Michael

It would be unfair to criticize Michael for its lack of intelligence, wandering story, or sappy romantic ideals, for Nora Ephron's film makes no pretensions of being anything other than what it is: a feather-weight comic sketch intended to numb the minds of audiences everywhere. William Hurt plays a disillusioned tabloid reporter sent to the middle of nowhere to fabricate a story on angels. When he and his cohorts (Andie MacDowell, Robert Pastorelli) meet Michael (John Travolta), a real cigarette-smokin' angel sent on a mission he doesn't understand, they embark on the roadtrip from hell. Michael has enough funny moments to sustain its silly premise, John Travolta manages to be charming as the bad-ass angel, and ultimately, the film meets the standard it set. It's up to you whether that standard is high enough. An optional purchase. (L. Russo)