Angel's Dance (1999) User Reviews

A good Belushi film

[Youkilledmypine · 7/10 · 26 October 2004]

Amazingly the little known Kyle Chandler is now playing a major role in Peter Jackson's King Kong. So perhaps now Angel's Dance will get minor recognition. Featuring Backbeat's Sheryl Lee and the jobbing James Belushi (as potential victim and professional hit-man respectively) this small B-picture is surprisingly watchable and at times darkly humouress.

Opening with Jon Polito (in a familiar role established better in Miller's Crossing) sending a trainee hit-man to go with the best in the business to learn the ropes. For 'The Rose' (Belushi) this means teaching Tony (Chandler) to let go of any morals he once had and picks a random name from a phone book as the target. Neither one of them could predict that the target (Lee) would fight back with terminal force.

Offbeat, quirky and with some decent action scenes (and some good costumes to boot) this is yet another film that won't be seen by most, but will be appreciated by most that do. Surely Belushi is long over due another half decent role like this, perhaps Tarantino will remember him in years to come...

What Can Angel Do in a World That Has No Angels ?!

[elshikh4 · 7/10 · 22 September 2007]

The second most beautiful thing in this movie is a question it asks and answers: what if the decrees of fate imposed what seemed as absurd logic, that mixed 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. Superficially, it's a crime thriller, with many chases, gunfights, and surprises. And, substantially, 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 Diamond) could be innocent angel or lethal devil; both while nailing one-of-a-kind prurient look in her eyes. (Matthew Fox) did fair; being - however - the least charismatic one in the bunch. Now to a provocative point that I hate to bring up; what this movie could have been if it had (Jack Nicholson) as the killing instructor?! It's provocative, because while the dearly loved (James Belushi) did a good job as our sick days' version of (Zorba), he - (James) - is still dearly loved!

With a bigger budget, this movie could have been bigger. But who cares?! Yes, it might have been more visually dazzling, soundly hot, or more famous. But I see that the movie, as it is, maintains 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 have fun, as well as the viewer who wants to think. It gathered interesting drama with excellent cogitation, and executed them rightly. You may feel that it's short, though I believe that happens because we don't run into movies like this a lot, so you just love it to be longer than what it is!

It is noteworthy that watching its censored version is such a treat. Because the foul language and the nudity disgrace it much, turning it from a genre movie with distinct satirical side, into another very cheap B movie, which entreats being watchable by the meanest ways.

In conclusion; "What can angel do in a world that has no angels?!" Well, she can be killed, or dance the infernal dance. After all, "What's life without dancing?!", and what's enjoyable without killing in absolutely non-angelic world?!! This is the melancholic message of it. Agree with it or not, at any rate, it was told through a genre movie, a well made one too.

One t the Head....One t the Heart

[grambo247 · 7/10 · 13 May 2014]

Great movie. Was a big HBO repeater in the early 2000's. Totally cheesy end, but welcome to USA movies post '94 ...what ever that means.

Peep it with a open mind to it's attempt to be an proper gangster film, & you'll dig it.

Great movie. Was a big HBO repeater in the early 2000's. Totally cheesy end, but welcome to USA movies post '94 ...what ever that means.

Peep it with a open mind to it's attempt to be an proper gangster film, & you'll dig it.

Great movie. Was a big HBO repeater in the early 2000's. Totally cheesy end, but welcome to USA movies post '94 ...what ever that means.

Peep it with a open mind to it's attempt to be an proper gangster film, & you'll dig it.

This is a sleeper...

[wag4webs · 5 January 2004]

Jim Belushi's movie to carry, it appears, but what it slowly becomes is a character portrait of the rebirth of a lost soul. Sheryl Lee as 'Angel', at first somewhat amusing as an eccentric mortician, becomes the real center of the film in her transformation from freaked-out ditz to a woman in control of her own destiny. I found her character fascinating, and the interplay between her and Belushi is like watching a dance with strangers evolve into an odd interplay of almost-love. Detached from the get-go, that same detachment carries Angel through to the end. And it's Belushi's character, the "Rose", who gets sucked up in the surprising finale. Quite frankly, this is a good watch.

The ending is the way a movie lover would want it to be.

[DrSmooth · 7/10 · 27 May 1999]

This movie started kinda slow. In fact, I didn't really care about it all. Then I started watching it as the plot got going a bit. I mean, at first I was thinking, Ok, movie about a guy who's trying to kill a random girl in the phone book. Whoopee. Then I saw him (Tony) trying to snipe from across the street, in plain sight. Man, this guy's got MAD assassin skillz. Anyway, once the target starts fighting back, the movie starts getting REAL good. I mean, aside from the fact that these people couldn't hit the ground if they were falling, everything else falls together. They've even accounted for the proper amount of bullets in the gun!!! How many movies have THAT amount of foresight? And the ending is killer. My roomates and I were yelling about this one at 1:30 in the morning, and undoubtedly p****d off a whole bunch of our neighbors. The movie is just incredible for the ending alone.

