Ryan Reynolds is far from your ordinary Hollywood actor. While he may possess the looks and charm that one would expect from a leading man, Reynolds' magic lies in his ability to effortlessly balance his career as a successful actor and a loving husband and father. Reynolds rose to fame through his roles in various movies, including comedies, superhero films, and action-packed blockbusters. His witty and sarcastic sense of humor, combined with his impeccable timing, has made him a fan favorite. Whether he's playing the Merc with a Mouth in Deadpool or the lovable goofball in The Proposal, Reynolds consistently delivers captivating performances that have solidified his place in Hollywood. However, it is not just his acting abilities that make Reynolds extraordinary; it is his genuine and down-to-earth persona that has endeared him to many.
So my Ryan Reynolds obsession has led me to the more obscure entries in his filmography. In Ordinary Magic, his first feature film (at age 16 - so this is decidedly *not* a film that pings my physical attraction, I’m not that peverted), he is genuinely superb as Jeffrey, a Canadian raised in India who comes to live with his Aunt in Ontario following the death of his father. The film explores, in quite restrained ways, the small town prejudices people foster when faced with Jeffrey’s “strangeness”, including his Aunt. Yet he quickly becomes a good friend to his Aunt and a couple of classmates at his school, and eventually an essential ally when his Aunts house is threatened with…
In Ordinary Magic, his first feature film at age 16 - so this is decidedly not a film that pings my physical attraction, I m not that peverted , he is genuinely superb as Jeffrey, a Canadian raised in India who comes to live with his Aunt in Ontario following the death of his father. Yet he quickly becomes a good friend to his Aunt and a couple of classmates at his school, and eventually an essential ally when his Aunts house is threatened with.
However, it is not just his acting abilities that make Reynolds extraordinary; it is his genuine and down-to-earth persona that has endeared him to many. Despite his status as a celebrity, Reynolds has managed to maintain a relatable and humble approach to life. He often uses his platform to advocate for important causes, such as mental health awareness and environmental issues.
Film Review: Ordinary Magic
Growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I saw a lot of “family entertainment” movies, many of which I will be going back and doing reviews for on this site. The 90s saw a huge increase in these lower-budget family movies, one of which is Ordinary Magic. Ordinary Magic was released in 1993 and is the feature film debut of Ryan Reynolds. It is based on the novel Ganesh by Malcom Bosse and directed by Jefferson Lewis.
The film opens with a scene of a 15-year-old boy, Ganesh (Ryan Reynolds) digging up a small tin containing money and photos. We quickly learn our story takes place first, and through flashbacks, in India before Ganesh travels to a Canadian winter to stay with his aunt, Charlotte (Glenne Headly). After arriving in Canada and getting settled, Ganesh watches the fireplace and is reminded of his father’s cremation back in India.
Ganesh explores his aunt’s large home and finds pictures and artifacts of a family he never knew. After mistakenly putting an electric kettle on the stove, Charlotte takes him into to town to buy him some warm clothes. After finding some, but not the most stylish, Ganesh is enrolled in school where even the teacher makes fun of his accent and mannerisms.
During P.E., his class is timed to see how long they can hold their breath underwater. Here is when we find the scene from the poster and VHS cover with Ganesh (also called Jeffrey) holding his breath for over three minutes before the teacher dives in to “rescue” him. We learn that Ganesh has learned controlled breathing and Yoga while in India, and slows down his breathing by meditating.
Meanwhile, the city’s mayor, who happens to be a former best friend of Ganesh’s father, is involved in a project to create the Grand Valley Resort. Everything is set except one small piece of land – Parcel 225 – Charlotte’s land.
Time passes and Ganesh is still being picked on in school but is befriended by another boy Tom, whom Ganesh teaches some Yoga to. Charlotte goes away for a couple of days to find Ganesh has put up all the old photos he found in the attic. Charlotte is amazed at the family history before her, and tells Ganesh of the plans to sell the house, which she is suddenly very reluctant to do.
