Cook review: ‘Ordinary Angels’ is touching true story of redemption, faith
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It’s wildly sentimental, unashamedly sweet, and thoroughly entertaining.
You’d better take a tissue to “Ordinary Angels,” a true story about faith and hope that will touch the hardest of hearts.
‘Ordinary Angels’ (IMDb)
The story is set in the 1990s. Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars as Sharon (based on the real-life Sharon Stevens Evans,) a hard-drinking hairdresser we first see having multiple shots in a bar.
Sharon’s friend and business partner is so worried about Sharon’s drinking that she takes her to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, where Sharon proudly – and erroneously – announces she is not an alcoholic.
Later on, Sharon learns about a 3-year-old girl named Michelle in her Louisville, Kentucky, community who needs a liver transplant.
Sharon takes a brave step: She shows up to meet the child’s family, including the girl’s father, Ed (Alan Ritchman, “Reacher,”) who is puzzled by the sudden attention from this slightly annoying stranger.
Later, Sharon decides to raise some money for the family, and returns, this time with donations of cash, at their home.
Little by little, Sharon becomes part of the family, helping Michelle and her older sister come to terms with the death of their mother and helping Ed get a handle on his finances.
To tell you more about what unfolds might spoil it for you. What I can tell you is that you’ll see here why Swank earned an Academy Award, and how beautifully she carries this movie as she inhabits its central character in every scene.
I love the themes of redemption for various characters throughout the film. Also, the movie uses contemporary tunes to great effect here, especially in a sequence with R. E. M.’s “Losing My Religion.”
It’s well-written, with terrific performances. This is an uplifting movie about people who find faith, and a community that comes together with hope.
3 ½ stars
Rated: PG for scenes about drinking and death.
Running time: One hour and 56 minutes.
At Cinemark, Davenport; and Palms 10, Muscatine.
Watch the trailer here.
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