ALMOST AN ANGEL (1990) *1/2 Cynics and film connisseurs will find much to laugh at. Paul Hogan slips deliriously towards the hokey edge of his hokey/hip dialectic, and the drinking, fighting, and casual religion do very little to distract. The religious stuff could conceivably offend someone somewhere, but I can't really think of why. It's not deep enough. So there's basically no substance, no great thoughts worthy of challenging a five year old anyway, the jokes aren't particularly funny (except for King Solomon and the ping-pong paddle), the only hints of acting are smiles, the action isn't intense, and there aren't any redeeming qualities. Linda Kozlowski's performance is as zero-dimensional as always, and not even credible as a prematurely retired accountant. It is, by most standards, if not quite all of them, a terrible film. For all that, you can't help being somewhat moved by the good intentions of it all. Not so much by anything in the film itself-oh, sure, a little bit by that-but by Hogan being willing to gamble all of his sudden international megacelebrity and box office credibility on something like this, written by himself, and co-starring his wife. He had the spotlight, it demanded a grand statement, and he didn't think of backing away. Sure, obviously a lot of it got lost in translation between his heart and the screen, but if, for anyone, some of it didn't, then dammit that's good enough for him. It's a courageous film, don't think that no one suggested to him that this might be stupid. Good for you, Paul! (on the other hand, thanks for not delivering on the clearly intended sequel)
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films home
go back home, or send me email
no more reviews! I want to buy your novel!