When mobster/developer Joey (Paul Anka) decides to take the house by force, Ganesh decides to follow his father’s example at peacefully protesting by meditating on the front porch. Charlotte joins him, as does a little neighbor girl. As time ticks down, bulldozers and backhoes arrive but are stopped by the growing gathering of children on the porch. Not wanting to give up, Joey jumps in the driver’s seat of a backhoe and starts towards the protestors with an outcome all too predictable.
Until Ordinary Magic, Reynolds’s only other credits were a Canadian teen sitcom called Fifteen. Headly had a few more roles under her belt in Fandango, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the TV Mini-Series Lonesome Dove. The duo of Reynolds and Headly carry the movie well as it goes along at a good pace. The introduction of stereotypical gangster Paul Anka (yes, he also sings in the movie) was an interesting casting choice and almost takes away from the otherwise true character portrayals in the film.
The cinematography and switching from India to Canada were believable and well done. The streets of India (according to IMDB several scenes were filmed in Sri Lanka) were convincing and even though we only saw him in flashbacks, Ganesh’s father (David Fox) gave a convincing performance as a loving dad caring for his son in a foreign country.
And Reynolds? Well, it was his first film role and he did a good job at carrying it, especially for a young performer. If the film were made today, he would probably be critiqued for his broken Indian accent, but in the context of this one film, it was believable. While it is a typical family film with a telegraphed ending, it should hold the attention of both kids and adults for a family night movie they can all watch together.
You can find Ordinary Magic streaming for free on Tubi.tv or for rental on Amazon Prime.
The film opens with a scene of a 15-year-old boy, Ganesh (Ryan Reynolds) digging up a small tin containing money and photos. We quickly learn our story takes place first, and through flashbacks, in India before Ganesh travels to a Canadian winter to stay with his aunt, Charlotte (Glenne Headly). After arriving in Canada and getting settled, Ganesh watches the fireplace and is reminded of his father’s cremation back in India.
One of the most magical aspects of Reynolds is his relationship with his wife, Blake Lively, and their three children. The couple is known for their playful banter and humorous social media exchanges, which showcase their strong bond and love for each other. Reynolds frequently speaks about how much he cherishes his role as a father and strives to create a happy and nurturing environment for his children. In addition to his acting career and family life, Reynolds has also delved into entrepreneurship with his ownership of Aviation American Gin. This venture reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore new opportunities outside the realm of acting. Overall, Ryan Reynolds is no ordinary Hollywood actor. His ability to effortlessly navigate the demands of his career while maintaining a loving family life is truly remarkable. His unique blend of talent, humor, and authenticity sets him apart from the rest and continues to make him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry..
Reviews for "Ryan Reynolds' Ordinary Magic in Advertising: How He Captivates Audiences Beyond the Big Screen"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Ryan Reynolds: Ordinary Magically". The storyline was weak and predictable, and the jokes fell flat most of the time. Reynolds' performance seemed forced and lacking his usual charm. Overall, the film felt like a missed opportunity to showcase his comedic talent in a fresh and innovative way. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone expecting a good laugh.
2. John - 1/5 - "Ryan Reynolds: Ordinary Magically" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was nonsensical and poorly developed, making it hard to follow and care about the characters. The attempts at humor were cringeworthy, and Reynolds' usual wit and charm were nowhere to be found. I found myself wondering how such a talented actor could be part of such a mediocre film. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Ryan Reynolds: Ordinary Magically", but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt disjointed and rushed, leaving many loose ends and unresolved plot points. Reynolds' performance was lackluster, and the attempts at humor felt forced. The film had potential, but it failed to deliver a cohesive and enjoyable experience. I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
4. Michael - 1/5 - I couldn't understand the hype around "Ryan Reynolds: Ordinary Magically". The movie was a complete mess from start to finish. The storyline was confusing and poorly executed, and the attempts at humor were cringe-inducing. Reynolds' character lacked depth, and his performance seemed phoned in. Overall, it was a forgettable film that failed to leave any positive impression. I regret wasting my time and money on this disappointment.