Almost an Angel

Terry Dean is an exceptional career criminal, after his release from prison he is hit by a car whilst saving a young boy. He awakes in what appears to be a heavenly place, and much to his surprise he is visited by a deity and told that he is on probation, he is in short...almost an angel.

Paul Hogan will forever be known as the bloke from Crocodile Dundee, a highly efficient fish out of water comedy that became a huge hit. However, the sequels and his other subsequent film's are either roundly ignored or highly frowned upon. That's a shame because Almost An Angel is a very engaging comedy, the sort of picture that stands up like a Capraesque piece for the 90s. It's the sort of fable that cheers one up when the blues draw in and then turn into a blackly dark cloud, yes it be true, old craggy faced Paul Hogan has the gift of comedy. True enough the doses of sentiment are at times like a treacle itch to be scratched, but is that a bad thing? Watching a street wise criminal turning his less than honourable skills into a thing of goodness?

The film has many visual gags to go with the ream of religious ones that flow within the piece, be it Hogan attempting to fly or a quiet word about Elvis, Almost An Angel delights if one accepts the nature of the beast. Linda Kozlowski again teams up with Hogan (after the earlier Crocodile Dundee pairing), here she has very little to do but she slots in very nicely, even if a pre-end credits sequence does her and everyone else no favours at all. The best actor on show is the criminally undervalued Elias Koteas, playing the wheelchair bound Steve Garner, he exudes a believability factor that many modern day actors can learn from, where, the ability to act with just your face is high art if it's done correctly. Check out both the first and last scenes that Koteas shares with Hogan, great stuff that seems to have been forgotten due to the disdain shown for this particular film.

I rate it 7/10 because it hits my spot when I need a pick me up, perhaps that is too high in this age where comedy is the hardest genre to succeed in? But don't believe the low rating here on this site, it's a delightful little comedy that is far from perfect, but hell! It's a heavenly piece knowingly incorporating the serious side of religious beliefs.

This is one of the best movies, I've seen it has all the essentials excellent moral plot, humor, great acting. I's like to see more films follow this fine example of what it take to make a film great. Now all this comes from someone who disliked the crocodile Dundee movies, so in order for me to go to these lengths to complement this film, and it's fine plot and acting attest to how strong and impact this film had on me. I found that the way humor was combined with strong moral content, and the way all the characters are portrayed, as being human with many character flaws, but doing the right thing when it came down to it. Among my most favorite scenes were the jail release when he terry Dean (Hogan) hits the switch and makes his parting, as well as the part where he has the cross lit for the benefit of a possible benefactor sure made for some entertaining viewing. A must see.

Paul Hogan (in ... Angel) has to rate just a tad higher than Jon Voight (in Coming Home) and that says a lot about a Stars ability to credibly emote and indulge in meaning-full social intercourse.

Folks with disabilities want to be treated just like ... folks. Period! And Hogan's scene in the pub where he was going to "fight" the paraplegic was so totally incredible!

Why am I so enthusiastic about this film? I have lived with a disability since 1949, and used a wheelchair since 1957.

Love to contact Hogan and have him "Chat" about his take on disability ... in the real. I'm sure he'd come across just like a HERO!

Paul Hogan plays a criminal who steps out in front of traffic to save a child, and becomes an Angel... almost. He says he's on probation, sorta... but what are you to believe? Is he nuts? Hmmm. Maybe. The humor and light-sided religiousness makes this film a delight.

Don't worry about being converted or anything, this is an open-ended movie with morals, granted, but also with that special touch of human bonding, and what it means to love others.

Hogan's writing, directing, and acting career spans just 6 films that I know of, and this is a lesser known one... I had the feeling at the end that it was looking for a sequel, or a TV series. No such luck.

Magical, humorous, charming, disarming, alarming, and inspiring... see it at least once.

I happened upon this movie just channel surfing and was just floored. Great movie from start to finish. Elias Koteas gives an awesome performance that just shows once again how he is one of the most overlooked actors in Hollywood. But what really caught me was the story and dialogue. This movie was wonderfully written. I would've never guessed Hogan had it in him. Enjoyable movie and I strongly recommend it. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!