“Even cynics will be won over by the human kindness on display.”

Reacher star Alan Ritchson’s new movie Ordinary Angels has landed a fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating after its first reviews.

Directed by Jon Gunn, the film is inspired by the real-life heroic deeds of a local hairdresser, who rallies her community to help a widowed father (Ritchson) who is trying to save the life of his critically ill daughter.

The drama also stars Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank, as well as Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, Drew Powell, Amy Acker, Skywalker Hughes and Emily Mitchell.

Allen Fraser/Lionsgate

At the time of writing (February 23), Ordinary Angels has an impressive score of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes from 51 reviews – making it Ritchson’s highest movie rating on the review aggregator site.

Critics have praised the film for its “powerful feel-good story” and heartwarming performances. Here’s what some of them have to say:

Variety

“What lifts the picture beyond average inspirational fluff is the way director Jon Gunn and company control the slow release of its sweetness so as not to overpower. Even cynics will be won over by the human kindness on display.”

Hollywood Reporter

“This film starring Hilary Swank as a Kentucky hairdresser who rallies her community on behalf of a widower and his seriously ill three-year-old daughter proves irresistible with its powerful feel-good story.”

Lionsgate

Washington Post

“Ritchson is the biggest surprise of the movie. Sun-baked into worn denim and work boots, sporting a moustache and a lived-in twang, he’s the anti-Reacher. A tender girl-dad to the ailing Michelle and her observant older sister Ashley.”

Deadline

“Swank is a commanding presence here and nails the role, while Ritchson is nicely cast as the father looking for a miracle. In support Nancy Travis is excellent as his mother.”

IndieWire

“This is unambiguously a faith-based film, but it’s one that places its faith in people instead of a higher power. That doesn’t make it good, but it does make it an interesting change of pace.”

Associated Press

“Luckily Swank is on hand, almost singlehandedly raising the material to a level that keeps you wanting to watch. And sometimes, for a good cry at the movies, that’s really all you need.”

Ordinary Angels is out now in US cinemas, with a UK release date yet to be announced. Reacher seasons 1 and 2 are available on Prime Video.