Expecting A Miracle
by Phil Boatwright

Teri Polo (Meet the Parents, The West Wing), Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210), Cheech Marin (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Race to Witch Mountain).

FILM SYNOPSIS: A quarreling married couple, trying unsuccessfully to have a baby, facing difficult marital issues tries to escape for a few days in Mexico, only to have their SUV break down, stranding them in the town of Dommatina.  However, as the couple and the town residents warm to each other, it becomes apparent that they've ended up exactly where they need to be. 
 
PREVIEW REVIEW: At first we suffer through the belligerence that has developed between a couple focused on what they don't have rather than what they do. Then it becomes a bit cornball with everything going wrong and a cutesy kid who begins to open their hearts. After that, we are introduced to a priest played by, of all people, Cheech Marin. Once past these obstacles, however, we find an involving story and likable characters. And, surprise, surprise, Mr. Marin does a nice job playing a man of faith.

Though some may have a problem with prayers lifted up to a saint, the film is not about converting us to Catholicism. Rather, it does a nice job of including the need for faith and a reverence for God. (God doesn't expect us to be successful, just faithful.")