As teased (albeit very briefly) in Lionsgate’s CinemaCon 2023 presentation, ‘Ordinary Angels’ represents the studio banking on a blended genre that has provided solid business, particularly in the last few years: the based-on-truth, faith-featuring drama. And the latest example certainly appears to be targeting the tear ducts with its story of people overcoming hardships and children suffering from tragic illness.
‘What’s the story of ‘Ordinary Angels’?
The film focuses on Sharon, a fierce but struggling hairdresser and recovering alcoholic in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed, a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters Ashley and Michelle.
With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels…
Hilary Swank as Sharon Stevens in ‘Ordinary Angels.’ Photo Credit: Allen Fraser.
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Who is starring in ‘Ordinary Angels’?
The movie features Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Sharon, ‘Reacher’sAlan Ritchson as ‘Ed’, with Nancy Travis, Amy Acker, Tamala Jones, Emily Mitchell, Daryl Powell and Stephanie Sy.
Who is making ‘Ordinary Angels’?
Directing here is Jon Gunn (no relation to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director James Gunn and his various siblings/cousins), who previously made the likes of ‘My Date with Drew’ and ‘The Week’. And behind the script? Kelly Fremon Craig (who wrote and directed last week’s ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret‘) and actress/writer Meg Tilly.
The challenge for this one will be convincing the core audience that this one is worth seeing, and worthy. But the presence of someone of Swank’s stature helps, while Gunn has the religious filmmaking background to help it.
And the true story aspect certainly doesn’t help –– add in the aspect of a sweet child with health issues and you surely have a potential crowd pleaser.
Swank told Today.com about her reasons for signing on to the movie:
“I was drawn to this beautiful true story because it’s such a powerful reminder that angels reside everywhere among us. And that faith, hope, grit and positivity are all powerful fuel for miracles.”
Plus, she has a personal connection to the core story, since she stepped away from her career between 2015 and 2018 to care full time for her father Michael, who received a lung transplant and needed help while he recovered.
Here’s what she had to say on the subject:
“It’s also a story about the power of organ donation — something incredibly near and dear to my heart. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this story and message.”
‘Ordinary Angels’ heads to theaters on October 13th.
Alan Ritchson as Ed Schmitt in ‘Ordinary Angels.’ Photo Credit: Allen Fraser.
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‘Ordinary Angels’ is produced by Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company, and Green Hummingbird Entertainment. It is set to release in theaters on October 13th, 2023.
