Ordinary Angels Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A boozy hairdresser decides to fix her life by fixing a widowed dad’s money problems so his sick kid can get a new liver, which is basically extreme couponing with extra feels.

🍿 Ordinary Angels: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Hairdresser Finds Purpose

In 1994 Louisville, Kentucky, Sharon Stevens, a spirited hairdresser battling alcoholism, feels lost. After a night of heavy drinking, her friend Rose encourages her to attend an AA meeting. While hesitant to admit her addiction, Sharon’s attention is caught by a newspaper article about the Schmitt family.

The Schmitt Family’s Struggles

Ed Schmitt, a widowed father, is struggling to provide for his two daughters, Ashley and Michelle. Michelle is suffering from biliary atresia and urgently needs a liver transplant. Overwhelmed by medical bills and the grief of losing his wife, Ed feels increasingly isolated and hopeless. Sharon, moved by their plight, decides to dedicate herself to helping the family.

Sharon’s Unwavering Dedication

Sharon organizes a hair-a-thon to raise money for the Schmitts, showcasing her determination and resourcefulness. Despite Ed’s initial reluctance to accept help, Sharon persists, navigating financial obstacles and rallying the community to support the family. She even confronts the hospital to negotiate the overwhelming medical debt.

Personal Battles and Reconciliation

As Sharon becomes deeply involved in the Schmitts’ lives, she confronts her own personal demons, particularly her strained relationship with her estranged son, Derek. She uses her newfound purpose to attempt reconciliation, while also grappling with her addiction. The film highlights the interconnectedness of their struggles and the potential for healing through helping others.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank): A determined but flawed hairdresser battling alcoholism who finds purpose in helping a struggling family.
• Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson): A widowed father working hard to provide for his daughters, one of whom desperately needs a liver transplant.
• Michelle (Emily Mitchell): The young daughter of Ed who is suffering from a rare liver disease and needs a transplant to survive.
• Ashley (Skywalker Hughes): The older daughter of Ed, coping with the loss of her mother and the illness of her younger sister.
• Barbara (Nancy Travis): Ed’s mother who moves in to help take care of her granddaughters after the death of her daughter-in-law.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sharon Stevens: “I’ve owned four small businesses in 20 years. Here’s something I learned. Some bills are like wine. They get better with age.” – Sharon says this to Ed to try and lighten the load of his financial struggles.
• Sharon Stevens: “I’m gonna help you whether you like it or not.” – Sharon says this to Ed, determined to help him and his daughters, despite his initial resistance.
• Ed Schmitt: “I can’t do this by myself.” – Ed says this acknowledging he needs help, finally accepting Sharon’s support and the community’s assistance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,174,421
• Worldwide Gross: $20,571,534

💥 Ordinary Angels Reviews

Personal Review

I was a bit skeptical going in, but ‘Ordinary Angels’ totally won me over. Hilary Swank is fantastic as Sharon, and you can’t help but root for her and the Schmitt family. There’s a scene where the community comes together during the snowstorm that actually gave me chills. I left the theater feeling inspired and grateful for the kindness of ordinary people. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of heartwarming, inspirational dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories of resilience and community”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads and themes of redemption”
  • “Families looking for a feel-good movie with a positive message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of alcoholism and alcohol abuse”
  • “Discussion of grief and loss”
  • “Intense scenes related to a child’s illness and medical procedures”
  • “Some mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Ordinary Angels delivers a heartwarming story based on true events. While some elements are predictable, the strong performances by Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson ground the emotional core, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking an uplifting experience. The film emphasizes community and the power of human connection in times of adversity.
• IMDB reviewer: “It’s a feel good story with no romance or magic or miracles, just plain people coming together to help other plain people out. It shows what can be possible when we all get together and really try. I loved the real footage from the time which underscored how ordinary people with a little faith and a lot of human kindness moved mountains to save one little girl.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were moved by the raw portrayal of addiction and its impact.: The film’s focus on the kindness of strangers and community spirit resonated deeply with audiences.

Many viewers found the film to be unexpectedly emotional and uplifting.: Swank and Ritchson’s performances were widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.

Overall Consensus: A heart-warming and inspirational film about the power of community and the impact of selfless acts, though it takes some creative liberties with the true story and sometimes overplays dramatic scenes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hilary Swank began filming this movie five months after her father passed away. Swank’s father, Michael Swank, had received a lung transplant in 2015, and Swank put her acting career on hiatus for three years to take care of him as he recovered from the transplant.”
• “The film is based on the true story of Sharon Stevens, a hairdresser who helped the Schmitt family in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1994 when five-year-old Michelle needed a liver transplant.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ordinary Angels?

Ordinary Angels is currently available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ordinary Angels, you might like these similar films:

• The Blind Side (2009): Both movies feature a strong-willed woman who steps into the life of a struggling family and helps them overcome adversity.
• Erin Brockovich (2000): Both films are based on true stories and feature a determined woman fighting for justice and helping a community in need.
• Gifted (2017): Features a heartwarming story about family and community coming together to support a child in need.

🛒 Ordinary Angels Related Products

• Funko Pop! Movies: Hairdresser – Sharon Stevens: Capture the essence of Sharon Stevens from Ordinary Angels with this Funko Pop! figure. A must-have for fans and collectors, this figure immortalizes the character’s unique style and spirit.
• Ordinary Angels: The Official Movie Soundtrack (Digital Download): Relive the emotional journey of Ordinary Angels with the official movie soundtrack. Featuring moving orchestral pieces and uplifting songs, this soundtrack enhances the film’s themes of faith, hope, and community.
• Reacher Season 1-2 – Alan Ritchson – The Complete Series: Fans of Alan Ritchson can enjoy his action packed role in Reacher. The Complete Series. Ritchson stars in two seasons of the series that is a must see.
• Ordinary Angels Inspired ’90s Fashion T-Shirt: Show your love for Ordinary Angels with a vintage-style T-shirt inspired by 1990s fashion. The soft, comfortable fabric and unique design capture the film’s nostalgic charm, making it a perfect addition to any fan’s wardrobe.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Hard to Handle” – performed by Great White

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson talk new film ‘Ordinary Angels’

Ever wondered what drew Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson to ‘Ordinary Angels’? This interview gives some great behind-the-scenes insight! Hearing what the real story means to them, and how it relates to their lives, made me appreciate the film even more.

Ordinary Angels (2024) Special Feature ‘The Story Behind Ordinary Angels’ – Hilary Swank

Want to know the real story that inspired ‘Ordinary Angels’? This special featurette narrated by Hilary Swank gives you the inside scoop! Knowing the true events behind the film makes it so much more impactful, you gotta check it out!

Alan Ritchson says his wife is his ordinary angel

Okay, this is adorable! Alan Ritchson reveals who *his* ‘ordinary angel’ is. It’s a short and sweet clip that really highlights the heart of the movie – I found it really moving!

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