Ordinary Angels

Ordinary Angels is a compelling film that weaves together the threads of faith, family, and the unexpected miracles that shape our lives.

Similar to other films, Ordinary Angels is presented in such a way as to tug on your heartstrings.

Knowing the fragility of the young daughter who recently lost her mother, how could you not feel at least some empathy for the family?

You may even feel empathy for Sharon, the hairdresser who is seeking her own transformation and chance for redemption.

Sharon approaches her journey alongside Ed's family as one of altruism. Yet, she is battling her demons of alcoholism and an estranged relationship with her son.

Helping Michelle helps Sharon and even Ed in ways they might not have recognized.

Sharon brings her tough cookie, 'never stop at the first no' approach to fundraising for the family. Not only is Ed drowning in bills for Michelle, but he also has tens of thousands owed for the care his wife received before dying.

Through Sharon's tenacity, she helps the family cover part of the bill while having the hospital 'erase' a huge swath as well.

I couldn't help but think about all the families out there who are drowning in healthcare bills; unable to stay afloat.

I've heard about how anyone could be one medical emergency away from losing everything. Ed's family was on the verge of losing their home and even his daughter's life with no ability to afford the treatments she needed.

After helping them arrive at a 'clean slate' financially, Sharon doesn't stop as she recognizes there is more to be done.

Michelle will need a transplant (that costs a fair bit of cash) and to have the transplant she has a short window for getting to the hospital doing the operation.

After learning which types of people and companies would have a private jet, Sharon knocks on several doors to get people lined up.

She also leverages the local media to help tell Michelle's story.

Sharon's actions led to an extraordinary, miraculous outcome. Michelle survived and has been able to lead a life that touches many others.

The inspiration we can glean from Ordinary Angels is that each of us can contribute to the benefit of others. That you may need to ask a lot of people before you find someone who can and will help.

This is a very touching film with very few surprises (there's little doubt how it will all work out). I don't think anyone with a pulse will be able to distance themselves completely from its powerful emotional impact, which is made possible by excellent performances by Hilary Swank and. Alan Ritchson. They are really wonderful in their roles. Ritchson manages to convey all the enormous pain he feels while maintaining a tough, stolid demeanor. His love for his daughters feels completely genuine. Swank gives yet another terrific performance as a woman with many serious problems of her own trying to help this struggling family. It is the Capra-kind of movie designed to make you feel better about humanity and, thanks to truly fine work by the leads, it succeeds.

Adam Ritchson & Hillary Swank both turned in top notch performances. Nancy Travis is solid as usual. The young ladies playing the sisters turned in great performances as well. The movie itself brought this grown man to tears. The mixture of both lead characters battling their demons only added to the movie's emotional impact. The struggle with addiction portrayed by Swank was heart wrenching and very believable. Ritchson's tears and anguish was a gut punch in reality. The mixture of love, loss, sadness, faith and joy has the viewer twisted emotionally throughout the film. I highly recommend this film.

This resent Amazon release is inspiring reflecting the best in human efforts. Community is essential. Most are unaware or ignorant of how important connection between people truly is. In recent studies many people were surveyed as to what they believe was most important in health. The vast majority responded that diet and exercise were primary reason for a healthy long life. Stats showed although these are important, human socialization is key to this. Not social media, email, Facebook or any other latest craze but physical contact with other people is paramount. It's who we are, a tactile species. Family, friends, co-workers and extended family is what keeps us going. This film typifies that human condition when a woman decided to intercede in a families loss and helps a dying child survive.

Hillary Swank is endearing, amusing, and heartbreaking in this based on reality tale. Alan Ritchson is much more convincing in this much more heartfelt portrayal than anything I have seen him in before. He really makes you feel for the character. Even little Emily Mitchel is believable as the child with a deadly illness that can only be cured by a donated organ.

The story is compelling, especially considering it's roots in actual events. It also manages to be a little surprising in spite of the last-minute-miracle-based-on-actual-events genre tropes. What really makes this movie work is the great acting, tight direction, and cinematography that gets you right into the middle of everything.

It's feel good entertainment at it's near best.