Angel's Dance

Jim Belushi's movie to carry, it appears, but what it slowly becomes is a character portrait of the rebirth of a lost soul. Sheryl Lee as 'Angel', at first somewhat amusing as an eccentric mortician, becomes the real center of the film in her transformation from freaked-out ditz to a woman in control of her own destiny. I found her character fascinating, and the interplay between her and Belushi is like watching a dance with strangers evolve into an odd interplay of almost-love. Detached from the get-go, that same detachment carries Angel through to the end. And it's Belushi's character, the "Rose", who gets sucked up in the surprising finale. Quite frankly, this is a good watch.

There are any number of movies that are worth watching. There is a smaller number of movies that are worth watching again. And there are a very few movies that are worth watching over and over. "Angel's Dance" is one of those movies.This is due to imaginative writing and fine performances turned in by Jim Belushi, as the professional hit-man trying to train a mafia soldier to do wetwork, and Sheryl Lee, as the introverted, isolated woman who is supposed to be the apprentice's final exam. Nothing goes as planned for the assassins, as their intended victim reacts unpredictably and lethally to their efforts. As miserable and lonely as her life may be, she isn't at all ready to give it up yet.

The movie has plenty of little surprises in it, yet none of them feel contrived. This is a movie you can safely pop into the VCR or DVD player on a rainy day and be assured of an entertaining ride, even if the ending isn't exactly a happily-ever-after one.

It's funny, it's witty and you're sure to remember it. It's extraordinary - doesn't go along the usual lame Hollywood patterns. The actors bear their roles very well. I didn't even recognize Sheryl Lee first! The metamorphosis was excellent. Haven't been a fan of Belushi before, but he was just the right actor for this part.

I have seen it several times already, and it still gives me many laughs and vibes, although I now know exactly what's happening and how it will end.

Lags hard in the first 15 min. or so,but then the weapons & shooting scenes are really neat and realistic.The story line is average,but Belushi carries the movie well,as the true pro he is,and makes it convincing and funny,while the others are somewhat uncomfortable with their roles.It could have been a real flopper,but it seemed as though Belushi went the extra mile to make it a film worth watching,even just to see his great performance.The film also adds some interesting,unexpected twists.Worth your time.

I discovered this movie on HBO late late one night, and was pleasantly surprised. What starts out as a typical mob movie, with greasy hit men and fat Godfathers in Chicago, quickly turns unconventional with a change of scene to California. Our "heroine" in the movie (Lee) is a social recluse who dresses stiffs at the mortuary, while the "master" hit man (Belushi) surfs and eats tofu. Lee's character quickly goes from being the hunted to the hunter, which is the best part of the movie. Very entertaining to watch!