Almost an Angel

Almost an Angel is a unique 1990 comedy drama directed by John Cornell that amiably mixes elements of comedy, adventure, and spirituality. The movie stars Australian actor Paul Hogan as its central figure, who previously rose to fame with his adventurous role in Crocodile Dundee. Hogan's charismatic performance enlivens the film's fascinatingly complex protagonist - Terry Dean. Linda Kozlowski plays Rose Garner, a vital character who functions as Terry's love interest and moral guide. Canadian actor Elias Koteas takes on the role of Steve Garner, Rose's brother.

Through the movie, Hogan imbues his character with a rugged charm, combining humor and a touch of mystique. He is an ex-convict, a man who spent a lifetime on the other side of the law, indulging in robberies. Terry is not simply an anti-hero archetype, but a nuance-rich character who undergoes a dramatic transformation in the movie's life-altering events.

Almost an Angel begins with Terry getting released from prison, vowing to turn over a new leaf post his shady past. Out there in the uncertain world, Terry declares himself a changed man. But old habits die hard. Just as he’s about to ably demonstrate his criminal skills, Terry experiences a freak accident that turns his world upside down. Following this, he wakes up convinced that he is an angel or at least an 'angel-in-waiting'. This leads Terry on an adventure of self-discovery as well as spiritual redemption.

Linda Kozlowski’s character Rose Garner is intrinsically involved in Terry’s journey. She is a paraplegic who operates a center for troubled young individuals and Elias Koteas plays Steve, her brother. Their relationship with Terry is both contentious and heartwarming, leading the audience through a series of laugh-out-loud situations and adjustments while, on a deeper level, providing a platform for the exploration of themes such as redemption, altruism, and the human capacity for change.

While the film's story explores the realm of spirituality and features elements that might be viewed as fantastical, the narrative is rooted firmly to the ground in the form of Terry's commitments and actions. As Terry helps disadvantaged youths and works to redeem his past crimes while asserting his new angel identity, the film poses important questions about the nature of goodness and the potential for personal transformation.

Comedy is deftly woven into the narrative, providing a light-hearted complement to some of the heavier themes running through the story. Hogan's trademark humor is very much in evidence, ensuring many moments of hilarity throughout the film.

The skilled direction by John Cornell allows the balance between the film's comedy and drama. He brings out the nuances of the characters, driving home the film's underlying theme while maintaining a smooth narrative flow. Cornell does an exceptional job in directing this hybrid movie wrapped with comedy, drama, and elements of spirituality, ensuring that it appeals to a wide variety of audience.

The rich characterizations of the film are enhanced by the strong performances of the cast, making Almost an Angel a unique gem amongst comedy-dramas. Paul Hogan's charismatic and humorous portrayal ensures that Terry Dean remains firmly etched in the viewer's memory long after the last frame. Kozlowski and Koteas also deliver convincing performances that perfectly compliment Hogan's.

Shot in beautiful locations, Almost an Angel is a visual delight. The cinematography is adept at showcasing both the beauty and grunge of the locations, further evoking the refreshing dichotomies present in the film. The movie’s unique musical score, composed by Maurice Jarre, adds an extra dimension to the film, perfectly blending with the underlying spirit of the movie.

Overall, Almost an Angel is a film that sticks with you with its unconventional narrative and enjoyable performances. It's a movie that takes you on a journey featuring a one-of-a-kind protagonist, plenty of laughs, and deep life questions. Here is a film suffused with humor and heart that serves up food for thought in an irresistibly entertaining package. An enjoyable watch for viewers who appreciate comedy with depth, Almost an Angel makes for an experience that is both thought-provoking and uplifting.