A Rumor of Angels

Before I saw this movie the first time, I looked for reviews and the only ones I found were not great. But as usual I don't pay heed to critics. I watch it and use my own judgment. I was so glad I watched this one. It has become one of my favorites and it will become one of yours, too, I'm sure. If you have ever lost someone in your life this is a must see. I'm not very religious and have become less since the death of a loved one. But it would be wonderful to believe that there are angels and that when it's my turn that I will eventually see my aunt, who was my best friend, again. This movie is entirely rewarding, genuinely uplifting, and in plain terms made me feel a lot less depressed. Vanessa Redgrave has never been one of my favorites, I remember her from the sixties and she just ticked me off. But her acting in this is a real treat, she looks fantastic for her age, and I would kill for her hair. We could all use a Maddie Bennett in our lives. I actually own two of these, so if one gets damaged I have one to fall back on. So buy or rent this movie if you haven't seen it. Better yet buy it - you're gonna want to watch it more than once!

A boy, James (Trevor Morgan) lost his mother in a car crash, which he witnessed, two years ago. His father, Nathan (Ray Liotta), has a new wife, Mary (Catherine McCormack), and is usually away on business. Nathan never talked to James about the tragedy so James has not yet finished grieving; he resents Mary and will not accept her as a mother. Maddy Bennett (Vanessa Redgrave) is an older but still vivacious neighbour who lost her son in the war. She befriends James and helps him through the trauma.

Redgrave's acting is superb and the message of the story is beautiful but the script and direction are very emotionally manipulative, sinking into maudlin melodrama too often. Those who just want a good story and can focus on the message and Redgrave's performance will love this film; others may be put off by the excessive sentimentality.

A Rumor of Angels really moved me. I did not bring nearly enough tissues to get through it. My mom died when I was a little kid and an older aunt guided me through those early years of forming my life's code of ethics. I was right there with the movie from start to finish and want to see it again. Unfortunately Jamie Horton tells me it is closing in Denver after only 2 weeks. I want to send others to go see it. My hat is off to Peter and Jamie for this remarkable story and movie. Well done. Roz Brown Lakewood Colorado

What else can be said about Vanessa Redgrave that hasn't been said yet?I think I have the answer for that difficult question. She makes me feel that she's acting specially for me. She makes me remember all I was taught by my parents and the world itself, that one should always be true to himself and never make any concessions to whatever might come between him and his or her beliefs.Nevertheless, this time she outdid herself and managed to have Trevor Morgan contribute with his huge talent to her brilliant performance , thus delighting us all. Bravo once again Vanessa! Bravo ,endearing child Travor who one day shall be sitting alongside all the "sacred monsters" of the film industry. Last but not least,I honestly hope that Peter O'Fallon continues selecting scripts that will hold audiences in suspense for a long long time.

This looks like a made-for-TV movie, but Vanessa Redgrave and Trevor Morgan lift it at least a notch higher than that.

She is still gorgeous, yet her face has a leathery quality appropriate for her character. She is a magnificent presence on screen, and it was great watching her with Trevor, who must have had to really stretch to match her formidable skills. He does a great job, and I had no difficulty accepting his character on the same level as hers.

Yes, it is a "heart-warming" story, but it addresses death with honesty and some real-world strategies for getting past the grief of losing a loved one. It also has some fantasy strategies, but those don't get in the way of the real ones.

I loved the use of Mozart's music, particularly the "Ave Verum Corpus" choral piece.