Ordinary Angels

Films based on true stories, and more to the point, those that are inspirational, faith based are much needed in this day and age of a seriously problematic world in which we live. So, when I saw my first trailer on "Ordinary Angels", I knew that this was going to be an uplifting film, but also one that shows us what we can do if we stick together as a people.

Based on a remarkable true story, this centers on Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in a small town outside of Louisville, Kentucky back in 1993-94, who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters, with his youngest daughter, Michelle (Emily Mitchell) waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and... ordinary angels.

Others to round out the cast are Nancy Travis as Barbara Schmitt, Ed's mother, Tamala Jones as Rose, Drew Powell as Pastor Dave Stone, Amy Acker as Teresa Schmitt, Ed's wife, Nancy Sorel as Virginia, Stephanie Sy as Amy Chan, Stephanie Hughes as Ashley Schmitt, Ed's daughter and Dempsey Bryk as Derek, Sharon's son. 

This was effectively directed with raw emotion by Jon Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "My Date with Drew" '04, "Like Dandelion Dust" '09, "Do You Believe?" '15, "The Week" '15, "The Case for Christ" '17). Certainly this filmmaker knows his way around an inspirational, faith based film project, so he was right in his comfort zone with this. His ability to encourage his actors to emit the emotions that were needed to convey to the audience the extreme importance of the situation was simply amazing, all without creating a maudlin atmosphere. It was equally well written by Meg Tilly (TV), and Kelly Fremon Craig ("Post Grad" '09, "The Edge of Seventeen" '16, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" '23) plus a short. I'm not sure why Tilly received top billing with the writing, unless it was her influence to get this made or perhaps she knew of the family involved? Not sure, but regardless, this script was sequenced well, cohesive and concise. Typically, these types of films can get a bit moody and can emit a long-in-the-tooth feeling, however this obtained none of that and certainly kept my attention and, at certain points, kept me on the edge of my seat. Hilary Swank gave a riveting performance as Sharon, and if she was anything like Swank portrayed, Sharon certainly didn't know the meaning of the word 'no' as was mentioned in the film. And Alan Ritchson's performance as Ed was certainly believable and he carried it off well. 

If you like inspirational, faith based films, you'll like this, but even if it isn't your type of genre, there is definitely something for all of us to learn here. This film has it all: love, desperation, faith, unity and fear all rolled up into a story that will truly make you stand up and cheer for the survival of this small 5-year-old little girl. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG                                            118mins.