What a twist!!!!!

[Mutant-4 · 7/10 · 1 June 1999]

You think you have figured this entire crime caper out with the seasoned hitman and the eager novice and the beautiful mark. You think you know who will live and who will die. Then BAM the end hits you and you never see it coming. I give it 7/10 and 4 of this is for the ending since the acting sucked.

No surprises or twists!

[ali6969uk · 6/10 · 6 November 2005]

SPOILER ALERT!

A few of the commentators wrote of a "surprise" twist ending. It did not surprise me in the slightest. As soon as Sheryl Lee's character started trying to protect herself i knew she would end up as the new assassin's apprentice.

I could see Kyle Chandler's doe eyed character being her victim from the moment he thought she was "special".

Both those events were signposted rather heavily and so for this reviewer the film did NOT go against Hollywood clichés and surprise the audience (ME!).

Still a decent little film though!

Ridiculous plot, poorly acted

[bbx · 1/10 · 1 September 2000]

This film is described as a action/comedy. The first 15 minutes and James Belushi's presence point to it being a humorous gangster film.

However, the introduction of the ridiculous female lead begins a number of ludicrous plot twists which do little to conceal the contrived ending. The film moves between comedy(description used loosely) and surreal drama with some out of context adult scenes thrown in. The lead female (the Angel of the title) is poorly acted and the actress is not helped by the script which requires some unbelievable, extremes of character to be portrayed. James Belushi is the only one who handles his part well but is also let down by the poor script. One to avoid.

Funny AND intelligent thriller with lots of twists

[jgp-4 · 10/10 · 7 July 2000]

This comedy-thriller stars Sheryl Lee, Jim Belushi, and Kyle Chandler (from the TV show "Inside Edition").

It is an absolutely wonderful film that showcases Sheryl's acting in a way that none of her films has since "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me." Her character, Angel, goes through a series of transformations that is astonishing, hilarious, and touching. If the film had gotten a major theatrical release, it could have been the "breakthrough" role that would have made a lot of critics and moviegoers recognize her real talent.

It is also that rare thing: a funny *and* intelligent thriller that not only shatters movie cliches, but keeps the viewer engaged for the entire length of the movie.

School for Assassins

The story opens on the streets of Chicago, where a businessman is being stalked by a mob hitman. Just as he is about to strike, the hitman is run over by a truck! We learn that the businessman is the former accountant for the mob boss, Uncle Vinny (Jon Polito of "Miller's Crossing"), and he is entering the witness protection program in order to testify against Vinny.

A new hitman is needed pronto, and Tony Greco (Kyle Chandler), who once took a bullet to protect another mobster, is elected. Tony is sent to California to train with Stevie Rosellini (Jim Belushi), the most-feared assassin in the country. But Stevie turns out to be a laid-back California dude who lives on the beach and quotes Nietzche, so there is plenty of humor involving the clash between their personal styles and values.

After training Tony for a while, Stevie reveals the final test Tony must pass before he can return to Chicago--killing an innocent victim selected at random from the phone book. The victim selected is Angel Chaste (Sheryl Lee), who turns out to be a mortician at a funeral parlor.

As Stevie and Tony start tailing Angel, they learn that her life is a bit more complicated that it appears. When Angel discovers what is going on, she uses her intelligence and wit and turns into a far more formidable target than the assassins ever encountered. I won't reveal any more of the plot, as there are several delicious surprises and twists, and an ending that had the audience cheering when I first saw it at as the opening night film for the '99 Cinequest Film Festival.

Surprising Production Qualities

In addition to Sheryl Lee's superb performance, Jim Belushi is dead-on in his portrayal of Stevie. In a question and answer session after the screening, the writer/director David Corley revealed that Belushi was his first choice for the part, and how he fought with the producers to get Sheryl Lee for Angel after seeing her performance in "Backbeat."

Corley also told of the five-year struggle to get funding for the film, and the reluctance of the Hollywood studios to finance a film with such a strong and quirky female lead character. This time allowed him to hone and perfect the script, however, and the film is perfectly paced for its 102 minutes. The musical score and cinematography are also impressive for a first feature effort. Corley's prior experience was producing industrial films for Silicon Valley companies and running a video rental store. One can only imagine that he watched a *lot* of videos to come up with a script this original!

Unfortunately, the film did not acquire a US theatrical distributor, was bought by HBO, aired a few times on cable with minimal promotion, and was then released to video.

Don't miss this "hidden treasure"!

terrible

[ericerd2 · 1/10 · 30 June 2008]

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.

