What’s the Story?
Ordinary Angels is a drama based on the true story of Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a hairstylist who struggles with her dependence on alcohol and has a broken relationship with her son. Her life changes when she sees an obituary in the newspaper about the wife of Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson). The piece mentions Ed’s youngest daughter, Michelle (Emily Mitchell), who needs a liver transplant. Sharon takes it upon herself to help the family and make their lives better, in the hopes of improving her own as well.
Drama
Family
Inspirational
Rating: PG
Director: Jon Gunn
Producer: David Beal, Jon Berg, Johnathan Dorfman, Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Sarah E. Johnson, Dave Matthews
Writers: Kelly Fremon Craig, Meg Tilly
Studio: Lionsgate
Production Company: Vertigo Entertainment, Stampede Ventures, Kingdom Story Company
Release Date (Theaters): February 23, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): NA
Runtime: 118 minutes
Budget: $12 million.
The Cast of Ordinary Angels:
Alan Ritchson as Ed Schmitt
The “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson takes on the role of Ed Schmitt who is grieving the loss of his life partner and mother of their two girls, one of whom, Michelle, suffers from the same rare congenital liver disease her mom died from.
Hilary Swank as Sharon Steves
Nobody is scrappy and determined quite like Hilary Swank, Swank takes on the role of Sharon Stevens, an alcoholic hairdresser who decides to dedicate her life to helping Ed Schmitt and his family after reading about their tragic story in the newspaper
Nancy Travis as Barbara
Nancy Travis plays the supportive role and takes on the role of Barbara who supported her son through the tough times in his life.
Emily Mitchell as Michelle Schmitt
Emily played the role of Michelle, a kid suffering from a rare congenital liver disease and in urgent need of transplantation.
Skywalker Hughes as Ashley Schmitt
Skywalker played the role of Ashley Schmitt, A supportive elder sister for Michelle while grieving her mother’s demise.
Tamala Jones as Rose
Rose is Sharon’s friend and at times her supporter, she is played by Tamala Jones.
Drew Powell as Pastor Dave Stone
Drew Powell plays the real-life pastor Dave Stone
Amy Acker as Theresa Schmitt
The loving wife and mother of two daughters who died from a rare congenital liver disease, Theresa is played by Amy Acker.
What to look out for?
While there’s little in the way of language, sex, or violence (other than a bit of blood associated with severe illness) to worry about, the story revolves around alcoholism and the often harsh effects of that disease. Despite Sharon’s flaws, she’s a positive example of empathy, compassion, and perseverance and is a moderately complex female lead.
Our Review:
A real-life story that plays with your emotions (the ups and downs that the movie-goer will witness) showing what people who care are capable of doing for their neighbours. It’s a gem of a motion picture. Independent film director Jon Gunn has brought together Oscar-winning actress Hillary Swank and Alan Ritchson along with a wonderful supporting cast in a genuinely great, little flick!
Alan Ritchson & Hillary Swank both turned in top-notch performances. Nancy Travis is solid as usual. The young ladies playing the sisters turned in great performances as well. The mixture of both lead characters battling their demons only added to the movie’s emotional impact. The struggle with addiction portrayed by Swank was heart-wrenching and very believable. Ritchson’s tears and anguish were a gut punch in reality. The mixture of love, loss, sadness, faith and joy has the viewer twisted emotionally throughout the film. We highly recommend this film.
Where to watch?
“Ordinary Angels” can only be watched by going to a movie theatre as it was released on February 23, 2024. To find a nearby screening, you can check local movie theatres for tickets on the official website: OrdinaryAngels/movie
As of now the movie is not available to stream on any platforms but it’s available at Amazon for pre-order: Amazon/OrdinaryAngels
Conclusion:
“Ordinary Angels” proves that just because we know the story and how it ends doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the movie. This is based on a true story movie with its heart-warming moments that will have you laughing at times and crying at others but you will be smiling with tears by the end.
If you want to watch an inspirational feel-good movie this is a movie for you. We highly recommend this film.