Determined Spirits Overcome Nature’s Fury

Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Ordinary Angels
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director(s): Jon Gunn
Writer(s): Meg Tilly, Kelly Fremon Craig
Cast: Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, Drew Powell, Amy Acker, Skywalker Hughes, Emily Mitchell
Where To Watch: coming to select theaters Nationwide on February 23, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: ORDINARY ANGELS takes you into the heartland of Kentucky, capturing your heart with every scene. Hilary Swank, as Sharon Stevens, transforms from a simple hairdresser into a force of nature after crossing paths with Ed Schmitt, a role that Alan Ritchson embodies with pure intensity, a widower battling life's harsh realities for his daughters. This story, rooted in the true grit of real-life events, showcases the power of empathy, the unbreakable bonds of community, and the invincible spirit of humanity. This film delves deep, stirring the soul and spotlighting the monumental influence of individual actions. I won’t lie; I wasn’t sure what I was expecting initially; from the title alone, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the “type” of film this would be. I was so very wrong and in the best way possible! If this film does tug at your heartstrings while bringing a tear to your eye… well, it just should get you in the feels!

So much of why this film worked so well for me was because of the true story it was based on. The emotional backbone of ORDINARY ANGELS is the touching saga of Michelle Schmitt, the "snow baby," whose fight for a life-saving liver transplant against the backdrop of the harrowing 1994 Kentucky Blizzard captivates and challenges even the most formidable viewers not to shed a tear. This gripping tale of a community's united front against the relentless elements to save one of their stands is a powerful declaration of human kindness and resilience.

Highlight performances by Swank and Ritchson offer a dive into their character's hearts, complemented by the overarching narrative of compassion and collaborative heroism. Under the direction of Jon Gunn, the film's ability to capture the sheer beauty and brutality of a winter storm, overcoming production hurdles, results in a visually captivating experience. Shooting in Winnipeg for its true-to-life winter conditions adds an authentic touch, enhancing the film's overall impact.

Thanks to the collaborative genius of Kingdom Story Company, led by Gunn, Downes, and the Erwin brothers, ORDINARY ANGELS shines as a story that will stick with you. Their collective vision breathes life into a story that entertains and makes you feel every moment of the core story, highlighting the incredible potential within everyday struggles and the extraordinary actions of ordinary people.

Celebrating community spirit and the resilience to face and overcome adversity, the film resonates with authentic, emotionally charged performances. Sticking closely to the actual story it's based on, ORDINARY ANGELS is a poignant reminder of the strength of human connections and the transformative power of kindness and unwavering determination. The film's journey from inception to the final cut, marked by various challenges, only emphasizes its central message of persistence and collective effort.

In conclusion, ORDINARY ANGELS is a heartfelt homage to real-world heroes, heart, compassion, and the indomitable strength of bonds. It inspires viewers to recognize and harness their capacity for making a positive difference, offering a timely and timeless narrative. With its compelling, uplifting, and deeply human story, ORDINARY ANGELS earns its accolades, emerging as a beacon of hope and a celebration of the unstoppable human spirit. If you go to check this out, have your Kleenex ready. It may not be an Oscar nominee, but it made me feel more than I have in some time.

#OrdinaryAngelsMovie
@KingdomStoryCompany

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