What can I say? DITTO!!!

[WyteRabit · 8/10 · 15 June 1999]

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!

the acting was better than the script

[madseason106 · 4/10 · 25 July 2000]

I'll be honest- the reason I rented this movie was because I am a huge fan of Kyle Chandler's (most notably from Early Edition). Since he usually plays the good guy, I wanted to see him as in a different role (out of curiosity). The plot itself also drew me in; a wanna-be hitman (Tony Greco- a.k.a. Mr. Chandler) must kill a person at random before he is trusted with the life- or, rather, the death- of a witness who will testify against someone in "the family". The movies was nothing like I expected. It was sick, I hated the end (if you saw it, you'd know why), and there were so many unnecessary parts. Basically- it was filthy, and made little sense. Yes, it was a mob movie, and yes the guns do go BOOM. But there's more to a movie than that. This film acted as if it didn't have the time to go into detail- just deal with it and understand it. The acting really made up for it- James Belushi was pretty amusing as "The Rose". Sheryl Lee made Angel seem as believable as she could get. She surprised me the most. And Kyle Chandler was equally convincing as an anxious newcomer to "the family". If only the script did justice to the actors.

Watchable, rewatchable, rewatchable

[spotter-8 · 14 August 2008]

There are any number of movies that are worth watching. There is a smaller number of movies that are worth watching again. And there are a very few movies that are worth watching over and over. "Angel's Dance" is one of those movies.This is due to imaginative writing and fine performances turned in by Jim Belushi, as the professional hit-man trying to train a mafia soldier to do wetwork, and Sheryl Lee, as the introverted, isolated woman who is supposed to be the apprentice's final exam. Nothing goes as planned for the assassins, as their intended victim reacts unpredictably and lethally to their efforts. As miserable and lonely as her life may be, she isn't at all ready to give it up yet.

The movie has plenty of little surprises in it, yet none of them feel contrived. This is a movie you can safely pop into the VCR or DVD player on a rainy day and be assured of an entertaining ride, even if the ending isn't exactly a happily-ever-after one.

Two stars: One in the head and one in the heart.

[=G= · 5/10 · 6 June 2002]

"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.

Recommending warmly

[sioca · 10/10 · 10 March 2003]

It's funny, it's witty and you're sure to remember it. It's extraordinary - doesn't go along the usual lame Hollywood patterns. The actors bear their roles very well. I didn't even recognize Sheryl Lee first! The metamorphosis was excellent. Haven't been a fan of Belushi before, but he was just the right actor for this part.

I have seen it several times already, and it still gives me many laughs and vibes, although I now know exactly what's happening and how it will end.

Shoot first, ask questions later.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 5 August 2021]

I'll give this film credit for being extremely unique as a mob hit man movie. The story focuses on the attempts of the mob to bump off Sheryl Lee who was supposedly in the wrong place and the training of novice hit man Kyle Chandler who is trained by the off the wall Jim Belushi, later finding out that mob boss Jon Polito basically chose her out of nowhere simply as a test. Upon realizing that she is a mob target, Lee goes through an intense training, disguises herself and even goes on the attack against Chandler and Belushi. The attempted shootout in a public library between both Lee and Chandler has her inquiring why he is out to kill her but no definitive answer is given, simply because Chandler doesn't have one.

There are many amusing, high octane action sequences, but the film is genuinely unpleasant and not tongue in cheek black comedy like "Prizzi's Honor". This couldn't even be described as a feminist film because as prepared and strong Lee makes herself, that's only a minor aspect to the film. Belushi has the showiest role, and Lee the strongest part, but Chandler's character is rather undefined. Lee is often very funny in a rather dark way, her character becoming increasingly deranged as she fights to save her life. Unnecessary sexuality seems pointless and some plot devices are bizarrely confusing. It's a good try at something different but all the pieces don't fit together even though you will rarely be bored.

A well done mob hitman action flick.

[critic2-2 · 8/10 · 27 May 1999]

Sheryl Lee carries the first few minutes of this movie.

Her character is a rather strange young lady. ( Angel ) When James Belushi ( The Rose ) shows up things really get started.

The hitman training is strange to say the least, I guess most of us just don't think like that, and the characters all change though-out this movie. Sheryl Lee & James Belushi are both great in this movie.

Maybe there should be a sequel The Angel & The Rose it might be interesting,

A well done mob Hitman action flick. Check out the license # of the car at the end............

Slightly disturbing, slightly funny ... a slight film.

[ianlivesey9 · 4/10 · 27 August 2001]

It kept my attention to the end, however, without spoiling the film for anyone....... when she fixed the fridge by getting a book from the library, you knew how the film would end when she went back to library for a book on self defence against and assassin. The film, for me, said nothing of worth.... is becoming an assassin really a remedy for mental illness or just another symptom.

