Michael (1996)

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.

Director:

Nora Ephron

Writers:

Peter Dexter (story) (as Pete Dexter), Jim Quinlan (story)

Stars:

John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William Hurt

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Travolta	...	Michael
Andie MacDowell	...	Dorothy Winters
William Hurt	...	Frank Quinlan
Bob Hoskins	...	Vartan Malt
Robert Pastorelli	...	Huey Driscoll
Jean Stapleton	...	Pansy Milbank
Teri Garr	...	Judge Esther Newberg
Wallace Langham	...	Bruce Craddock
Joey Lauren Adams	...	Anita
Carla Gugino	...	Bride
Tom Hodges	...	Groom
Catherine Lloyd Burns	...	Evie
Richard Schiff	...	Italian Waiter
Calvin Trillin	...	Sheriff
Donald J. Lee Jr.	...	Court Bailiff

Storyline

Frank Quinlan and Huey Driscoll, two reporters from a Chicago-based tabloid, along with Dorothy Winters, an 'angel expert', are asked to travel to rural Iowa to investigate a claim from an old woman that she shares her house with a real, live archangel named Michael. Upon arrival, they see that her claims are true - but Michael is not what they expected: he smokes, drinks beer, has a very active libido and has a rather colourful vocabulary. In fact, they would never believe it were it not for the two feathery wings protruding from his back. Michael agrees to travel to Chicago with the threesome, but what they don't realise is that the journey they are about to undertake will change their lives forever.

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Plot Keywords:

reporter | archangel michael | angel | road trip | dog | 

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Taglines:

He's an angel... Not a saint.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only Nora Ephron film not to have Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks involved.

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Goofs

In the opening scene of the movie, there is a flag seen outside of the First Commerce Bank. When the shot is further away, there is no longer a flag.

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Quotes

Michael: Hey, what's the opposite of white?
Frank Quinlan: Black.
Michael: No. Yolk.

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Connections

Featured in The Sugarcube Critic: Look Before You Sleep (2014)

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Soundtracks

The Spider and the Fly
(1965)
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Published by ABKCO Music., Inc (BMI)
Performed by Kenny Wayne Shepherd featuring James Cotton
Produced by David Z. for Supersonic Productions
Courtesy of Revolution

User Reviews

charming, quirky, offbeat, light, fun ... do not take too seriously

Possibly the best John Travolta role ever. Saturday Night Fever was a great movie & role, but a LONG time ago. I can't think of many of his movies or roles I've even liked, and it's easy to think of rotten ones. He can do meanies like in Pulp Fiction, but he makes the perfect funky angel, and it's hard to imagine anyone doing a better (equally slobby) job with it. Plot summaries are available everywhere, but the plot isn't the point. Just go for the ride and enjoy the cleverness of the little funnies along the way. There is nothing to dislike about this movie, unless one is searching for something profound. I wish there were more movies like this. We need a break from deep or awesome or grisly or complex or hysterical.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Portuguese

Release Date:

25 December 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

L'archange

Filming Locations:

Gruene Hall - 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,435,711, 29 December 1996

Gross USA:

$95,318,203

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$119,718,203

Company Credits

Production Co:

Turner Pictures (I), Alphaville Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1