Angels Sing (2013) User Reviews

Enjoyable, hug-your-family Christmas movie!

[chris-ywam · 7/10 · 30 December 2013]

Angels Sing was a lovely, whimsical comedy-with-tear-jerker moments.

Yes it was predictable, but it was a lovely Christmas movie which I am now going to add to our ever-increasing Christmas movie family extravaganza!

Having all the musicians in the movie could have been a bit more prominent, (I would have loved to hear HC Jr show us some of his amazing Christmas singing), but nevertheless I loved the music, which was fresh and not the overdone usual Christmas classics.

Give this movie a chance! I think you'll be hugging your family on the couch, and making up your own version of the 12 Days of Christmas!

Filled with heart and joy

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 2 November 2023]

'Angels Sing' (2013)

Opening thoughts: Have been on a roll watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films for a few years now. It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, though a very inconsistent one. There was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with pretty much all the films seen. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. The former being obvious in most luckily.

'Angels Sing' is a fun and charming film, that lifted my soul, had me singing along and warmed my heart. A lot better than the rating suggests, though the more mixed critical reception is very understandable. It is not a perfect film by all means, with a first half an hour that is very easy to criticise and makes one unsure whether to continue. In my mind though, 'Angels Sing' does get a lot better and is well worth sticking with as long as one does not expect too much.

Bad things: It could have been better. 'Angels Sing' does start off shaky, with a first half an hour that does ramble in pace and sees a lot of awkward, cheesy dialogue and every bit as awkward interactions.

There are times where the sentimentality could have been toned down, the story is not always securely paced with moments of rambling and the dialogue doesn't always flow.

Good things: On the other hand, there is a lot that is good. Had no issue with the performances. While Harry Connick Jr and Connie Britton are very amiable leads, the supporting cast are even better. Willie Nelson really twinkles in a charmingly whimsical and lively role, while Lyle Lovett's smile and voice are dreamlike. The singing from all is great and as someone who appreciates country, seeing some country legends here evoked a lot of nostalgia and it didn't feel forced.

Loved also the music, which is upbeat yet also very movingly soulful, the fun and heart that the film is full of is present in the music alone in fact. The characters were worth caring about, no annoyingly overblown flaws or over-perfection here but instead characters that felt real. While the story is far from perfect, it is very heart warming and charming with a touching ending. Did appreciate that the religious element was not over-used or heavy handed, am always wary when there is any messaging involved and especially concerning religion but it was done just right here. The production values are slick and don't look cheap.

Concluding thoughts: Summing up, not great but very worthwhile and worth sticking with.

7/10.

Cheesy load of gubbins

[vivnista · 7/10 · 3 December 2014]

Yes, i know. Why rate a load of gubbins a SEVEN?! Well, let me tell you. The storyline is a bit patchy, well, a lot patchy. It is also really, really cheesy. I mean, seriously, my cheesy nachos covered in cheese sauce has less cheese. I quite simply do not care. The amount of musicians in this movie is gob smacking! Legends i say! Willie nelson, harry conick, lyle lovatt. All crooning and warbling to their hearts content. Something about these peoples love of music shines through the rest of the awfulness! If you love country music, then this is movie for you. If you love sickening xmas movies, this is also for you. Other than that, avoid like the plague. I myself, well, i liked it. It made me feel gooey xx

Great Christmas Movie.

[hay31000 · 21 December 2017]

Seen it now about 6 times, gets better every time ! Harry is a great actor ! Willie is very good . !

Conjured more negative than positive emotions

[wisdombody7 · 6/10 · 10 December 2013]

I am a sucker for Christmas movies - even the sappy, corny ones. I was so excited to watch this when I read about it a few months ago as I interpreted it to be a feel good-little bit of sadness-overcome by fuzzy warmth at the end type of movie.

I was disappointed when it was over because I felt more sad and unsatisfied than anything. For some reason, the sad parts stood out to me more and weren't dominated by what should've been happy parts. I feel that they could've done a lot more with this story and the incredible actors.

If you love all things Christmas, please don't let my review deter you from watching and formulating your own opinion. You might love it! I just didn't.

Hardly a Christmas classic...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 26 April 2017]

When I sat down to watch "Angels Sing", it was together with the family during a Christmas movie marathon. None of us had seen the movie prior to sitting down together to watch it.

And it turned out that "Angels Sing" wasn't the best of Christmas movies, nor was it a particularly memorable one either. With that being said, I am not saying that the movie was downright bad. It was just a mediocre foray into the Christmas genre, and it didn't really offer anything outstanding or particularly memorable.

