Michael Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chain-smoking, pie-loving angel with questionable hygiene sets up two skeptical reporters, turning their road trip into a divine intervention of terrible decisions and forced romance.

🍿 Michael: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Assignment

Frank Quinlan, a cynical reporter for a Chicago tabloid, receives a letter claiming an archangel named Michael is residing at the Milk Bottle Inn in Iowa. Skeptical but intrigued, he convinces his editor, Vartan Malt, to send him, along with fellow reporter Huey Driscoll, to investigate. They are also joined by Dorothy Winters, an ‘angel expert’ who adds her own unique perspective to the investigation.

Meeting Michael

Upon arriving at the Inn, they meet Pansy Milbank, the owner, and are soon introduced to Michael, portrayed as an unconventional angel. He’s far from the traditional image, indulging in cigarettes, beer, and having a penchant for women. Despite his unangelic behavior, he has wings and demonstrates miraculous abilities, quickly convincing the reporters and Dorothy that he is, in fact, an archangel.

The Road Trip to Chicago

Michael agrees to travel to Chicago with Frank, Huey, and Dorothy, embarking on a road trip filled with unexpected detours and life-altering experiences. Michael insists on visiting peculiar roadside attractions, like the world’s largest ball of twine, and involves them in various shenanigans, including a bar fight and the miraculous resurrection of a dog named Sparky. Along the way, the cynical Frank begins to soften, and a romantic tension develops between him and Dorothy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael (John Travolta): A chain-smoking, beer-drinking, and womanizing archangel who is sent to Earth to help people find love.
• Frank Quinlan (William Hurt): A cynical tabloid reporter who is sent to investigate Michael and rediscovers his faith and capacity for love.
• Dorothy Winters (Andie MacDowell): An angel ‘expert’ who accompanies Frank and Huey, eventually finding love with Frank during their journey.
• Huey Driscoll (Robert Pastorelli): A more innocent and naive reporter who joins Frank on the trip and experiences the extraordinary with Michael.
• Vartan Malt (Bob Hoskins): The tabloid editor who sends Frank and Huey on the assignment to investigate the angel story.
• Pansy Milbank (Jean Stapleton): The kind old woman who claims to be housing the Archangel Michael at her Milk Bottle Inn.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Michael: “You gotta learn to laugh, it’s the way to true love.” – Michael explains his philosophy on love and happiness to Dorothy.
• Michael: “I’m an angel, not a saint.” – Michael clarifies he is not a typical, perfect angel when meeting the reporters.
• Michael: “I fought the Devil. I cast him out.” – Michael boasts of his past heroic deeds in Heaven.
• Michael: “Pie, pie. Oh my.” – Dorothy sings a song about pie she wrote, which Michael greatly enjoys.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $95,318,203
• Worldwide Gross: $119,718,203

💥 Michael Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Michael’ as a kid, and Travolta’s portrayal of a non-traditional angel was definitely memorable! It was funny seeing an angel act so ‘un-angelic’, but it felt like the movie tried too hard to be quirky, and the plot felt directionless. The dance scene in the bar was the highlight. Ultimately, ‘Michael’ is a light-hearted, okay film that’s good for a casual viewing, but it’s not something that I’d call a classic.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Travolta”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted fantasy comedies”
  • “Those seeking a feel-good movie with themes of faith and love”
  • “People who like unconventional angel stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Smoking and alcohol use”
  • “Suggestive content and innuendo”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “While it does has charm and sentimentality, the movie’s humor often feels forced. Travolta’s portrayal is a unique take, yet the inconsistent tone and predictable storyline prevent it from reaching its full potential, leaving it somewhat forgettable.
• ScreenRant: “Good performance from Travolta, but otherwise the movie is poorly written, with the story going nowhere and just wastes all of the talent. Some have found it warm and sentimental, while others consider it the worst movie ever.

Audience Reactions

Travolta’s unconventional angel portrayal and the lighthearted road trip were enjoyable.: Many appreciated Travolta’s unique take on an angel, but the movie’s uneven tone and shallow plot were criticized.

It is a warm and sentimental movie with a good positive message.: It is a good simple, small comedy to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon

Overall Consensus: ‘Michael’ is a mixed bag. Some love Travolta’s performance and the movie’s feel-good vibe, while others find it corny, uneven, and, for some, even bordering on blasphemous.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Travolta reportedly took Spanish lessons in preparation for the film, ‘just in case’.”
• “The role of Michael was originally offered to Jack Nicholson.”
• “Filming locations included Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, which served as the bar named ‘Joe’s’ in the movie.”
• “Nora Ephron, known for romantic comedies, took a slightly different approach with this film, blending comedy, drama, and fantasy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Michael?

Michael is available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings as well. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Michael, you might like these similar films:

• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Shares a similar theme of an angel intervening in human lives to show the value of life and relationships.
• City of Angels (1998): Another film exploring the concept of angels interacting with humans, focusing on love and sacrifice.
• Dogma (1999): A comedic and satirical take on angels, religion, and faith, similar to Michael’s unconventional portrayal of an angel.
• Touched by an Angel (1994-2003): A long-running TV series focused on angels helping people through difficult times, reflecting the theme of angelic intervention.

🛒 Michael Related Products

• Michael (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of the movie ‘Michael’, perfect for collectors and fans who want to experience the film in the best possible quality.
• Angel Figurine: High quality collectible figurine of John Travolta as Michael with wings.
• Angel Wing Costume: Oversized Angel wings costume, ready to wear.
• Movie Poster: High quality printed movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Michael features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Winter Wonderland” – performed by Dion DiMucci
• “Chain of Fools” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “Van Morrison song” – performed by Van Morrison

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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