Customer Reviews

Almost An Angel

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Most US audiences first tast of Paul Hogan was in the hugely succesful Crocodile Dundee, with Mr Hogan in the title role. Although this movie tries to ride on the shirt tails of that success, it is actually a very well made, and self standing production. Paul began his career many years earlier on Australian TV in his own show which was a series of sketches, observations, and almost a down under version of a one man Saturday night live. Anyone familiar with this early material will enjoy the mix of subtle antipodean humor, and at times slapstick sight gags in this picture. But this is NO Dundee style flick, despite the repeated pairing of Hogan and Kozlowski (as the love interest)and is a light, poignant and thought provoking storyline. Another great strength is the moral comment that is discreetly delivered, without being overly sentimental, or patronising. Hogan plays a reformed petty thief who is convinced he has died and been delivered back to Earth to make amends for his wayward lifestyle. This knowledge makes him conduct himself as if indestructible, with some funny results, and the whole picture has a feelgood flavour, whilst cleverly retaining a sober undertone. This apsect of the picture is never really revealed to the audience, and the "is he, isn't he"? aspect adss an extra dimension to the comedy. An excellent cameo from Charlton Heston as God, and a solid supporting cast and script, leaves one wondering why this film was only moderately succesful at the box office, and more importantly why it has yet to make it to DVD. With the amount of relaunching, repackaging, special editions, and anniversary releases of a ton of movies these days, this film doesn't deserve to be overlooked. A contemporary "It's a Wonderful Life" it may not quite be, but it IS a very good movie. Enjoy!

In 1986 Paul Hogan moved from being the spokesman for Australian tourism on the small screen to the surprise star of the surprise hit theatrical film, "Crocodile Dundee." Two years later he made "Crocodile Dundee II," and two years after that he made this comedy and married his constant co-star Linda Kozlowski. "Almost an Angel" is a better film than "Crocodile Dundee II," and certainly the most intimate of Hogan's first three films.

This time around he plays Terry Dean, an expert on security systems who was so good his criminal endeavors were easily recognizable who also took a turn at some creative attempts at bank robbery. The real story begins when Terry gets out of prison and becomes convinced that he has not only died but has been sent back to Earth by a heavenly being (who sure sounds and looks like Charlton Heston) with a chance to redeem himself. Since Hogan clearly believes this is what is going along, there is no reason for us not to go along for the ride.

Terry meets up with Steve (Elias Koteas), a guy in a wheelchair and the next thing we know he is being taken home, meeting Steve's sister Rose (Kozlowski), and helping out at the center for the neighborhood kids. The formula is fairly obvious, but the point is not whether Terry is going to find his redemption but how he is going to pull it off. Ultimately the film's message (yes, there actually is one) is relatively simple: Terry succeeds because he has complete faith in himself. It does not matter that his faith is without a true foundation, because Terry is too busy moving mountains to notice his grand delusion is built on shifting sand.

Once again, Hogan's performance redeems a lot of the faults with the movie in which he is appearing. Since Hogan writes his own scripts he has the advantage of knowing exactly what works for his screen persona. Terry Dean is not as whimsical as Mick Dundee, but Hogan was clearly smart enough to try and get beyond that character. He was also smart to make a more intimate sort of movie, where the situation is what is out there more than the character. Hogan also knows how to set up his gags pretty well. "Almost an Angel" only made a fraction of the money by either of the "Crocodile Dundee" films, but it is arguably a better made movie.

As far as I am concerned this is a classic film that ranks up there with It's a Wonderful Life. It has it's sad moments but is for the most part upbeat and funny. It is Paul Hogan at his best. I just wish they would put it out on DVD. If you are a Paul Hogan fan you can't help but love this film.

I thought Paul Hogan's acting was just splendid, kept my interest throughout. Of course the cameo appearance by Charlton Heston gave this movie an extra special touch. Enjoyable movie for people of all ages.

In this wonderful Frank Capra-type film that's about salvation, and the Grace of God, Hogan does a brilliant job playing a new Convert with a mission grasping how to fulfill it. It's touches of humor are well-placed and appropriate.

A Professional Thief (Paul Hogan) dies in a Accident, he`s has been resurrected as a Probational Angel in Heaven, who has to help people are in Down Spirits and Disbelieve in God, in the search of Redemption.

This Charming Downbeat Comedy has fine performances by Hogan, Elias Koteas and Linda Kozlowski. Directed by John Cornell (Crocodile Dundee 2) has made himself a fine film here. Charlton Heston has a Cameo here as God. This film is a Geniune Well Made Movie. Super 35. Grade:B+.

Good movie to see if you are a Paul Hogan or Linda Kozlowski
fan. It is also one of those movies a viewer should see
twice, because the first time you don't know what is really
going on. Don't miss the ending, all is explained. I give it
four stars - not one of the best movies around, but one of my
own personal favorites.

Having never seen Paul Hogan in anything but "Crocodile" Dundee movies, I wasn't sure how he would be in anything else.

He turns in a great performance as an ex-con who is given a second chance after saving a child from being hit by a vehicle.

Charlton Heston gives an equally great cameo performance as "God."

Now how can an ex-con use his talents to help those needy? See the movie to find the answer to this.

almost an angel with paul Hogan as the star is just fabulous. cleverly written and very moving with some humour, in fact quite a lot of humour,a twist to the ending which can make you cry, buy it and see what a great film it is,

Good movie to see if you are a Paul Hogan or Linda Kozlowski
fan. It is also one of those movies a viewer should see
twice, because the first time you don't know what is really
going on. Don't miss the ending, all is explained. I give it
four stars - not one of the best movies around, but one of my
own personal favorites.