Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- irreverent
- warm
- christmas viewing
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics generally found the film a maudlin, uneven fantasy comedy whose charm depends heavily on the cast, especially John Travolta and William Hurt.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Michael is an actual archangel whose smoking, drinking, sexuality, and vulgar humor clash with the reporters' expectations of heavenly behavior.
The Chicago reporters escort Michael from rural Iowa toward Chicago, and the trip changes the travelers' lives.
Michael's wings and archangel identity coexist with beer, cigarettes, libido, and colorful language.
Frank, Huey, and Dorothy begin by pursuing a tabloid story but are transformed by accepting Michael's reality.
Films like Michael, and why
Stardust
Shared blend of warm fantasy, irreverent supernatural comedy, and a transformative journey involving an unusual outsider.
Defending Your Life
Shared whimsical road-movie structure, gentle romance, and encounters with a supernatural figure who changes ordinary lives.
City of Angels
Shared angelic fantasy premise, sentimental comedy, and romantic emotional stakes centered on an otherworldly visitor.
Sleepless in Seattle
Shared Nora Ephron sensibility, romantic comedy elements, and a balance of witty banter with earnest sentiment.
Movie Details
- Director
- Nora Ephron
- Release Date
- 1996-12-25
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 5.7 / 10 (707)
Cast
- John Travolta
- Andie MacDowell
- William Hurt
- Bob Hoskins
- Robert Pastorelli
- Jean Stapleton
- Teri Garr
- Wallace Langham
- Joey Lauren Adams
- Carla Gugino
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Michael about?
- A skeptical tabloid reporting team escorts a beer-drinking, foul-mouthed archangel across Iowa toward Chicago and discovers unexpected grace along the way.
- What is Michael like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Michael as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Michael violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Michael.
- What did critics think of Michael?
- Critics generally found the film a maudlin, uneven fantasy comedy whose charm depends heavily on the cast, especially John Travolta and William Hurt.
- Which films are like Michael?
- Films with a similar feel include Stardust, Defending Your Life, City of Angels, and Sleepless in Seattle.
- How long is Michael?
- Michael runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Michael?
- In United States, Michael streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