The story itself did have some potential, but it just didn't really pan out in a very satisfactory manner, which was a shame, because the movie could have been a more accomplish movie if the director had opted for a different direction. Some aspects of the movie were interesting enough, but they just never climaxed into anything worthwhile.

I will say that they did manage to get together some fairly nicely talented actors and actresses to portray the characters in the movie. Harry Connick Jr. and Connie Britton were doing nice jobs here, and they had good chemistry together on the screen. And there were some nice appearances by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and especially Lyle Lovett.

If you enjoy Christmas movies, then there are some far better movies available, movies that have much more of an impact compared to "Angels Sing". And this is hardly going to be a Christmas classic, nor will it be a movie that you return to year after year. In fact, I doubt that you will return to it again after having seen it the first time.

All in all, "Angels Sing" was a slightly less than mediocre result at a Christmas movie. It just lacks that Christmas magic to make it unique and outstanding.

Some money was spent and some quality singing, nothing more though

[iranu-74195 · 3/10 · 23 November 2019]

Script/storyline needed the Best Director in the whole World to rescue it. Gues what : that person was on holiday. Kudos to Connik's wife character in this movie - she did a sterling job of lifting it. Many reviewers say that Nelson threw in a performance. but I must have seen another film, because he over-acted like a champion. With an obviously generous budget - somebody should have bought Connick (1) a decent wig and (2) a razor. The end result was that a quality cast were given a 99cent script.

Lots of Music and Singing

[Kburbank7-881-653572 · 8/10 · 26 December 2013]

A great family show with musical artists. My family enjoyed it. I rated it as high as I did because it is a quality Christmas production. There seems to be a limited number of plot lines for Christmas. This film had a bittersweet twist that gave more substance to it. It is definitely not a fluff movie. I found nothing offensive that would prevent viewing by a family. Willie Nelson's character, Nick adds a bit of whimsy to the story. Harry Connick plays a caring, intelligent father with a tender heart and a load of guilt. It is well balanced with music and acting, which I thought was credible. It is a new movie this season and I bought it not knowing anything about it except that it had a cast of monumental musical talent. I was not disappointed, although a little more singing by this talented cast would have been welcome. It's a sweet story, but not saccharin.

Lot's of musical talent

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 29 November 2017]

This one is going depend a lot on your taste. I personally didn't like it, but for old fashioned country lovers, I can see the appeal.

There is a lot of musical talent in the movie and a lot of Christmas singing and a lot of guitar. A lot of the songs are heavily embellished with the personal styles of the artists.

There is a good bit of humor. The story rambles a bit and the tone is a little down at times given the tragedies. I wasn't overly impressed with the acting. The father-son theme was strong and a bit of preaching Christmas is about Christ, yet it didn't beat you over the head with religion.

Very enjoyable, even to a Grinch.

[jondoe888 · 8/10 · 15 December 2013]

Sentimental? Schmaltzy? Sure. It's a teen movie. We've all seen the story before. Adults may like the characters and the songs. And this Austin Tx movie is chock full of musicians. You mostly hear parts of songs. In the end, I wanted to look up some of them. The musical part has a quirky, organic feel. I'd be happy living in this town! (I wish there was a bonus track, of how the musicians and cast were chosen. Some of the artists are on youtube) I expected little when I rented it. It was Christmas, and the cast looked interesting. I was afraid it might be too churchy. I had no problem with the sentimentality. And the religious aspect was likely turned way down, from the book(?). Some will hate the movie, some will be filled with joy. We built a fire, poured some wine, and really enjoyed the movie! (my wife loves Christmas. I'm more of a Grinch! But I do like holiday lights...)

Dreck

[zendog13-11-161797 · 2/10 · 5 December 2013]

I give it two stars because I love Lyle Lovett. But he should fire his manager for letting him get anywhere near this train wreck.

@MoviesRT: "We get the far left haters who give it a 1 without ever watching it, just to bring the ratings down presumably because they hate Christianity." It's not because we hate Christianity, Bible-thumper. It's because we hate terrible movies. Just because Jesus was crucified doesn't mean you all have to have a paranoid persecution complex. Get a clue.

And I loves me some sentimental Christmas shows and movies. Charlie Brown Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life are in constant rotation in my house after Thanksgiving. This movie, however, should be buried in a deep, deep cave.

And one more thing. You say "the majority of the country thinks this way" or some such nonsense. If that were true, don't you think this movie would have done better?

Dream on.

Angels Cried

[jacko1701 · 1/10 · 9 December 2013]

Oh dear...where to start The film should have started with the tragedy that shapes HCJ's decision to go grinch (Thanks Rache) but nooooo. Instead it plods through a full 30 mins of unnatural, slightly awkward character development in which no characters are developed.

