Plot:
When an struggling hairdresser crosses paths with a widowed father striving to provide for his two daughters, her life gains new purpose. With remarkable strength, she rallies the entire town to support him, despite his youngest daughter facing severe illness requiring a liver transplant.
As the father’s stoic facade crumbles, tears welling in his eyes, a tender connection blossoms between the two. Yet, director Jon Gunn allows merely two seconds for reflection on this poignant moment before shifting focus to Hillary Swank’s portrayal of the vibrant Southern belle, Sharon Stevens, in Ordinary Angels.
Review:
Starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson, Ordinary Angels delves into a true-life drama. Swank takes on the role of Sharon, a compassionate hairdresser in Kentucky, who steps up to aid a struggling widower named Rickson, portrayed by Ritchson, in his efforts to support his two daughters. When Rickson’s youngest child requires a life-saving liver donation, Sharon goes to extraordinary lengths to help.
The film’s narrative unfolds with a flurry of intense moments, particularly in its initial exposition-heavy twenty minutes, which intricately weave together various storyline threads drawn from real-life events. We witness Ed Schmitt grappling with the sudden loss of his beloved wife Theresa, leaving him to care for their young daughters amidst the looming shadow of Michelle’s life-threatening liver ailment, exacerbated by financial strain due to lack of insurance.
Amidst the chaos, standout performances punctuate the film, notably Ritchson’s portrayal of a father wrestling with his own vulnerabilities while striving to be a pillar of strength for his children. His emotive depth resonates powerfully throughout.
However, Swank’s portrayal of Sharon ultimately steals the spotlight, injecting a burst of energy and complexity into the narrative. Her impulsive decision to insert herself into the Schmitt family’s turmoil, fueled by genuine empathy and a touch of recklessness, adds layers to the story.
Despite its occasional tumultuous narrative, Ordinary Angels manages to deliver moments of genuine emotion, particularly in its portrayal of familial struggles and the resilience of the human spirit.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars
The local television station of the small community extends its help and seeks prayers, underscoring the themes of spiritual blessings and a steadfast Christian perspective in Ordinary Angels. However, due to the themes of maternal loss and the young child’s harrowing near-death encounters, including instances where she coughs up blood, a word of caution is warranted. Despite these elements, the movie earns a rating of three stars out of five.
