5.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A small time crook becomes convinced he has become an angel after a traumatic incident and resolves to perform the work of one.
Starring: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, Elias Koteas, Douglas Seale, David Alan GrierComedy | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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.
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.
There is no supplementary material on this disc.
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.
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