(1985)
1.5
Donald Guarisco
This sequel to the surprise hit Angel is a technically slicker affair but lacks most of the elements that distinguished its predecessor from run of the mill b-movie fare. First off, the performances in Avenging Angel lack the combination of sincerity and energy that informed the performances in the first film: Betsy Russell's performance as Angel is depressingly flat and inexpressive and reliable character actors like Susan Tyrell and Rory Calhoun end up lapsing into cartoonish schtick because the underwritten script gives them little to do. The only actor who acquits himself well is Ossie Davis, who brings some dramatic weight to his stock role as a friendly police chief. The film also suffers from a schizophrenic script that throws in everything from bloody shootouts to silly slapstick without ever finding the careful balance of these elements used in Angel. Finally, the direction suffers from awkward pacing that saps suspense from the action and allows the comedic moments to drag until they wear out the welcome. All these elements make this a movie that fails to deliver the electrically charged fun of a good drive-in film. In short, Avenging Angel can only be recommended to hardcore b-movie devotees.
Avenging Angel on AllMovie
Avenging Angel (1985)