The main problem is that there isn't a plot (84 minutes of one guy trying to decide if he should put up Christmas lights and deciding to do it)and poor direction although the acting isn't Oscar bait. A gurning HCJ gets out acted by Willie Nellson and two plastic reindeer's.

If you're a fan of kumbayah Christmas Carol singing, Christmas jumpers and acoustic guitars in front of roaring fires then then your in for a real treat because this is at least 30 minutes of run time.

If not prepare to cringe as Kristofferson and Co break out the guitars every 15 minutes and stare at one another with creepy expressions of wide eyed wonderment whilst the kids are forced to go Acappella on such classics as 'Twelve Days of Christmas' Sacharine sweet and dripping with schmaltz. Cast and crew are all going on the naughty list, except Willie who turns in a pretty decent St Nick

Worst All Time Christmas Movie

[anthonywareham · 1/10 · 14 August 2020]

Offensive and dreadful in so many ways I don't know where to begin. Its a christmas cringefest! Hallelujah its freakin over

A film for all ages

[jchanamm · 10/10 · 3 December 2013]

I saw Angels Sing on November 16, 2013 in Philadelphia. I happen to know a little about how this movie came into being, which is a story of perseverance and courage unto itself. What I like about this movie is that it affirms the importance of love between father and son and how such love requires care and effort to come through.

Unlike run-of-the-mill movies that dish out plenty of sex, violence and guile, this movie is made for all ages, and especially for people who like to sing.

It is a movie for young people who have yet to understand the meaning of family love. This movie could remind otherwise jaded adults that love is possible only if one can give it. For this reason alone, I give it a ten.

these things are not equivalent

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 23 December 2023]

Michael Walker (Harry Connick Jr.) and Susan Walker (Connie Britton) are looking for a new home with their young son David. Michael is not a fan of modern Christmas. He is still haunted by a childhood Christmas trauma. After almost running into a reindeer, he encounters Nick (Willie Nelson) who is selling his mansion. His new neighbors expect him to put up the famous extensive Christmas light display with everybody else.

These things are not equivalent. The man is dealing with some real darkness and it's annoying with the lights. It's trying to be comedic when it should be much more serious. There is a way to do this and it finally gets to that neighborhood with Nick. It's not perfect by any means, but no one can ever be bitter around Willie. They need to get off the neighborhood lights and the attempted humor. I'm not sure I care for the messaging either. You know what Michael could actually do. Bring David to light up their loved ones' graves or help the homeless. Those are just two of my ideas that would mean much more than this ending.

Excellent Holiday Film

[cardinalrichie · 8/10 · 3 November 2014]

I loved the music, I enjoyed the actors, I was touched by the story. We have experienced loss in our family very similar to the films portrayal, and it touched me very deeply to see such a message as this film unfolds for the viewer. I believe this one will be a yearly visit, the people of Angel's Sing are an inspiration in so many ways. It heartens me to see a holiday based film without touting up so much commercialization, though some folks will see the lighting aspect of this film as a part of that, I don't agree. A celebration of one of the most wonderful and magical times of our lives must contain some festive celebration and decoration as to highlight it's positive effect on all of us.

It is really wonderful to see so many musical talents lending their "acting" chops to this film, I hope there is a soundtrack somewhere, BIG THUMBS UP !!!!!

Superb! A modern replacement for "It's A Wonderful Life."

[ftbear · 10/10 · 7 December 2013]

I don't know enough superlatives to accurately describe this movie. It is a masterpiece.

It's a perfect blending of the truth of Christmas with the joyous celebration of life, love and family.

Some years back, I was dismayed when "the Grinch" found a way to copyright "It's A Wonderful Life" effectively removing it from it's richly deserved attention at Christmas time.

IAWL seems to have been replaced by the 1983 film "A Christmas Story." I've watched and enjoyed ACS more than once. I like the film, but it's missing some key elements wonderfully portrayed in "It's A Wonderful Life." Namely, the value of the individual life and our relationship with God.

"Angels Sing" has, in my estimation, moved in to solidly fill that gap.

Christmas impacts different people in different ways. For our central character, wonderfully portrayed by Harry Connick, Jr; it's not a time of celebration but a season filled with painful memories.

His family wants to celebrate Christmas but he simply can't enter into it with them. Many of us, to one degree or another, carry emotional scars from the past. Our hero carries a big one.

His story, and the films ending, creates all the heart filling satisfaction - and conveys all the truth - contained in IAWL.

What's not to like? Humor, music, tragic loss and then life regained. This is indeed a story for the whole family. I hope to see it in widespread television replays in Christmas seasons to come.

SPECIAL NOTE: Willie Nelson creates a GEM of a character in this film. Willie,I didn't know you had it in you. Thanks.

