Review of Angel Heart (1987) by Keenan S — 20 Jan 2014

I had never even heard of Angel Heart before until I came across a copy of it on VHS. I was immediately intrigued by the blend of 50's detective noir with horror that combines voodoo and the occult.

When it comes to films based on the occult, along with various other themes covered in this film, many of them fail miserably because they don't even come close to capturing the scary aspects of those things and become quite derivative.

Thankfully, Angel Heart avoids such pitfalls and feels fresh and engaging. The mystery aspect of the plot alone is excellent, but as the film reveals itself, it becomes even greater and turns into pure horror that truly creeped me out.

Not only is the plot well done, but the acting across the board is exceptional, especially lead actor Mickey Rourke, the scares are genuine, the atmosphere is creepy, the twists are awesome, and it's completely engaging and riveting.

It's a horror flick with a brain, and that's what makes it so damn good.