Michael

Michael is a lighthearted, enchanting comedy-drama that debuted in 1996 starring John Travolta as an unconventional angel named Michael. The captivating storyline is centered around the unusual exploits of an archangel living in a contemporary setting and his interactions with human beings. In addition to Travolta's marvelous performance, the film also features enchanting performances by Andie MacDowell and William Hurt.

John Travolta, renowned for his charismatic and cheeky persona, brilliantly portrays the character of Michael. Unlike the stereotypical pristine, serene angel, Michael comes off as a charmingly nonchalant figure with a distinct affinity for sugar, women, and merriment. Travolta’s character is a chain-smoking, junk food loving angel with distinctive wings – real feathers, not the usual divine, spotless white emanating a celestial glow, adding some comedy and character to the traditional angelic archetype.

The plot unfolds with a character played by William Hurt, Frank Quinlan - a downbeat tabloid journalist who, along with his colleagues played by Andie MacDowell (Dorothy Winters) and Robert Pastorelli (Huey Driscoll), embarks on a mission to Iowa under the instructions of their boss (Bob Hoskins) to investigate a woman's claim that she shares her home with an angel. Expecting nothing more than a sham, they're humorously shocked to discover that the woman, played by Jean Stapleton, does indeed house a bona fide angel.

The film takes an engaging turn as the cynical journalists impulsively decide to take Michael back to Chicago with them in hopes of scoring a big story. On this journey, the peculiar angel with earthly vices and a mysterious past mingles with the ordinary folk, causing magical effects with his odd yet amiable personality. As the journey progresses, the character's depth unfolds, displaying his more predictable angelic qualities of profound wisdom and kindness, impacting the lives of the people around him.

Alongside the intriguing premise of an archangel on earth, the film also presents a subtle romantic subplot. The dynamic between Andie MacDowell's character, Dorothy, and both Michael and Frank adds to the film's charm. There are beautiful moments that communicate the notions of love, sacrifice, and divine intervention in the most human and mundane circumstances.

Although the movie is based on a whimsical and seemingly absurd premise, the experienced director Nora Ephron manages to exploit the concept brilliantly, creating an enchanting blend of comedy, romance, and drama. It's a testament to Ephron's directorial abilities that the storyline never comes across as over-the-top or distasteful, but instead manages to touch upon profound philosophical themes.

Michael exploits an exotic blend of humor and light-hearted drama, serving to provide a fresh take on a heavenly figure that breaks the monotonous representation in popular culture. The film is an exploration of the supernatural entity's adventures on earth, hinting at broader philosophical questions about life, destiny, and divine intervention, packaged neatly in layers of comedy and underlying romantic elements.

John Travolta, with his notable charisma, does a phenomenal job adding a remarkably human touch to the celestial character. His performance is excellently complemented by riveting performances by Andie MacDowell and William Hurt, both of whom portray their skeptical, world-weary characters with perfect nuance. The supporting cast also performs commendably, especially Jean Stapleton, giving the film an overall realistic undertone.

With its unique blend of humor, romance, and philosophical questions about the nature of good and evil, Michael is a delightful cinematic experience. Its quirky premise handled elegantly by Nora Ephron, combined with enjoyable performances by a stellar cast, endow the picture with a timeless appeal. Watching Michael reminds us, in an amusing and heartwarming way, that there is a little magic to be found in our mundane lives if only we open our eyes to it.