Ordinary Angels Movie Review | Parent Guide: Is It Safe for Kids?

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Introduction to Ordinary Angels: A Heartwarming, Inspirational Story

Released by Lionsgate, Ordinary Angels tells a moving story of resilience, compassion, and hope. Starring Hilary Swank, this film presents a tale based on a true story, exploring how one person’s kindness can make an incredible difference. The movie’s touching narrative dives into themes of selflessness and community support, making it both inspirational and uplifting—a great choice for viewers seeking a heartwarming experience.

In this comprehensive parent guide, we’ll dive into whether Ordinary Angels is truly safe for kids, examining its PG age rating and considering the factors that parents often find essential when deciding if a movie is kid-friendly.

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Plot Summary of Ordinary Angels

Ordinary Angels follows the journey of Sharon, played by Hilary Swank, a determined woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she meets a family in desperate need. Set in a close-knit town, the story shows how ordinary acts of kindness can create extraordinary impacts, especially during times of crisis.

This Lionsgate film tells the inspiring true story of an unlikely bond and the profound impact of compassion, capturing the importance of human connection. It’s both a tribute to community resilience and a call to action, showing that even small gestures of kindness can make a massive difference.

Themes and Messages in Ordinary Angels

Parents might wonder what values Ordinary Angels will impart to young viewers. Here’s a closer look at some core messages that make this movie both inspirational and valuable:

• Compassion: The story demonstrates how kindness can positively change lives, encouraging viewers to reflect on how they can help those around them.
• Empathy and Understanding: The film explores empathy, showing how understanding others’ struggles can inspire us to act selflessly.
• Community Support: Ordinary Angels showcases the power of community, a message that’s both heartwarming and empowering.
• Resilience and Hope: Even in challenging times, the characters show resilience, offering a meaningful message about perseverance.

These themes make Ordinary Angels more than just an entertaining movie; it becomes a conversation starter for families to discuss kindness, empathy, and strength in adversity.

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Visuals and Cinematography: Is It Engaging for Kids?

Visually, Ordinary Angels relies on realistic, warm cinematography to emphasize its relatable storyline. While it doesn’t feature flashy effects or vibrant animations typical of animated kid movies, its authentic visual style and detailed production design provide a captivating, immersive experience. Here’s how the visuals might impact younger viewers:

Aspect	Details
Setting	Set in a small town, providing a familiar and grounded setting, making it relatable for viewers
Color Palette	Warm, inviting tones that highlight the movie’s heartfelt themes
Atmosphere	Generally calm and uplifting but with a few intense moments
Intensity Level	Minimal use of dramatic visuals; instead focuses on realistic portrayals

Though it lacks the flashiness of some kid-friendly films, the calm and genuine atmosphere helps maintain viewer engagement, focusing attention on the story rather than overstimulating visuals.

Content Guide for Parents: Elements to Consider

For parents looking at whether Ordinary Angels is safe for kids, here are some crucial points to keep in mind. This parent guide covers everything from language and violence to adult themes, ensuring you’re well-prepared before hitting play.

Violence and Intensity

• Minimal violence: The film contains no physical confrontations or aggressive behavior, which keeps it accessible for younger audiences.
• Emotional Intensity: Some scenes delve into personal hardships and emotional moments, which may be too intense for very young viewers.

Language

• Mild language: There are a few instances of light language, but nothing too severe or profane.
• Positive Dialogue: Most conversations focus on uplifting themes and convey supportive messages, making it a positive choice for kids.

Adult Themes

• Serious Issues: The story explores loss, illness, and financial struggles, which could raise questions for younger children.
• Teachability: Parents can use these moments as teachable instances, discussing empathy and resilience with their kids.

Substance Use

• Light References: Sharon’s character has a past connected to drinking, which is briefly referenced but not highlighted in the storyline.

Role Models

• Strong Role Models: Characters, especially Hilary Swank as Sharon, display bravery, compassion, and strength, offering great examples for young viewers.

In summary, while the movie addresses complex topics, the presentation is sensitive, making it suitable for family discussions and bonding moments.

PG Age Rating Explained

Ordinary Angels holds a PG age rating due to mild thematic elements and brief language. Here’s a breakdown of why this Lionsgate film received a PG rating:

• Emotional Themes: Addresses serious topics like health struggles and community support, which might require parental guidance.
• Language: Minimal use of mild language, in line with typical PG-rated content.
• No Graphic Content: Lacks intense violence, sexual content, or disturbing visuals, making it safe for kids with proper context.

Suggested Age Rating for Kids: Is Ordinary Angels Kid-Friendly?

Based on content, Ordinary Angels may be most appropriate for children aged 10 and up. Younger viewers might find some scenes emotionally challenging, though the story offers a wealth of positive messages. Here’s a recommended age guide for viewing:

Age Group	Suitability
5-9 years	Might find themes and emotional scenes difficult; parental guidance recommended
10-12 years	Suitable with some guidance; kids in this range can better understand and discuss the movie’s themes
13+ years	Ideal for teens, who can relate to and appreciate the movie’s deeper messages

If you’re watching with younger kids, consider discussing the story’s themes beforehand and be ready to answer questions about certain scenes.

Final Verdict: Should Families Watch Ordinary Angels?

Ordinary Angels offers a rare blend of realism and inspiration, delivering a positive viewing experience that the whole family can enjoy together. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• Uplifting Themes: Shows the power of compassion and community.
• Family-Friendly Visuals: Minimal intense scenes, with a calm, inviting visual style.
• Strong Role Models: Features characters that embody resilience, bravery, and kindness.

Cons:

• Emotional Intensity: Some scenes might be challenging for younger kids to process.
• Adult Topics: Touches on financial hardship and health issues, which could spark questions.

Ordinary Angels is ultimately a heartwarming film that encourages families to discuss valuable life lessons. Watching it together as a family offers a chance to explore these themes and reflect on the importance of kindness in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways for Parents

If you’re considering Ordinary Angels for family movie night, here are a few takeaway points to keep in mind:

• Be Prepared for Conversations: The movie’s realistic themes may prompt questions from younger viewers, so be ready to discuss topics like empathy, resilience, and community.
• Watch Together for Best Experience: Watching as a family can help provide context for younger kids and make challenging topics easier to understand.
• Focus on Positivity: Emphasize the positive messages and inspiring actions of the characters, especially Sharon’s role as a compassionate helper.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful, Engaging Choice for Families

In a world where family-friendly films often rely on animation or fantasy, Ordinary Angels stands out as a grounded, realistic story with meaningful themes. Its PG age rating makes it a suitable choice for families, provided there’s parental guidance for younger children.

With its focus on kindness and community, Ordinary Angels offers a refreshing, inspiring viewing experience for families. For parents looking for a movie that’s both safe for kids and meaningful, this Hilary Swank-led film from Lionsgate is a solid choice.

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This parent guide should help you decide whether Ordinary Angels is right for your family, offering you a thorough review of the movie’s strengths, potential challenges, and age-appropriate recommendations.