Testifies to the JOY of living itself
What works best is that the story is essentially a fun-spirited road movie. William Hurt, Andie MacDowell and Robert Pastorelli have an exceptional time meeting Michael (Travolta) and trying to escort him back to Chicago. They're not sure, but Michael may be an unorthodox Archangel enjoying his last mission (vacation?) to Earth, which might explain why he acts like a tourist having the time of his life, humorously wanting to see those silly little 'attractions' dispersed across the countryside (e.g. "the world's biggest non-stick frying pan," etc.). You know, the ones most adults roll their eyes at.
Lots of fun things and miracles take place along the way. What struck me the most about Michael (the character) is that he has a true spirit of joy. The simple joy-of-living-itself is all over him; and this has a phenomenal impact on the people around him. It's something most of us could learn from him.
Sure, it's just a fantasy, but it has loads of laughs and, surprisingly, even some profundities.
It was shot in Texas, Iowa and Chicago.