The latest review from Flicks_withNick is the 2024 Lionsgate release Ordinary Angels. The movie stars Alan Ritchson (Reacher) as Ed Schmitt, and two time Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Sharon Stevens. The movie is directed by Jon Gunn.
The movie is based on a true story of the Schmitt family. Ed’s wife has just died, and his 5 year old daughter Michelle is critically ill. We learn that she needs a liver transplant, or she will die in a year. Sharon learns about the family, and meets the family at the funeral of Ed’s deceased wife, and takes it upon herself to help the family. She first starts a charity event at the salon she works at. She drops off the money she has just raised, and connects with Ed, not by his choosing at first. The rest of the movie we see the plutonic relationship of Ed and Sharon grow, and scramble to save money, and help with the family.
During the movie, Elizabeth’s condition is getting worse, and she’s been bumped up the waiting list, to be next. They will need to be ready when they get the call for the surgery. The family lives in Kentucky, and the closest hospital that can complete the sugary is located in Omaha, NE. There’s only a certain window the surgery can be completed, when they are notified, and will only have hours to try to get to Omaha. The climax of the movie is getting the phone call during a terrible snow storm, and the Schmitt family, along with Sharon scrambling to save Elizabeth’s life. Was this part of the story most likely dramatized? Yes, but at the end of the day, they are telling a beautiful story of a random woman helping to save a little girl’s life, and the town behind them.
We all know Hilary Swank is an amazing actress, and will most likely be nominated for an Oscar sometime in the future, but I was thoroughly surprised with Alan Ritchson’s performance. He’s come a long way from playing the college football jock, Thad Castle in the Spike tv show Blue Mountain State. It’s also nice to see his dramatic side, and taking a break from his Reacher show as well.
This is a beautifully told story of a sick young girl, and a random woman stepping up to the challenge to help. At the end the whole town rallies behind helping the family, and the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat. I thought the movie had some funny jokes, but not too much that it was a distraction to the movie. This is a feel good inspirational movie that I believe is worth seeing.
I give this movie a 2.7/5.
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TravelingbeebryantRN & Flicks_withNick 
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