DVD Corner

Ordinary Angels Blu-ray Review

Hilary Swank carries “Ordinary Angels.”  

2024’s “Ordinary Angels” is a true story based film set in 1993-1994 in Kentucky. The story concerns a single father (Ed) who lost his wife and is now in danger of losing his youngest daughter Michelle who is in need of a liver transplant. Broke, deeply in debt, and far down a liver transplant waiting list, Ed is struggling and in desperate need of help. Enter Sharon- an alcoholic hair stylist who sees a newspaper article about Michelle and feels as if it is her calling to help her. Sharon manages to raise funds, get Ed more work, remove debts, secure a private plane, etc. Despite all of her help though, Sharon struggles with her own addiction while Michelle’s health deteriorates. Will Michelle get a liver transplant in time during a blizzard? Can Sharon turn her life around?

Directed by Jon Gunn and written by Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly (yes, Jennifer Tilly’s sister), “Ordinary Angels” is a faith based film based on real events. Like all faith based films, it follows a similar pattern although this one is more focused on the kindness of strangers, community, and the good of humanity instead of religion. It’s the type of heartfelt and inspiring tearjerker story that is entirely predictable and by the numbers from a storytelling perspective, but it still wins you over from an emotional standpoint. 

The one reason the movie works as well as it does is Hilary Swank. She gives a big, spirited performance as the talkative and determined Sharon who just might be able to redeem herself. It’s good to see Swank back on screen again. She’s always been an underrated and versatile actress and this performance proves she should be in more movies. Alan Ritchson (who is quite the action hero these days) seems a little out of his comfort zone here, but manages to play well off of Swank. Nancy Travis shines in a supporting role as Ed’s mother. 

On a side note, the story behind this movie is fascinating to me. Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band actually pitched this project and went on to produce the film. He also made the song “Pretty Bird” which is featured in the film. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The print generally looks good, but it’s a little too grainy in spots.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Atmos seems like overkill for a drama, but it’s note perfect

Extras:
* DVD copy and Digital copy
* Commentary by director Jon Gunn and producers Jon Berg and Kevin Downes.
* 7 minutes of deleted scenes
* “Making Ordinary Angels” featurette.
* “Inspiring The Ordinary” covers the story and themes.
* “Finding Your Purpose” is all about Sharon and life’s meanings.
* “You Are Not Alone” revolves around the characters. 

May 11, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Alan Ritchson, Faith Based Movie, Hilary Swank, Ordinary Angels Blu-ray Review, True Story