It is clear this movie was motivated by the desire to profit from this almost tragedy. How else could one explain the speed with which this movie was made! Like many others I followed this story with interest when it happened last summer. I was very happy to see this rescue effort succeed. I would have preferred to see this movie produced for a movie theater or at least a movie station (HBO or Showtime)! I have met a miner or two in my day and I'm certain the language was not as mild as the dialog in this production! I rated this movie a 6 because of the obvious censorship displayed in the dialog. I hope the brave men who lived through this ordeal received a LARGE sum of money from ABC or whatever production company created this movie.
11 Reviews
Better than average TV movie
krdst224 November 2002
Typical made for TV movie. Over-dramatic at times, but got the job done. The actor who played the character who kept the families of the victims updated, did an excellent job with his pittsburgh accent. Although it was a small part, the man who played Gov. Schweiker portrayed him perfectly.
Very touching story. Better than average TV movie, especially since these events just took place a few months ago.
Very touching story. Better than average TV movie, especially since these events just took place a few months ago.
well done, scary, inspiring
vchimpanzee6 August 2003
I don't know what it's like to be a miner, but this movie certainly showed that miners are 'a different breed'. They were shown to be capable of handling much more than the average person, and probably more than they thought. The scenes of the danger, especially the rising water, inside the mine appeared very realistic and quite scary. While at times the miners appeared on the verge of giving up, who wouldn't be? But they didn't just give up, and this real-life event had to be nothing more than a miracle. Some of the miners had a strong faith, and those who didn't had to develop one fast. When they all said "The Lord's Prayer", it was clear all of them knew what it would take to get them out of the situation.
The one weakness, for me, was the cliched performances of some of the family members who were desperate for information or good news. But as one cast member said, these people were just saying what everyone wanted to. I also thought some of the bad language was unnecessary, especially when the miners were not yet in danger (though you have to believe the real miners said much worse). One source referred to the movie as family-oriented, and except for the language and some scary moments, it surely was.
The one weakness, for me, was the cliched performances of some of the family members who were desperate for information or good news. But as one cast member said, these people were just saying what everyone wanted to. I also thought some of the bad language was unnecessary, especially when the miners were not yet in danger (though you have to believe the real miners said much worse). One source referred to the movie as family-oriented, and except for the language and some scary moments, it surely was.
The title says it all!
tony-43424 November 2002
The title, "The Pennsylvania Miners' Story" says everything you need to know about this lame, by the number MOW. A company like Disney should be able to think of a more creative title than this unimaginative dreck, but then they should also be able to make a better movie. Perhaps it's because the movie was, literally, thrown together in a few months(the script had to be punched out in days)from the time of the real near-disaster in my hometown, or perhaps it's because we already know it ends happily ever after, but no where in the two full hours of viewing did I feel anything resembling tension, suspense, or most importantly, drama. The characters feel cliched, their dialogue stilted and the few attempts at sincerity come off as melodramatic to the nth degree. Disney spent over $1.5 million to acquire the rights to the Miners' life stories. They should have taken the time to write a good, heart-warming script instead of spoonfeeding us garbage. 0 out of 10 stars.
Made me want to puke
singlaa24 November 2002
This movie was absolutely terrible. I have never seen such maudlin crap. I mean, every single little cliche was found in this movie. Crying wives, friendships tested, hope. I mean, sure those are good themes and all, but it wasn't done in an original way. The makers had a real opportunity here to make a good movie out of an event that touched America, but all they did was make crap to take advantage of the currently patriotic America. Really made me sick to watch every scene.
close to home
trevorsomerset22 January 2007
This story is something like what actually happened, I live in somerset pa. The mine in which the coal miners were trapped in is exactly 2 miles from my house. I personally know the guys who were trapped in the mine. As compared to a lot of other "based on a true story" movies this one is actually pretty close to the actual happenings. The mine is still running and still has all the publicity signs up. This whole catastrophe could have been prevented if the maps would've been updated before they began digging. On a personal note, the 9 men trapped in the mine hesitated and didn't want a movie to be made of this. They claim "I was just doing my job" which I respect greatly because they represent a life long traditional job that has been a "way of life" for many generations.
Very realistic for a TV movie
musicmallcs25 November 2002
At the Quecreek Mine, nine miners were doing their jobs when their ordinary lives were suddenly changed and their race for survival was as dramatic as the emotions that were being portrayed at the fire hall.
By now, we have heard about the famous miracle that happened in Somerset, PA, and in this made-for-TV movie, the story was told with great care, with such authenticity that it felt like you were with the families and the miners. The movie was filmed at the actual mine, the fire hall, and at one of the miner's homes, and contains real footage from Pittsburgh's Channel 4 News. Because it was too dangerous to film in the real mine, a set was built in Los Angeles, and the special effects were so realistic that it was more like a motion picture than a made-for-TV movie. The actors were also very good in their roles and the miners themselves added emotion to the story.
By now, we have heard about the famous miracle that happened in Somerset, PA, and in this made-for-TV movie, the story was told with great care, with such authenticity that it felt like you were with the families and the miners. The movie was filmed at the actual mine, the fire hall, and at one of the miner's homes, and contains real footage from Pittsburgh's Channel 4 News. Because it was too dangerous to film in the real mine, a set was built in Los Angeles, and the special effects were so realistic that it was more like a motion picture than a made-for-TV movie. The actors were also very good in their roles and the miners themselves added emotion to the story.
A very heart felt sorry..
McGyverfan24 November 2002
This is a wonderful story. A+++ If you see that this is going to be on TV then by all counts please don't miss it. You will enjoy this movie and will not regret watching a minute of it. Also, besure and read the book "Our Story" the 77 hours of the true miners story.
Not bad but why didn't they film an ending???
fivefids25 November 2002
OK TV Movie, actually refreshing to have a positive story and family oriented characters as opposed to the trash that's usually thrown at the public in the form of a TV movie.
It did give the viewer a look at what it must've been like for those 9 workers. I wish they would've added, or informed the viewers of the actual dates. If this movie is viewed several years from now, it would be nice to inform new viewers when it took place. It does have that "Get the TV movie out there right away..." feel to it as you watch but it isn't bad at all.
Could've been a lot better and the abrupt ending was a disappointment.
It did give the viewer a look at what it must've been like for those 9 workers. I wish they would've added, or informed the viewers of the actual dates. If this movie is viewed several years from now, it would be nice to inform new viewers when it took place. It does have that "Get the TV movie out there right away..." feel to it as you watch but it isn't bad at all.
Could've been a lot better and the abrupt ending was a disappointment.
Fantastic!
HSGENIUSinNYC24 November 2002
A movie that brings a true story to life with warmth and true emotion. The actors and all the others involved did a great job! This movie reassures us that if we stay together and have faith, then all will be well. This is a very uplifting movie. It was realistic and moving.10/10
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