If You Believe

If You Believe is a heartwarming, family-oriented movie that premiered on March 6th, 1999, on the Lifetime network. The movie stars Ally Walker, Tom Amandes, Hayden Panettiere, and Sarah Heinke. It is a story of the magical journey of two women who find friendship and learn valuable life lessons through a series of extraordinary happenings.

The plot revolves around a highly successful and well-respected architect, Susan Stone (Ally Walker), the embodiment of a modern professional woman: smart, independent, and career-focused. She's so immersed in her work that she has no time for a social life and has postponed her marriage several times. However, Susan's no-nonsense attitude gets a reality check when she starts seeing an angel who urges her to follow her heart.

Susan's life takes a dramatic turn when she agrees to take care of her niece, Megan (Hayden Panettiere), and nephew, Jason (Thomas Dekker), for a week while their parents went on a trip. Megan is a shy, reserved child who feels neglected, and Jason is struggling to cope with the recent loss of his father.

As Susan tries to adjust to the new routine and fulfill her work obligations, she discovers that Jason has an imaginary friend, a little girl named Molly, with whom he spends long hours talking. At first, Susan finds it amusing, but later she realizes that Molly is no ordinary imaginary friend; she's a ghost. Molly's mother died when she was just a few years old, and she's been wandering around ever since, looking for her mother. Molly, with her sweet nature and innocent charm, makes friends with Megan, who, in turn, starts to come out of her shell.

Sarah (Sarah Heinke), the neighborhood's busybody, is suspicious of Susan's sudden interest in the children and begins to interfere, creating a rift between Jason and Susan. But as the story progresses, Susan's relationship with the children deepens, and she discovers that they too have a touching connection with Molly.

If You Believe is a beautifully crafted story with characters that quickly win the audience's hearts. The movie tackles themes of personal sacrifice, the importance of family, and the power of belief. The film's director, Alan Metter, does an excellent job of balancing horror, humor, suspense, and drama to create a compelling and entertaining story. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Mark Snow, perfectly matches the events onscreen.

One of the movie's most significant strongpoints is the performances of the cast members. Ally Walker gives a memorable performance as Susan Stone, balancing her character's confident and assertive nature with her vulnerable side. Tom Amandes does a fantastic job as Eric, Susan's love interest, bringing a good dose of charm and light-heartedness to the movie. Hayden Panettiere shines as Megan, delivering a convincing portrayal of a child who's grappling with loss and self-doubt. Her chemistry with Thomas Dekker, who plays her on-screen brother, is commendable.

Overall, If You Believe is an enjoyable, family-friendly movie that delivers both entertainment and a message. The film encourages viewers to trust their instincts, believe in themselves, and never give up on their dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem. Even though it was released over two decades ago, its message still resonates with audiences today, making it a timeless classic.