User reviews

Nora Ephron's Box-Office Super-Hit 'Michael' is A Decent Film, that manages to pass-off as a light-entertainer, that also packs in some fine acting.

'Michael' Synopsis: Two tabloid reporters checking out a report of the Archangel Michael living with an old woman find that it's true. But that's not the only surprise.

'Michael' is a fantasy film, but, the Angel here is not shown doing "The Impossible". Actually, the depiction of it's Angel Michael, over-here is portrayed as a boozing, smoking, oversexed slob—yet capable of imparting unexpected wisdom. But, Despite those aspects, Michael does come across as a free-soul & oozes excitement.

Screenplay by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron is decent & fast. However, the culmination to this story, is not convincing. It just doesn't leave an impact. Nora Ephron's Direction, is polite. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are proper. Performance-Wise: John Travolta as the Archangel Michael, is lively. William Hurt, like always, does wonders. Andie MacDowell is routine. Robert Pastorelli supports well. Bob Hoskins appears in a brief role.

On the whole, 'Michael' is a decent entertainer, that doesn't disappoint.

Chicago tabloid National Mirror's editor Vartan Malt (Bob Hoskins) is looking for the next wild story. Reporter Frank Quinlan (William Hurt) gets a letter claiming to have an angel. Huey Driscoll (Robert Pastorelli) is the photographer who also owns the tabloid's mascot Sparky the Wonder Dog. Malt sends them and new hire Dorothy Winters (Andie MacDowell). He tells them that she's an angel expert but she's actually a dog trainer hired to replace Driscoll. In rural Iowa, Pansy Milbank (Jean Stapleton) has been boarding the angel Michael (John Travolta) and he isn't what the newspaper crew expected. He isn't imaginary, has wings, not very angelic, and a real ladies man.

This Nora Ephron movie seems to have a better premise than the eventual execution. Travolta is plenty charming. Hurt and MacDowell should have solid romantic potential. Pastorelli doesn't have the fun kind of comedy. There is nothing particularly wrong with this comedy except that it's not that funny. Travolta is more quirky than funny. His angel nature is never in question and the movie doesn't have the tension of questioning the truth. It's the same quirky idea again and again.

Again, a film that shoots right under the horizon of the Higher Standards experts, right to the bottom line of "It's Fun!".

In this age of fiat dictated "Moral Values", it's a joy to sit back and watch something that plays piccadore to those theocrats who need to increase their dietary fiber.

I wandered through all of the New Arrival shelves at the local Major Video Chain and saw nothing new that I hadn't seen or that I wanted to see, and my eyes happened to catch on the box for Michael. I've watched it several times over the year, but not for a while, and it was a perfect choice for a relaxing evening home alone.

Rather plodding comic fantasy from director and co-screenwriter Nora Ephron only occasionally lifts off the runway. Tabloid reporters travel to Iowa to meet an angel--an honest-to-God angel!--who is happy to show the nosy folks his "earthy" side. Highly-concocted, highly-commercial whimsy written at a cutesy level. John Travolta isn't quite the charismatic charmer that he (or the filmmakers) seems to think he is, but the very fine actors supporting him elevate this one above the syrup. Andie MacDowell gets more appealing with every movie; her sweet scene in a honky-tonk is this film's highlight. William Hurt, Bob Hoskins and (most especially) Robert Pastorelli are also terrific. "Michael" is full of the kind of inspiration that comes directly from Hollywood, not Heaven. While its heart is in the right place, it isn't always genuine. **1/2 from ****

**1/2 out of ****

As far as feel good movies go, this one isn't bad. It has its share of good moments, but besides that there's not much there. The actors give it their all and are very likeable, but a better screenplay could have been used.