Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sentimental drama about alcoholism promotes perseverance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Ordinary Angels
What's the Story?
ORDINARY ANGELS follows Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a hairstylist who struggles with her dependence on alcohol and has a broken relationship with her son. Her life changes when she sees an obituary in the newspaper about the wife of Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson). The piece mentions Ed's youngest daughter, Michelle (Emily Mitchell), who needs a liver transplant. Sharon takes it upon herself to help the family and make their lives better, in the hopes of improving her own as well.
Is It Any Good?
This drama with Christian undertones is engaging enough if you're in the mood for a bit of sentimentality and a happy ending. Put another way, if you're a fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul films and programming, Ordinary Angels will likely be just your cup of tea. Swank gets to chew the scenery as Sharon—though her characterization may remind viewers of another Southern "won't take no for an answer" character, Sandra Bullock's Leigh Anne from The Blind Side. Young Mitchell is compelling as Michelle, and thankfully, both Mitchell and Skywalker Hughes (who plays Michelle's older sister, Ashley) play characters who are written to sound, for the most part, like real children. But Tamala Jones, who plays Sharon's friend/employer, Rose, is underwritten, fitting squarely into the regressive "Black best friend" cliché by largely serving as Sharon's conscience and emotional guardian. It's one of the downsides to an otherwise inoffensive and, indeed, heartwarming movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters in Ordinary Angels demonstrate perseverance, empathy, and compassion. Why are those important character strengths?
Why does Sharon feel drawn to help the Schmitt family? How does she correct her prior mistakes?
How does the movie portray alcoholism/addiction? What role does Sharon's past play in her dependence?
How does the film represent Black characters? Why are positive diverse representations important in the media?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 23, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : April 30, 2024
- Cast : Hilary Swank , Alan Ritchson , Tamala Jones , Amy Acker
- Director : Jon Gunn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, brief bloody images and smoking
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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