Angel's Dance (1999)

Did you people see the same film I saw?

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I can't believe the positive reviews of this movie - I thought it was one of the worst, most poorly executed and poorly acted movies I have ever seen. And the plot was completely ludicrous (sp?). She starts making out with him while he's tied to the chair? puh-lease. The worst part was that it wasn't even bad in a good, laughable way. Just plain terrible - I couldn't figure out why they even bothered to show it on HBO. I thought Belushi was ridiculously silly - very unbelievable as an "eccentric" hit man. idk, I could go on - again, I am shocked by the positive reviews. The only thing that kept me watching it is that it's fascinating to see how a movie can go wrong and what makes it bad. And the ending didn't disappoint in its silliness either! "live by the sword, die by the sword..." ridiculous.

The second most beautiful thing in this movie is a question it asks and answers : what if the decrees of fate impose seemingly absurd logic, that mixes the habitual with the non-comprehensible, upon the life of a peaceful young girl? Well, that life would be overturned, and that girl would find the last thing she'd ever expect : Her self.. Her truth. Actually, she took off her mask and saw her long-hidden personality as nothing but a professional killer ! The first most beautiful thing in this movie is the way how it excelled in comprising the thriller action elements, the black comedy, and the perspicacious vision for embodying that meaning of transformation as a way to find the truth, all while the good story is still on. Externally it's a crime thriller, with many chases, gunfights, and surprises. And profoundly it's about one human who finds the meaning of life, and meets happily with the raison d'etre; even if it happens to be – as for us – so ugly thing !It managed also to make a sort of criticism for the modern materialism which turned our world into a crazy absurd hell. Look at the movie's witty structure : The ones who want love and peace, hate blood and violence are the perfect victims (the old angel, the killer student at the end). On the other hand, the ones who kill, steal, bribe.. etc, are this world's masters, owners of success and most clever dancers (The killing master, the new Angel, the head of the gang). Really, what a mad logic but dominant ! (Sheryl Lee) could be whisperingly innocent or explosively sexy, both while nailing one-of-a-kind prurient look in her eyes. (Kyle Chandler) did fair; being – however – the least charismatic one in the bunch. Now to a provocative point I hate to bring up; what this movie could have been if it had (Jack Nicholson) as the killing instructor ?! It's provocative because the dearly loved (James Belushi) did a good job as our sick days' version of Zorba (new, contemporary yet lethal). But the thing is he, (James), is still dearly loved ! With a bigger budget this movie could have been bigger. But who said that size matters ?! Yes, it might have been more visually dazzling, soundly hot, or famous. But I see that the movie, as it is, maintained a balanced condition where the "Hollywood" things come out as unneeded luxuries. Therefore, it just dazzles me the way it is. Originally, most of the flashy Hollywood movies fails to achieve the equilibrium made in here ! (Angel's Dance) is simple, deep and entertaining; to be the 3 together is so hard and rare. It can attract both : the viewer who wants to think as well as the viewer who wants to have fun only. It gathered interesting drama with excellent cogitation, and executed them rightly. You may feel that it's short, though I bet you, that happens because we don't run into movies like this much, so you just love it to be longer than what it is !So, in conclusion; "What can angel do in a world has no angels ?!" Well, she can be killed, or dance the infernal dance (and what a gifted dancer she discovered in herself !). After all "what's life without dancing ?!" and what's enjoyable without killing in absolutely non-angelic world ?!!

"Angel's Dance" features Belushi as the hitman's guru who tests a young protege with an assignment to "hit" a beautiful but freaky woman, Angel (Lee), selected at random. Both get more than they bargained for in this darkish comedy with some action and lots of quirky humor. The film is fresh in the beginning, languishes in the middle, and pulls itself together in the end making for a lukewarm watch overall with some deliciously sardonic tongue-in-cheek humor. An okay small screen watch for channel surfers looking for comedy/action.

Well... I guess there can be something said for an HBO "free preview"! I caught this film totally by accident during one of HBO's free weekends. I must agree with the other users, that the film did lag a bit in the beginning. But being a Jim Belushi fan, I decided to stick it out. I was NOT disappointed! Although the acting was far from academy award quality, Belushi and a very well written script continued to hold my attention. If you get a chance to catch this one, DO IT! It's really well worth it!