A very different mob movie--fun to watch!

[spiveym · 6 June 1999]

I discovered this movie on HBO late late one night, and was pleasantly surprised. What starts out as a typical mob movie, with greasy hit men and fat Godfathers in Chicago, quickly turns unconventional with a change of scene to California. Our "heroine" in the movie (Lee) is a social recluse who dresses stiffs at the mortuary, while the "master" hit man (Belushi) surfs and eats tofu. Lee's character quickly goes from being the hunted to the hunter, which is the best part of the movie. Very entertaining to watch!

Where is the dance here?

[gazineo-1 · 4/10 · 3 February 2003]

Dissapointing action movie with an interesting premise: a young Mafia would-to-be killer (Chandler) must demonstrate to his boss that he is a good man for the service so he goes to California to take some lessons with a very known professional killer (Beluschi). First and most important task: to kill a young woman (Lee) that is a completely strange for all of them. But is she a easy target? The movie goes on and on based upon this principal idea but the result is just bad routine; even the weird twist at the end does not save the movie. Good performance by Chandler. I give this a 4 (four).

Be patient at the beginning...it gets better.

[Sax · 8/10 · 15 May 1999]

Lags hard in the first 15 min. or so,but then the weapons & shooting scenes are really neat and realistic.The story line is average,but Belushi carries the movie well,as the true pro he is,and makes it convincing and funny,while the others are somewhat uncomfortable with their roles.It could have been a real flopper,but it seemed as though Belushi went the extra mile to make it a film worth watching,even just to see his great performance.The film also adds some interesting,unexpected twists.Worth your time.

A whacky dark comedy about trying to whack this broad...

[flatrich · 8/10 · 26 September 2000]

I don't know why movies with Jim Belushi don't get more attention when they come out. After I watched Angel's Dance I tried to remember a truly bad Jim Belushi movie, but I couldn't think of anything he's done that I didn't at least enjoy. Well, K-9, maybe, and there was a sort of time travel one where he was a real villain – not like the part he has in Angel's Dance – and I didn't like him playing a bad guy. Otherwise I think its safe to say: if Jim Belushi is in a movie it's probably worth seeing.

Angel's Dance also gives us Sheryl Lee in a quirky, funny role that fits her like her body armor. Belushi is the slickest hit man in the business, living on the beach in LA and engaged to train a new guy for a hit Uncle Vinnie needs done in Chicago on a protected witness. The new guy (Kyle Chandler) has to put up with Belushi's Zen training method, and do a hit on a randomly picked victim named Angelica Chaste, played by Lee. Angelica is a very whacked out mortician who doesn't take kindly to being assassinated and decides to defend herself. From there the plot is lightweight, but intelligent, and there are some good laughs and enough action to keep it moving fast.

Belushi is a very funny guy! (Oh, and there's a small but lovable bit by Jon Polito as Uncle Vinnie in the first reel.)

Writer and director David L. Corley has two other films credited here at IMDb, but I've seen them both and the others don't measure up to Angel's Dance.

Rude but great

[nootjes · 8/10 · 9 August 1999]

The movie is a simple good comedy with a great concept. James Belushi is as magnificent as ever, and the other actors aren't too bad either. I am a fan of this sort of movie, but I think everybody will agree that this movie is a great way to spend some time.

10 out of 10

[loki13 · 10/10 · 26 December 2001]

I don't usually like writing reviews so I only write about ones I passionately love or passionately hate! I absolutely loved Angel's Dance! After watching this movie I found myself with a grin that I couldn't rub off. For some reason every time I think about it I smile again.

What I hated about the movie. Nothing! It's perfect just the way it is!

What I liked. Everything!

I love the soundtrack. It seemed to create the right mood.

I love the way Angel "evolved" throughout.

The lead players, James Belushi, Sheryl Lee and Kyle Chandler all fit their parts.

The ending was somewhat unexpected and I loved that too!

The Accidental Tourist

[tedg · 2 October 2002]

Spoilers herein.

I do think this little bit of silliness is worth watching. The reason is that it targets a specific flavor of quirkiness. Nothing unusual there. But it ruthlessly sticks to that clear focus of quirk. Perhaps it helps that the writer is also the director. Perhaps it helps that the writer's sweet spot is precisely where Murray lives.

No matter. It works because the world it creates has coherence. It becomes real, and then becomes leverageable for the humor to exploit. I imagine this project was too unimportant for the studio bosses to get in there and scramble it all around.

The clarity of this project is mirrored in the clarity with which Angelica acts. She studies, grounds her intuition and acts with commitment. We can too until the story slides a bit at the end in an unexpected way.

Ted's evaluation: 3 of 4 -- Worth watching