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Michael

Play trailer Poster for Michael PG 1996 1h 45m Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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38% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 45% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
When jaded journalists Frank (William Hurt) and Huey (Robert Pastorelli), along with angel expert Dorothy (Andie MacDowell), travel to a small town in Iowa to investigate a story, they find Michael (John Travolta), a disheveled man claiming to be an angel. But Michael is less than angelic: he drinks, smokes and basks in the attention of women. As the group travels to Chicago, Michael teaches them about relationships, faith and miracles, suggesting that he may be exactly whom he says he is.
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Michael

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Critics Consensus

John Travolta plays an angel in Nora Ephron's maudlin Michael, a grating comedy that doesn't tap into the heavenly charms of her best work.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek I feared that Nora Ephron's angel movie, Michael, would offer another heap of predigested uplift but was pleasantly surprised to find something quirkier and more off-center. Dec 7, 2018 Full Review Emanuel Levy Variety Travolta's charismatic presence is the only positive element in Nora Ephron's flawed romantic fable marred by rough narrative spots and scattered direction, again showing that Ephron lacks the most basic technical skills. Rated: C- Dec 27, 2006 Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Some moments as lovely as the smell of cookies, especially the dance number. Rated: 3/5 Aug 20, 2003 Full Review Tom Cassidy Common Sense Media Director Nora Ephron knows her way around feel-good. Rated: 4/5 Jul 28, 2022 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row An unfocused mess that, despite a few highlights, is one of Ephron's weakest films. Rated: 2/4 Sep 23, 2020 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Cinema as artificial sweetener. Rated: 2/4 Aug 16, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Shilo Y John Travolta (Michael) did a great job making me laugh on that car trip🤣… But that all changed when the dog gotten run over by a truck and Michael was able to Bring it back to life❤️‍🩹. At the end everyone found peace.🥹 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Kim P Wow! I really don't understand all the hate for this little "feel good movie". It's lightweight, enjoyable fare with (at the very least) some memorable dancing to classic songs. Like a cinematic version of a funnel cake or caramel apple or corn dog. Not EVERY movie is supposed to "nourish" you...some are just meant to be fun. One of my favorite guilty pleasures. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review John D I watched this movie just after it first came out, then again ten years later, and then again. The fallen angel, Michael, is still charming and more memorable with the passage of time. My wife and i find ourselves remembering and joking about the bar room scenes and Michael's irresistible smell" years later. Still a great way to pass the time and feel good for having done so, even at the age of 75. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review CM C This movie may not be intellectually stimulating, but it is certainly feel-good. And, there are gentle wee lessons taught along the way. Good cast, and good music included. Definitely a good choice for a rainy Saturday afternoon.... Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/15/24 Full Review Ashley R This movie is always uplifting. And can't get over John Travolta dancing in the bar scene. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/11/24 Full Review BradLee B This movie was so beautiful!! A creative and inspiring masterpiece that I think would be great for family movie night!! Seriously AMAZING!!🤩 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Michael

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Cast & Crew

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Nora Ephron

Director

John Travolta

Michael

Andie MacDowell

Dorothy Winters

William Hurt

Frank Quinlan

Bob Hoskins

Vartan Malt

Robert Pastorelli

Huey Driscoll

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Michael

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Movie Info

Synopsis When jaded journalists Frank (William Hurt) and Huey (Robert Pastorelli), along with angel expert Dorothy (Andie MacDowell), travel to a small town in Iowa to investigate a story, they find Michael (John Travolta), a disheveled man claiming to be an angel. But Michael is less than angelic: he drinks, smokes and basks in the attention of women. As the group travels to Chicago, Michael teaches them about relationships, faith and miracles, suggesting that he may be exactly whom he says he is.
Director
Nora Ephron
Producer
James Jacks, Nora Ephron, Sean Daniel
Screenwriter
Peter Dexter, Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron, Jim Quinlan
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, New Line Cinema
Production Co
New Line Cinema, Alphaville Films, Turner Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 25, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$95.3M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Surround
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