Don't be concerned about the low rating. This is largely a result of the "drive-by shooting" reviews from people that never saw the film, or can't seem to figure out that a movie with "Angels" in the title might (horrors) have elements of Christianity in it. Surprise, surprise.

Absolutely Brilliant!

[rgates-223-339600 · 10/10 · 28 January 2015]

I will not make this long: See this brilliant movie! At parts it may seem silly, but the very profound parts will move you to tears. Willie Nelson is perfect in every way. He is so believable, but make sure you watch the very last scene! The one who steals this movie is Lyle Lovett! I am not sure a more beautiful smile has ever graced us. His haunting voice will leave shivers down your spine. There are a couple scenes towards the end that follow each other that are pure magic. It takes place while Lovett's gorgeous and haunting "Christmas Morning" is sung. A very likable movie that really grows on you. By the third watching, it will become a favorite! Watch it. And, grab the tissues!

Wonderful, delightful feel good family movie!!

[scrapjaci · 10/10 · 20 July 2014]

I absolutely love this movie.

I DVR'd it and I am keeping it on there to watch over and over.

The cast of country stars and singers were amazing.

Would love to see more movies with casts like this.

And seeing Willie and Kris together again...WOW!!! Wonderful Christmas story.

Wonderful Christmas Music & songs! Loved all of the singing that Willie Nelson did.

Just an overall, feel good, family movie.

Who doesn't enjoy a great Christmas movie!!

Wonderful!

[allansharon-183-243953 · 10/10 · 11 December 2014]

It was a dream of a movie, and I didn't want to wake up! The cast blended well, and wove a story that is refreshing and magical. The musical selections were on point, and never seemed forced. The themes were well balanced, and flowed together like an orchestra. It was a wonderful movie for the entire family to enjoy. This will remain on my play list. Now if I can only find out the name and singer to the song towards the end..... "I get totally wrapped up, wrapped up in Christmas. It's so amazing. I love the feeling." I highly recommend this for either family night, or a good solo movie. Hope to see more movies like this.

Thank you to HCJr, Willie, Kris and cast!

[Jazznme2 · 10/10 · 8 November 2014]

How did I miss this in 2013! Starring Harry Connick Jr., whom I adore! I loved it. Though painful at times, it was true to the vein. Packed with stars! WOW! I've always liked Kris K and Willie. And HCJr. since the first time I saw him on Sunday Morning back in 91. He is so awesome in person. Personable with his audience. The little boy in this was an incredible actor. Adorable! And what a treat to see all of these actors in one production. A treasure! Hoping I can find this on Amazon or in Walmart. I wish more Xmas movies were like this. Reminds me of the Peter Faulk Christmas movies. Good job! And THANK YOU to all the actors in this!! How anyone could give it below a 7 is beyond me. Something very wrong there.

Nice and sweet

[rpleunis · 8/10 · 25 November 2018]

It is nice to see a movie with famous artist who colour the movie with music. Its a nice movie with a nice setting...obviously . Something bad must happen before something good is seen. But watch the final scene when Maggie meets Santa...

Loved it!

[hinttaber · 10/10 · 21 December 2021]

We watched this show as a family (me my mom and my dds). We loved it. We all cried half way through till the end. Having just lost my dad it really hit home. Make memories!

What a FANTASTIC movie; I'm adding it to my favorite, must watch movies!

[simonstlsa · 10/10 · 4 November 2015]

I watched this last year for the first time and kept it on my DVR since! I LOVED all the music - but it wasn't overly musical. My only question is who the singer is with Lyle Lovett when they are singing at his characters house!? I know I've seen her somewhere before and I'm pretty sure she was a famous singer from the 70's. If anyone can answer this question for me, I'd sure appreciate it! I think what makes it so fabulous is that it could be done any time of year, it just happens to be one of Christmas. It's wonderfully family, friends and relationships. In viewing this, it reminded me of the strain of relationships in families but all can be avoided if everyone is willing to talk! I didn't really view it as a religious movie.

One of the best Christmas movies I have ever seen! (I've seen a lot!)

[frohfroh · 10/10 · 3 November 2015]

I wasn't expecting much when I started to watch this movie, I only give a movie about 10-15 minutes and if the story line doesn't hook me or it is slow and boring I turn it off. This movie itself was not cheesy or boring like a lot of Christmas movies are, it had heart, soul and purpose. There are a few cheesy characters in it but they are there for a reason like they are in all movies. It will touch your heart and make you cry (possibly). This is a great family film. The cast is excellent and so is the music. It isn't low budget at all. Harry Connick Jr is great and so is Willie Nelson. Please add this one to your Christmas watch list, I don't think that you will be disappointed at all.