Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Avenging Angel Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 15, 2020

In January, 1984, New World Pictures released “Angel.” Not expecting much from the feature, it turned out to be a minor hit for the company and wildly profitable for its producer, Sandy Howard, who wanted a sequel right away. Exactly 12 months later, “Avenging Angel” was hurled into cinemas, with returning screenwriters Joseph Michael Cala and Robert Vincent O’Neil (who directs once again) tasked with recapturing the same box office levels, only without the same type of movie, inching the franchise toward actioner interests, while losing star Donna Wilkes, replaced here with Betsy Russell. “Angel” went to dark psychological spaces, laboring to avoid becoming just another sexploitation romp in a saturated marketplace. “Avenging Angel” is quick to become junk food, turning the main character into a Pam Grier type as the series quickly becomes traditional VHS fodder.

Four years after getting off the streets with help from Lt. Andrews (Robert F. Lyons), Molly (Betsy Russell) is graduating college, eager to pursue a career as a lawyer, making the most of her brilliance. When Andrews is killed by goons working for crime boss Arthur (Paul Lambert), Molly is ready to exact revenge, returning to Hollywood Boulevard to find the only witness, Johnny Glitter (Barry Pearl). Reuniting with Solly (Susan Tyrell) and Kit (Rory Calhoun), Molly becomes Angel once again, hitting the streets to find clues, coming up against Arthur’s top enforcer, Ray (Ross Hagen).

My first piece of advice is not to consider the franchise timeline while watching “Avenging Angel.” The second film does a time jump that doesn’t make any sense, but the screenplay needs the character in a fresh place of empowerment, dominating college with her sharp legal mind and track star speed, finally in a place of success after years of teen prostitution. Molly finally has a future, but the murder of Andrews brings her back to Hell, at least the Hollywood Boulevard version of it. “Avenging Angel” settles into a revenge story fairly quickly, with Molly determined to bring her pal’s killers to justice, and O’Neil jettisons any of the rawness of the original “Angel,” which is officially erased during an early scene of rescue, where Molly and her street friends sneak into a sanitarium to collect Kit, partaking in a few silent comedy moments along the way.

The sudden shift into funny business is jarring, but everything is in “Avenging Angel,” which delivers a broad turn of tone, making comedy and action the primary focus of the picture. Villainy goes cartoon with Ray, a ferocious bad guy who slaps women around, taking advantage of his power. There are a few more stooges like him, presenting a gun-toting force for Molly to bring down. O’Neil isn’t a master architect of chases and gunplay, but he does keep the endeavor on the move with aggression and stunts, organizing a few confrontations between the warring sides. Sillier situations are found with Solly, who’s collected a baby during her time as a landlord, resulting in requisite leaky diaper and babysitting jokes. It’s semi-reprehensible of O’Neil to involve the child in the feature’s violent climax, putting the kid in the line of fire, but such a creative decision represents the tone of the production, as most of the participants are mentally checked out, just happy to be working.

Avenging Angel Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

As with "Angel," "Avenging Angel" is sourced from a fresh scan of the interpositive, which provides a nice AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Detail is helpful throughout, creating a clear look at facial particulars, with fine hairs and weathered looks in full view. Locations are ideally dimensional, providing clear examination of street activity, and interiors are just as sharp, showcasing all sorts of decoration and elements of squalor. Colors are phenomenal, carrying vividness with makeup application and costuming, as Johnny Glitter's gear alone offers a rainbow of hues. City lights add variety, and greenery is exact, capturing the summer mood. Skintones are natural. Delineation is communicative. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in terrific shape.

Avenging Angel Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a comfortable listening experience for "Avenging Angel," leading with dialogue exchanges, which are distinct, though perhaps too clear at times, exposing some lousy ADR work. Performance styles aren't muted, and atmospherics are acceptable, capturing street life. Soundtrack selections add some synth-driven power, with a pleasing boost in volume to set the scene. Scoring cues are also elevated a bit, making sure to communicate dramatic intent. Sound effects are sharp, with louder gunshots and breaking glass.

Avenging Angel Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Chasing an Angel" (8:44, HD) is a surprisingly candid discussion of "Avenging Angel" with co-writer Joseph Michael Cala and co-writer/director Robert Vincent O'Neil. With 1984's "Angel" a significant hit for producer Sandy Howard, the moneyman quickly reminded O'Neil of his contractual duty to make a sequel, forcing the helmer back into action mere months after the release of the original film. O'Neil and Cala couldn't put together a respectable screenplay, while Howard rushed the movie into production, getting rid of "Angel" star Donna Wilkes when she asked for a pay raise. Confronted with new star Betsy Russell, O'Neil had to change his approach, dealing with an inexperienced actress who didn't have the same presence as Wilkes. The interviewees share their frustration with the picture, which ended up becoming a hit in Europe. There's also a brief discussion of the "Angel" franchise, with the next two sequels moving on without their participation.

• "Street Smarts" (10:01, HD) spends time with actress Betsy Russell, who shares her early professional accomplishments before making her screen debut in "Private School." While auditioning for "Avenging Angel," Russell wasn't a seasoned performer, basically tasked with learning to act while making the feature, receiving help from co-star Robert F. Lyons. Russell shares her limited memories of the film shoot and her co- stars, as she was a bit too young at the time to appreciate the people she was working with. There's talk of the gunplay in "Avenging Angel," and her career ambitions after production ended, growing tired of the B-movie routine. Transitioning to motherhood, Russell stepped away from the profession, only to be pulled back in by her boyfriend, who offered her a part in "Saw III," which he was producing. The interviewee also mentions her kids and their avoidance of her features, especially ones with nudity, and she's careful to note that "Avenging Angel" has a fanbase, against all odds.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:36, HD) is included.

Avenging Angel Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Russell is a little stiff as Molly, not entirely capable of selling the educational power of the character, who becomes a hero to the local prostitutes as she makes life difficult for the cops (including Ossie Davis), wielding her legal-fu. However, she looks the part, providing a bright sense of life in a potentially dismal movie, keeping clear of her hammy co-stars. She's not offered the dramatic textures provided to "Angel" actress Donna Wilkes, but she has a certain screen presence that creates an entertaining ride of streetwalker justice. "Avenging Angel" was rushed into production and feels like it, as O'Neil is hanging on for dear life, lacking directional consideration to simply get the product into theaters. There are pleasures to be found, but the sequel is a different beast, unable to sustain the intriguing gloom that was established in the first installment.