off a to-do list of household chores.

These feelings extend to the scene writing, characters, dialogue, overall narrative, and Intveld's orchestration of scenes and the guidance of his cast. Honest though all the assembled actors are in their portrayals, I don't know that I can say anyone especially impresses here; at some critical junctures their delivery appears stilted, dampening the impact a story beat should have. This seems so much like a film one can "watch" without actively engaging with it, and still see all while retaining nothing. Once more - none of this is to say 'Miracle at Sage Creek' is outright bad or wholly undeserving. Clearly there's an audience for this title, and I'm just not it. However, I plainly find it less than engrossing - unexceptional - undistinguished.

Is 'Miracle at Sage Creek' worth 90 minutes of your time? You could certainly do a lot worse. You could just surely do much better, too.

One of the best Westerns in 20 years

[kirby-43 · 10/10 · 3 December 2005]

From the very beginning I knew Miracle at Sage Creek was going to be something special. I am talking about the first opening scene, the first few notes of the score. Chills went up my spine. I hadn't expected much of the movie, as I figured it would be a learning ground for this new producer. Everyone has to start at ground level...I thought.

Yet already, judging by cinematography and score, I had a gut feeling this movie was going to be above average. Through the entire screening it never let me down. There were several parts at the end where I had tears rolling down my cheeks. They got me again!

The cast of characters is phenomenal. Buck Taylor, David Carradine, Wes Studi, Michael Parks, Thadd Turner. One of the main characters was played by a young actor I've never heard much about, a man by the name of Tim Abell, and he played a crackerjack part. I will anxiously await his next Western.

Miracle at Sage Creek is a story about a clash of peoples, but a fairly bloodless clash. David Carradine is bitter against all Indians because of past trouble. He has an Indian family living on some of his land, and he wants them off. But things are complicated by the fact that a grandson he loves very much is best friends with the Indian boy. Carradine, as always, played a great part, as did everybody on the show. Two beautiful ladies, one white and one Indian, a couple of believable antagonists, and the laid back Wes Studi, playing his part of the Indian grandfather smoothly, seamlessly, and to the hilt--as he plays everything.

The score continued to be charming, exciting and awesome, varying just the right amount, in all the right places. The casting was perfect, the acting was perfect, the plot was perfect. There was nothing in the movie that my kids couldn't watch. There was nothing in the movie that a sane, intelligent grownup would not want to watch. It was a Christmas story without the reindeer, Santa Claus and snowball fights. On a scale from one to ten, I give Miracle at Sage Creek a ten--but don't ever ask me to say your baby is beautiful if he isn't! I do not give good points to a film I don't like. I don't care if my own mother made the movie.

Miracle at Sage Creek is looking for a release date in April. Keep your fingers crossed, my friends. With Thadd Turner around we just may see the return of the traditional Western.

Kirby Jonas

A beautiful and well acted film.

[carolm903 · 9/10 · 28 November 2005]

I was very moved by the story and message of this movie. It's especially important today with so many different people with conflicting points of view and how we can still come together as human beings and learn to live together and love each other despite our differences. The cinematography was excellent. I felt such a connection between the earth and the people and how important nature is to our well being. I thought the acting was great. The kids did a great job especially in the scene with the dog and the trap. This movie would be a great addition to anyone's DVD collection especially since it is appropriate for everyone in the family. Thanks for a great western.

A fantastic film!

[rmturner · 10/10 · 28 November 2005]

"Miracle At Sage Creek": First, all the actors and actress's are outstanding. This is a story that embraces the hope and prayers of the kind people of our planet and may win over those minds that are of a different nature of life. Thadd Turner wrote this from the heart and hand picked the actors, to fulfill his dreams of a good family film that can endure the ages. All who have seen it praise the film. Seeing is believing,do it soon and enjoy.---- I can honestly say this is the best heartfelt film, I have seen in the past ten years or more. Feeling good should be part of life! A very refreshing film and a pleasure to view, with great acting and dialogue. Keep Smiling!

A must see family movie done in the old western tradition!

[lauraszanto · 10/10 · 22 November 2005]

Miracle at Sage Creek is a wonderful family movie. Done in the grand tradition of an old fashion western. It's hard to find a great western that captures the essence of good family values. Good strong principles triumphant over long time past principles of hatred. A lesson that we can all learn from, especially for our youth of today. Miracle at Sage Creek is a tale of two families with different backgrounds and heritage that eventually pull together, through tragedy, to create a miracle to save the life of an ailing little boy. The setting, the wardrobe, and the characters are solid of the western era. The actors were superbly casted and created a believable dialog. The story line is rich with content. A must see movie for the whole family.

Don't miss this one! A beautiful family film!

[TalmarcFilm · 10/10 · 15 November 2005]

They should make more Westerns like this! Wonderful cinematography and great talent, helps make this a real family treat! The story is rich with believable characters, and David Carradine puts together a terrific performance as Ike, the disgruntled and angry grandfather-rancher, who eventually looses his hatred of the past and finds self-redemption with his family and Native American neighbors. Great spiritual messages through out, good horse chase scene, and solid performances from an outstanding ensemble cast. The period wardrobe, tack, saddles, and firearms are dead on, and some of the camera shots are reminiscent of the old classic Westerns.