Looking for Miracles

Plot synopsis:
Set in the summer of 1935, 16-year-old Ryan Delaney (Greg Spottiswood) wants to go to university on a scholarship, but his struggling mother (Patricia Phillips) wants him to stay home, find work, and take care of his 10-year-old brother Sullivan (Zachary Bennett). Due to circumstances relating to the Depression, the brothers were separated and have recently reunited. Ryan is easily annoyed by his little brother. Desperate to find a job, Ryan manages to gain a position as a counselor at Camp Hochelaga despite the fact that he is not qualified; he is too young, has never been to camp, and cannot swim, none of which he reveals during his interview with the camp director, Chief Berman (Joe Flaherty). The ruse is so effective that Ryan is offered the lead counselor position for the group of age 10 boys. After his mother tells him that he cannot go to camp without Sullivan, Ryan convinces Chief Berman to allow the young boy to attend. Being age 10, Sullivan is assigned to Ryan's group.
At the start of camp, Ryan struggles in his position. When he is asked to move a vehicle on the first day, he does not reveal that he cannot drive and ends up having a minor accident. A counselor in Ryan's group named Mo (Hugh Thompson) quickly becomes suspicious of him and comes to realize that he is not qualified. However, he keeps Ryan's secret and the two become good friends. They work together to manage their group of campers, which includes a troubled brat who goes by the nickname of Ratface (Noah Godfrey). Ratface initially is a constant behavior problem for the counselors and is mean to Sullivan. Eventually, though, they come to understand Ratface's troubled home life and the two boys become friends.
The film is a story of growing up. By the end, Ryan and Sullivan develop a close relationship.

Tags: depressing

Review:
Memorable performances in a true to life film.
This movie has been a personal favorite of mine for a long time.
I first watched it on the Disney Channel when I was young.
It took me a long time finally get the video and hope it will be released on DVD soon.
I believe the reason why I admire this film so much is that the story portrays a very real relationship between two brothers.
The older brother Ryan, (played wonderfully by Greg Spottiswood) is really irritated when he has to accomodate his plans to fit in with taking care of his little brother, Sullivan (a charming performance by Zachary Bennett) .
He feels more like Sullivan is a nuisance more than a brother.
This is a scenario I can realate to being the oldest of many younger sibs.
When they get to camp is where the characters really develop and the scenes are well done.
They go from being really funny and embarrassing to heart warming and tender.
Ratface was a wonderful character too and I'm suprized the boy who played him (Noah Godfrey)was not in more films.
The supporting cast were all fabulous and I also like the scenes where it's just Ryan and the other councelors he's over was well, especially where he and Moe sneak off to the girl's camp.
Uplifting movie with a beautiful message and excellent acting.
This film was also set in the 1930's and I found the clothing, scenery and dialogue to very historically accurate.
Terrific movie directed by the same man who gave us the wonderful saga of Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea.
A real pleasure to watch  and I recommend it to everyone..
Genuinely touching, realistic - A true winner!.
"Looking for Miracles" is quite simply one of the best coming of age/family films of its ilk.
Made in 1989 and set in the 30's, this made for TV movie is outstanding.Greg Spottiswood is perfect for the lead role, and is very strongly backed up by Zachary Bennett who plays his younger brother, Sullivan.
The basic premise behind the film is a story of a 16 year old (Spottiswood) who scores a job as a counsellor at summer camp.
Also worthy of a mention is Noah Godfrey, who plays the misunderstood "Ratface".
The gradual development of friendship between him and Sullivan, as well as Sullys relationship with his brother is portrayed with a tenderness that is probably only matched by such films as Stand By Me. This is one seriously touching film, with some very sad moments, which will bring a tear to even the most hardened of eyes.
It isn't all doom and gloom though - it's a heart-warming story in the long run, filled with emotion all the way.
Funny, sad or just plain old fashioned adventure, this film delivers the goods every step of the way.
You can truly empathise with the characters - they are portrayed with such realism and feeling.
This film could not have been better cast - I know Stand By Me is regarded by many, including myself, to be one of the best coming of age dramas around, but this film is most definitely a worthy contender.
Greg Spottiswood took an Emmy for Best Actor, and it is not difficult to see why.
It is now available on DVD, in PAL format, and is region free.
If you are able to watch it, and it isn't already gracing your shelves, then it should be!
I pretty much guarantee that you'll enjoy it.
If you've already got it, watch it again and remind yourself just what a cracking film it is!
Please bear in mind that the above is only my opinion, for what it's worth - if you buy it, and hate it - don't blame me!
Very, Very touching movie!!!!!!.
This is one of the BEST Disney movies I have ever seen!
I rank it right up there with "Old Yeller"!
In fact I have trouble deciding which of the two I like the best!16 year old Ryan Delaney desires to go to college so that he can support his family.
He is determined to find a job to finance his schooling.
His mother (although loving) does not support his desire.
Her opposition only becomes stronger when Ryan's younger brother Sullivan (Zachary Bennett) is re-introduced into their lives.
She tells Ryan he must look after Sullivan, so Ryan resents Sullivan, however Sullivan loves his big brother and will do anything to help him find his dream!Ryan's big chance comes when he gets the opportunity to be a camp counselor.
He registers Sullivan as a camp attendee and believes it will all work out.
Woe unto quick optimism, as both brothers have a lot of struggles to endure, and they will need each other!
Sullivan knows this, but can he convince his older brother (who feels the need to separate himself from his young brother).I want to make this note:  Zachary Bennett's performance is among the best.
As well as Henry Thomas in E.T. and Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense!.
A Wonderful movie.
This is such a wonderful movie that really evokes your sense of humanity.
A touching tale about the relationship between two brothers while on a summer camp, set out in the 1930's era.
A film that really comes out as somewhat 'real' and heart-warming.
I was fortunate to watch this movie on the Hallmark channel in 2000, but didn't quite get the name until this day after a long search-it is a must-keep which really brings to mind the essence of family and life I think in general.
Brilliant performances from the cast.
The budding relationship between the younger brother and the much older lady camp owner really had a sense of originality and realness.
I strongly recommend this film to all those who are interested in films that remind us of the adversities that we are all prone to and  the determination of the human spirit to overcome these..
One of my top ten favorites!!!!!!!!!!.
I saw this film when it premiered on the Disney Channel in 1989.
It is definitely a sleeper, as none of he actors are superstars.
I could not believe the depth of character each actor brought to this film.
I never had any brothers, so this film showed me and my daughter, who is an only child, the gifts siblings can give to each other.
I would love to read the novel to compare; Kevin Sullivan was an instrument in this adaptation to screen, nuff said.
This is a four star film and should be part of every school and home film library.
I had a heck of a time finding a DVD format, but it is one of my top ten treasured films!
Any person from any age group,any faith, ethnic background or family background, would love this film over and over again.