Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we review a film that was not only made by companies such as Lionsgate, and Kingdom Story Company, but was also based on real life events that occurred around thirty years ago. It stars Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis (whom I’m sure some of us know as the main mother character in the show, Last Man Standing), and a few other people. So now, let’s discuss the film that is known as Ordinary Angels.
The film depicts difficult circumstances that occurred back in 1994, when a widowed father named Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson) struggles to find the means to get his sick younger daughter, Michelle (Emily Mitchell) a liver transplant. However, a miracle may happen in the form of a hairdresser named Sharon Stevens (Hillary Swank), who, after hearing about this issue, and death of Ed’s late wife in the newspaper, decides to rally her hairdressing business to raise money in an attempt to save his daughter’s life. Did her plan succeed, and did Sharon, and Ed succeed in saving her life in the end?
Okay, first off, what an incredible movie! First off, who doesn’t think it cool to have celebrities like Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis (aka, also characters like the mom in the former TV sitcom, Last Man Standing), and Hillary Swank, among others all in one movie? Well, because each cast member’s acting is really great in this film, it works really well. Next, there is the story. Yes, we have seen Christian-themed films in the past where people ended up struggling in their faith, and feeling tempted to give up on life when circumstances go south in their lives. However, in each, and every film with that type of storyline, it is handled in a rather unique way. Ordinary Angels is no exception. That is especially with how people like Ed handled questioning his faith, and/or uncomfortable situations, and, especially with how relationships were handled. Well, I’m sure that those relationships were handled that way (and you’ll know what I mean when you see this film) in real life as well, but still. Additionally, there are the characters. They are all really great, from Ed’s daughters, his mom, you name it. However, it really is Ed, and Sharon that stand out not only for the celebrities that play them each, or the fact that they’re the main characters, but also because of what they both go through in their respective journeys. This movie does also do great with showing how God DOES in fact work in mysterious ways. This is especially shown with the events that helped Sharon help others out, how, Ed, and his family came to meet Sharon, and more. But one of the more important aspects of Ordinary Angels is how this movie teaches important lessons on boundaries, being willing to do whatever it takes to help others, including doing the impossible, and having faith in God more than ever, being willing to get help when you’re beginning to fall to your lowest, and more. Also, how could you not appreciate how, back thirty years ago, there were more people, in addition to Sharon, who were willing to help Ed, and his younger daughter out by any means necessary. Truth be told, just as Boys In The Boat helped to teach that feeling entitlement in any situation is hardly, if ever, a good thing, Ordinary Angels helped to teach valuable lessons about how important it is to think about, and help others, and never make life about us, and us alone. Really good reminder, especially in a day, and age where selfishness has seemed to become more common than selflessness, you know?
And that’s my review for Ordinary Angels. Honestly, if studios like Kingdom Story Company, and Lionsgate, along with Angel Studios continue to make movies like Ordinary Angels, The Jesus Music, Jesus Revolution, and more movies like them, there could potentially a great shift in Hollywood for the better. I mean considering that a lot of secular media hasn’t always been the best as of recently, we definitely need more Christian-themed films like Ordinary Angels, and more in terms of films that are dramatic, but send more positive messages in the end. With all that said, if you haven’t seen Ordinary Angels, I would highly recommend that you do. You will be glad that you did in the end, especially since this film proves that miracles do happen even today, and that there are still some kind people in this world.
Final Grade: A+
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 