Angel's Dance

Angel's Dance, a dark comedy film released in 1999, showcases an unconventional blend of humor, violence, and thrilling suspense. This under-rated gem directed by David L. Corley is well-crafted with a unique storyline which keeps the audience engrossed from start to finish. Mainly shot in Los Angeles, the film's backdrop is integral to the storyline, echoing the ambiance of Hollywood's film noir era, offering a stylish, gritty look and feel to it.

The protagonist of the film is played by none other than Jim Belushi, who is famed for his unforgettable comedic roles. In Angel's Dance, however, Belushi bares a different character, still employing his charming humor, but this time around, in a darker tone than we are used to seeing. He portrays a seasoned hitman, Stevie "The Rose" Rosellini, who exudes an air of cynical yet weirdly charismatic persona. Though he may seem ruthless and cold-blooded, his character's ironic wit and sarcastic humor make him more complex than the conventional movie villain, lending a peculiar charm to his persona.

Opposite Belushi, we have Sheryl Lee, known for her role in the classic TV series Twin Peaks, performing as a seemingly ordinary girl-next-door, Angelica 'Angel' Chaste. Angel becomes a key player in the movie's twisted plot, as her life takes a shocking 180-degree turn. What’s stunning about Lee’s performance is her transformations throughout the film and how she imbues her character with a level of authenticity that is emotionally investing.

Kyle Chandler puts on an amazing performance as well, being tasked with an important mission that ultimately forms the backbone of the movie's storyline. Portraying as a novice hitman named Tony Greco, he brings a layered character to life, showing how the journey of an aspiring assassin is fraught with unforeseen complications, constant dilemna and moral conflict.

The plot of the film kicks off when Belushi's character Stevie is assigned the task of training Chandler's character Tony to become a professional killer. As part of his grim 'curriculum', Tony is given the chilling task of stalking and 'pretending' to assassinate a random stranger - a task designed to instil the ruthless mindset necessary for a hitman. This 'pretend' victim turns out to be Lee's character Angel, an event that sets off a cascading series of consequences that no one could anticipate, leading to a mesh of suspense, drama and dark humor.

As the narrative unfolds, it takes us on a roller-coaster ride, complete with violence, laughter, and an unexpected romance. The characters are trapped in a game of life and death which is rife with tragicomic irony. Every scene in Angel’s Dance is loaded with elements of surprise that keep you glued to the edge of your seat, waiting for the climax.

Moreover, one of the exceptional aspects of the movie is its dialogue delivery, filled with sarcastic one-liners that add to the comedic yet edgy tone of the film. The screenplay penned down by Corley, gives each character a distinct tone and voice, contributing to their depth and complexity, leaving the audience with moments of laughter, shock, and contemplation.

Pulling off a dark comedy that centers around a grim subject such as contract killing is a challenging task. However, Angel's Dance achieves this with flying colors. It does not undermine the harsh realities of its central theme whilst still managing to entertain its audience substantially. The result is a smart, unsettling, yet somehow amusing exploration of the underbelly of assassination – a virtual masterclass in blending comedy with the thriller genre.

In conclusion, Angel's Dance is a film that skillfully employs comedic elements amidst a brutal world, aided by its distinctive characters, solid performances and exceptional screenplay. It proves to be an engaging, darkly humorous tale of the underworld that appeals to fans of both crime and comedy cinema. If you are looking for an out of the ordinary comedy-thriller that's filled with unexpected turns, then Angel's Dance is certainly worth a watch.