Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Almost an Angel Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 15, 2016

Australian comedian Paul Hogan has enjoyed a lengthy career, entertaining audiences for over 40 years. However, he will forever be known for his work on “Crocodile Dundee,” the 1986 blockbuster that turned him into an international star, known everywhere for his easy charms, twisty slang, and deep tan. Finding gargantuan big screen success with “Dundee” and its 1988 sequel, Hogan was challenged to find a follow-up that might allow a softer, more human side of a personality to shine, away from the Outback and considerably large knives. 1990’s “Almost an Angel” was intended to be a slight change of pace for Hogan, scripting himself a more peaceful role of a crook urged by heavenly forces to become a heavenly hero. However, it’s not easy to pull the star out of his comfort zone, with “Almost an Angel” a ridiculously mild affair that’s supported entirely by Hogan’s easygoing sense of humor. Trying to play it cool, the production slips into a coma instead, barely fighting mundane plotting as Hogan does what comes naturally.

Charming his fellow inmates and authorities with his special way with electronic repairs and devices, master thief Terry (Paul Hogan) is ready to be released from prison, but doesn’t quite know what to do with his life. Slipping back into bad habits, Terry resumes a career as a bank robber specializing in elaborate disguises, but after one heist, instinct takes over, with the bad guy saving a child from being hit by a speeding van. In the hospital, Terry is visited by God (Charlton Heston), who decides to put the unconscious man on probation, returning him to Earth as an Angel of Mercy, tasked with doing good deeds. Inspired by his new calling, Terry begins to take the mission seriously, eventually finding his way to Steve (Elias Koteas), a wheelchair-bound man who helps out at a local rec center run by his sister, Rose (a mousy Linda Kozlowksi). Making himself useful fixing up the place and sharing wisdom with troubled kids, Terry finds his calling. However, local cops (including David Alan Grier) are still interested in his criminal activities, putting the angel in a difficult position as he attempts to woo Rose.

Scripted by Hogan and directed by John Cornell (who helmed “Crocodile Dundee II”), “Almost an Angel” is the star’s attempt to craft a Frank Capra movie, finding a benevolent tone that celebrates the spirit of philanthropy and mentorship while still tending to the Aussie-esque sense of humor that turned Hogan into a phenomenon. However, instead of immediately diving into Terry’s redemption, we initially meet the man in prison, where he’s rigged the facility to react wildly to a remote control device implanted inside an electric razor. He’s a wizard with electronic devices, but Terry is also wary of recidivism, trying to figure out a life for himself that doesn’t involve criminal endeavors. Despite a stint inside a correctional facility, “Almost an Angel” is careful to establish the crook as a decent guy at heart, which softens his ultimate transformation into an upstanding citizen, offering the first of many bewildering creative choices that plague the film.

Lying in a hospital bed, Terry is visited by God (Heston is a good sport, even dressing as Moses from “The Ten Commandments”), who is either the star of this dreamland encounter or an actual spiritual being -- the answer isn’t immediately clear. Terry is offered a chance to redeem himself through generosity, and “Almost an Angel” begins building a rhythm of kindly encounters, though Terry still clings to past habits, electing to rob a sandwich shop to help feed the homeless. His encounter with Steve is also part of the soulful rebranding, giving the physically challenged man confidence and friendship while the rest of the world ignores him. Charity begins to stimulate something within the ex-con, but it takes an introduction to Rose and her financially strapped rec center to truly open his eyes to the possibilities of his powers.

“Almost an Angel” is an amiable feature, but it never digs deep enough into Terry rehabilitation, instead working on lighthearted interactions for the star to showcase his comedy (taking on nearby drug dealers, Terry invents an imaginary mafia threat to scare off the armed thugs). There’s also a love interest in Rose, but that’s never explored in full, eventually dropped by the screenplay to pursue melodrama involving Steve and his medical future, which completely halts any merriment. “Almost an Angel” is all over the map tonally, swinging from slapstick to the slow death of one supporting character, never exactly achieving the spiritual message it’s looking to share with the audience. Hogan doesn’t help matters, playing his part so mildly, there are moments where it’s easy for forget Terry is even in the frame.

Almost an Angel Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation keeps "Almost an Angel" approachable on Blu-ray, satisfying with a nice display of primaries, sustaining the effort's simplistic cinematography, which generally avoids bolder displays of color. Skintones remain natural. Detail is acceptable, working well with Hogan's creased face and various locations, while costuming remains fibrous. Delineation isn't overwhelming, but the basics are care for, permitting inspection of evening sequences and denser outfits. Source is in fine shape, with some minor scratches and speckling detected.

Almost an Angel Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is a routine assembly of elements, but everything sounds natural and clear. Dialogue is presented without distortion, managing Hogan's thick accent with ease, while crowd antics in bars and the rec center never overwhelm. Scoring is satisfying, supporting with pleasing instrumentation. Atmospherics are basic but represented, finding colder sounds for prison life, while street adventures add an urban mood.

Almost an Angel Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

Almost an Angel Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A few laughs survive in "Almost an Angel," all tied to the elaborate make-up transformations Terry undergoes before pulling off bank robberies. Unfortunately, the feature only makes room for two encounters (Willie Nelson and Rod Stewart) before it abandons its only inspired idea. Hogan eventually runs out of ideas, settling for a ridiculous ending that feels like a cheat to pave the way for sequels, refusing to treat the possibilities of Terry's delusion with honesty, which inspires stronger comedy. Hogan doesn't want to make a statement on a true effort of atonement, he wants to stir up a feel-good dramedy that avoids realism, doesn't unnecessarily tax the star, and always plays as minimally as possible. Hogan is an appealing actor, but he's trying too hard to ease a transition away from Dundee, forgetting that his best work is inspired by an element of surprise.