Two Academy Award winner Hilary Swank leads the inspirational drama Ordinary Angeles from Lionsgate. Jon Gunn directed the film, while Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig wrote the screenplay. Sharon, portrayed by Swank, is a hairdresser from a small town in Kentucky. She is a strong-willed individual but struggles with alcohol addiction. Her boss, also her best friend Rose, played by Tamala Jones, wants Sharon to live up to her full potential. However, she grows tired of Sharon’s constant misbehavior.
Across town, Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower deeply in debt, is working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters, Michelle (Emily Mitchell) and Ashley (Skywalker Hughes). Through a simple twist of fate, Sharon discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets the family and learns that Michelle is 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.
“Ordinary Angels” is a movie that Hilary Swank could do in her sleep. The script introduces us to Swank’s character, who is going through a tough time, and we get to see her transformation as she begins her journey. Some skeptics may find it unrealistic that Swank’s character can perform some impressive deeds, but as Swank’s character tells Ed, saying “no” is not an option for her.
Going against type, Alan Ritchson delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Ed, who refuses to give up on his daughter despite their overwhelming challenges. My son went through chemo early in his life, so I found myself identifying with his character. The rest of the cast, including Nancy Travis as his mother and the young ladies playing his daughters, also deliver strong performances that add depth and authenticity to the story.
“Ordinary Angels” is a touching and inspiring film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It serves as a reminder that miracles can happen unexpectedly and that faith and perseverance can lead to healing and redemption.
Final Grade: B+
“Ordinary Angels” is in theaters nationwide this Friday, February 23rd!!
Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.