Review of Angel-A (2005) by Andy A — 06 Jul 2009

Though it isn't strictly a beauty and the beast fable, Luc Besson's (La Femme Nikita & Leon) 'Angel-A' retains all the classic elements of an odd couple story. The noir-ish out shell ultimately reveals a decidedly un-hard-boiled, heart-felt quality about itself that works well with the pugnacious but puny Jamel Debbouze as the indebted thug low on the food chain in underworld Paris who happens to be visited by a passionate, tough guardian angel played by the model-like Ria Rasmussen.

Though it gets a bit lofty at parts, the movie is far from bleak or annoyingly preachy and in fact leaves a good deal of elbow room for hope and happiness in a way that feels like a potent updated noir take on 'It's A Wonderful Life' (with the French treatment obviously).

If you're feeling down and out this movie is something like a smooth desert wine that's bound to cheer you up by at least a tad.