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Overall Rating : 6/10
Directed By : David Heavener
David Heavener (Eye of the Stranger)
Marc Singer (Beastmaster)
Margot Kidder (The Amityville Horror '79)
Richard Moll (Nightmare Man)
Supplied By : MTI Home Video
Film Reviewed By : Rick L. Blalock
Date Reviewed : May. 5, 2006
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| PLOT A series of Las Vegas murders involving pregnant prostitutes are linked by the Angel panties left at the scene. The lingerie shop owner that sells the panties comes under investigation when Dr Gites, also linked the the killings, gets let off the hook. Detective Bradley Cooper must unveil the deadly truth. |
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| THE REVIEW In ANGEL BLADE, there is a killer on the loose in the city of Las Vegas, one that is only known as "The Angel Killer" The Angel Killer seems to only target one type of victim, pregnant prostitutes and after each murder he leaves behind a pair blue women's underwear... ones that have angels printed on them as his calling card(the reason for his moniker as well). The police seem to have no luck in finding this killer so they call on someone whom they trust.... I suspended officer, Bradley Cooper. Cooper has heard about the crimes committed by "The Angel Killer" but has shown no interest in rejoining the force, reasons being is he had just lost his wife and unborn child to a fatal accident, and quite obviously he is still bitter about his suspension. The Next morning, Bradley wakes up to news that all of the victims have been with child.... this rekindles his own memories and compels him to rejoin. Cooper then begins a thorough investigation as he tracks down the killer, and when he narrows it down to one man, it finds him talking with a scandalous Doctor as well as inside the shop in which the lingerie was purchased, there he would meet the shop owner Frida...as well as meet and fall in love with a young model there named Sam. As coopers, investigation thickens, it becomes apparent that he may know the killer a little better than he seems to think. First of all, I just love movies like this! You know, the sleazy action thrillers from the 80's where one tough guy is our star and focal point? Although ANGEL BLADE is not from the 80's, its rough quality and rough edits lead you to believe so. When you watch these types of movies you have to always kind in mind that what you are going to be seeing is not the best in the world. This film as no polished effects are no million dollar tweaks...what you get with ANGEL BLADE is a crime/thriller/mystery done is it's rawest form, making this just that much more great. The most recent film that I can think of done in this matter is Kevin Kangas's HUNTING HUMANS, both distributed by MTI and both are very good films in their own right. ANGEL BLADE, even though you can't always take it seriously, and i'll admit some of it is almost comical, I did like the fact that at first it makes you believe whom the killer is, only to minutes later say "nope try again". It keeps you guessing, and that's what most of the newer films fail to do, even one's with much higher budgets. ANGEL BLADE is also a bit cliché, it takes place in the red light district obviously, so you can bet it as tons of nudity...often you'd believe you were watching late night cable - not that I am complaining in the least, but some could be deemed unnecessary. I can't elaborate very much more on the story as it would give too much away....but ANGEL BLADE packs a major twist that you will not see coming(at least I hope not). The acting here is above average and very good. Veteran Actress Margot Kidder has a small role in the film, but it does play a major part in the outcome....Kidder is a Legend. The beautiful Amanda Righetti, plays Sam, the one Cooper falls deeply in love with. I remember her on The OC and one of my favorite shows(before cancellation) Reunion.... Amanda is so hot that I just thank God that i'm a man.....one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen, I hope to see her in more upcoming films very soon. Also making a brief but impactful appearance is Richard Moll whom was famous for his role as "Bull" from TV's NIGHT COURT....here as head of Police Carl Shank. But the greatest performance of all of the cast goes to writer/director/and star David Heavener. Who would have thought that with so much on their plate one could also deliver an amazing performance? Heavener does just that, I had never seen David before this or even heard of him but I am highly impressed as he delivered a character to us that you both believe and care for. I highly enjoyed this film and I am truly glad I checked it out. I will admit, that at first I wasn't too enthused nor thrilled to see this movie, but taking the chance turned out to be definitely worth while! |
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| GORE
METER 2.5/10 Actually, ANGEL BLADE's gore is quite low, we get some slit throats and blood splatter but that's about it. Again in this case it is not really needed, I liked the story enough to keep me entertained. |
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| MUSICAL
SCORE 4/10 I'll admit some of the music was pretty cool, some was upbeat while the remaining tended to be more ambient. |
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| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM Overall. in my opinion, excellent, excellent thriller. I think that traditional Horror fans will not like this as much, but fans that expand their tastes to a much broader spectrum will...I highly recommend this film |
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