Ordinary Angels movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Ordinary Angels

This charming movie based on a true story is now playing in theaters, as well as on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apply TV.

Get your box of tissues ready, folks!

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 56 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The true story is about a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his critically-ill, young daughter.

The lovely film was directed by Jon Gunn who also served as Executive Producer. Writing credits go to Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly.

THINGS I LIKED:

Who doesn’t adore Academy Award winner (twice) Hilary Swank? Nobody. That’s who. She elevates the film and gives the story the attention it deserves.
Alan Ritchson first flew onto my radar when I saw him in the role of the TV show “Reacher” based on the popular movie character played by Tom Cruise. He’s a beast in that show! Did you know he was a U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant? He’s also a Christian, so I imagine he enjoyed telling this story about faith. At an event with the cast of the film, he encouraged Christian movies when he said, “If that’s where the pulpit is for people who wouldn’t normally step foot in a church, then that’s still a great way to have that conversation. It matters that these films get supported.”
The darling little girls in the movie are played by Emily Mitchell and Skywalker Hughes. Their grandmother is played by Nancy Travis.
I love the title. We all wish angels would rescue us from our troubles, yet we forget that WE can be angels in each other’s lives. Spencer W. Kimball once said, “God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve one another.” I’ve never forgotten that quote since the first time I heard it.
The film takes place in Louisville, Kentucky with plenty of Southern accents and feel-good vibes. My nephew just moved to Kentucky, so I’m planning on making my first trip out there soon! I’ve never been there!
One of the daughters reads the inspirational story about the man who tossed stranded starfish back into the ocean. Someone mocked him for doing so, saying he wasn’t going to make a difference when there were so many starfish needing to be saved. He wisely said, “I made a difference to this one.” I’ve always loved that story.
It’s so heartwarming to see the community all work together to save a little girl’s life.
Even after so many miracles were seen, there were people who said “It couldn’t be done” or they asked “How?” This movie is a reminder that we need to have faith and to simply do our part.
Keep watching during the rolling credits to see photos and video clips of the real people involved in all of the events pictured in the movie.
On the screen, we read “Every year, thousands of lives are saved by organ donations. Learn how to become an organ donor at OrganDonor.gov

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie definitely pulls at your heartstrings in predictable, manipulative ways, but I didn’t mind it one bit. What’s amazing about this story is that it depicts true events that really happened!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids may be bored watching all of the adult problems
Smoking
Alcohol and drunkenness
A mother dies
A woman struggles with alcoholism

THEMES:

Humanity
Compassion
Service to others
Family
Parenting
Purpose and meaning in life
Faith
Organ donors
Addictions
Alcoholism
Parent/child relationships
The power of a community
Putting action behind your sympathy
Making a difference
The importance of critical thinking skills!

FUNNY LINES:

“I’m not an alcoholic. I’m just a pissed off hairdresser with a splitting headache and a super annoying friend.” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)
“Daddy’s in over his head.” – Ashley Schmitt (Skywalker Hughes)
“I’ll tell you what: I’ll keep on helping and you can keep on resenting.” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)
“I don’t want to overreact here, but I think this moment warrants a high-five.” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)
“Congratulations, Albert! I’m going to make you a hero.” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Find your reason to be here that’s bigger than you are.” – man in Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
“Son, don’t lose your faith over this. You’ve got to hold strong.” – (Nancy Travis)
“You’re going to have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because it’s not about you; it’s about your little girl.” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)
“How’s about saying yes, Hal, and then figuring out how?” – Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank)
“You’re not just worthy, Sharon, you’re a miracle.” – Ed (Alan Ritchson)