La revancha de Ángel

As with the original movie (Angel), this one's got a heavy 80's vibe, and there are some humorous and likeable characters - even some from the original. This film has a much more humorous element about it than the original, while also adding more of a crime element, and has less drama than the original film.

The movie moves at a good pace, and there are some decent action scenes as well, although much of the movie seems to lack realism and there are some pretty ridiculous (even impossible) feats that take place. However, these stunts aren't as "in-your-face" as many other movies may be.

If you've seen the original and enjoyed it, you might enjoy this one as well. However, I must admit that two of the main characters from the original movie were replaced by other actors, and I hate it when that happens. Overall, it was enjoyable to a lesser extent, and I'd have to say this one fares not quite as well as the original flick.

While Avenging Angel retains the nostalgic charm of its predecessor, it falls short in delivering the same level of engagement and intensity. The plot feels a bit more scattered, and the character replacements disrupt the continuity that fans of the original might appreciate. Despite its flaws, it's still a fun watch for those who love 80's cinema, but don't expect it to surpass the original in terms of storytelling and character development.

Wow, Molly Stewart, AKA former prostitute 'Angel', sure has changed in the three or four years since she quit hooking on the Boulevard: now played by Betsy Russell (replacing winsome Donna Wilkes, star of the first film), she's gained a couple of cup sizes, developed longer legs, sports an impressive perm, and is training to be a lawyer, thanks to the help of her guardian, Hollywood vice cop Lt. Andrews (Robert F. Lyons).

Molly's new life goes on hold, however, after Andrews is shot dead by gangsters; teaming up with her old pals, aging cowboy Kit Carson (Rory Calhoun) and lesbian landlady Solly Mosler (Susan Tyrell), she once again walks the sleazy sidewalks of Hollywood as Angel, this time looking for revenge.

For this cheesy sequel to his 1984 exploitation movie Angel, director Robert Vincent O'Neill throws any sense of realism in the nearest side-alley dumpster, opting instead for a much campier approach, his eccentric misfit characters even more exaggerated than before, his villains ridiculously reprehensible, and the violence about as cartoonish as it gets.

The film begins promisingly enough, with a car full of gangsters loading their weapons while heading downtown to 'off' a big-breasted undercover cop (who is busy taking a shower, natch!), a blaring Bronski Beat soundtrack giving everything that delightfully tacky 80s vibe. When the killers make their move, they blast their victims in the guts, resulting in some messy squib-work. Unfortunately, after this impressive opening, everything gets rather too comical for my liking (Rory Calhoun riding a gurney like a rodeo champ, as Angel and Solly bust him out of a sanitarium being the most cringe-worthy moment).

Still, even though Avenging Angel lacks the gritty edge that I generally look for in my vigilante/revenge flicks, and gets really, really dumb towards the end, the ever present sight of the delectable Miss Russell in a series of tight-as-you-like outfits, including a very sexy nurse get-up, makes the film just about bearable (no nudity from the star, but hey, I've always got her 1983 film Private School for that!).

The first movie is a start for Molly/Angel to clean up her act. Though she straightened herself out over the years, she was tempted. Not to do tricks, but to avenge him. During a incident, the police lieutenant was gunned down in the line of duty. When Molly heard about the news, she reverted back to Angel to avenge her mentor. She brought back her former acquaintances, with a newcomer named Johnny Glitter. Solly, found a new place, and everyone took a part of avenging the police lieutenant. This movie is good. It's too bad that the original star had a conflict with the producers. It proved its point throughout the film. It's a major keeper. 4 out of 5 stars

My heart is a flutter. Betsy Russell is so wildly dreamy that she makes "Avenging Angel" a pretty good watch. The story is kind of silly but it is well told. There is a lot of humor in this movie. This movie manages the laughs very well with the action. This movie isn't as serious as the first one. The lighter touch works well with the material. That said, "Avenging Angel" is all about the forever dreamy Betsy Russell. I wish she played Angel in the first one. Honorable mention: the cop in the shower.

Completely tone than the first movie. Where the first Angel has a serious, somewhat sad, and grim take on the story of a young, smart woman working the seedy streets of Hollywood to pay for her private schooling and apartment, this movie is made with a much lighter tone.

Betsy Russell takes over the role from Donna Wilkes. She does fine, but lacks the vulnerability and hurt that Wilkes brought to the role. Rory Calhoun is back and any restraint he used in the first movie is gone here. He plays WAY over the top, along with Susan Tyrell as the wacky, psychopathic apartment landlord. It is great! He is very likable and brings heart to the movie. Something, as much I as love her, Russell can not manage too well.

The plot is more of the same. This time, Angel's cop buddy/mentor (played by a completely different looking actor from the first) is murdered and since the cops aren't doing much, it is up to Angel and her gang of misfits to avenge his death. The tone, as mentioned before, is quite silly this time around. It now feels more comic book adventure and less gritty drama.

Everyone in this movie is out of their minds. Calhoun is convinced (and it never proven he is wrong) he is Kit Carson, legendary cowboy. Tyrell is a rodeo clown without a rodeo. Every time she shows up, the movie cranks up to an eleven! There is Micheal J Pollard look-alike,Steven M. Porter as "Yo-Yo Charlie". He is fun, but underused in this critics opinion. And finally, they add a new character, Johnny Glitter, played with zero restraint by Barry Pearl. I love how every time he enters the scene he is accompanied with a cloud of glitter. He is a very silly, unreal character. Somewhere is in all of this mess, Ossie Davis shows up a police captain who doesn't follow the rules, and a baby that is very well behaved, even while being hung over a high drop.

Avenging Angel can be a fun movie if you go in with little expectations and just want to have some fun. Sit back, riff with your friends, and forget about the movie soon after.