Avenging Angel [Blu-ray]

Director: Robert O'Neil, Robert Vincent O'Neil Robert O'Neil

Overview

Betsy Russell takes over as part-time prostitute Molly Stewart in this disappointing sequel to the surprisingly good Angel (1984). Old pals Rory Calhoun and Susan Tyrrell are along for the search for the killer of the cop who saved Molly's life in the first film, joined by street magician Johnny Glitter (Barry Pearl). More brutal and hard-edged than the original, this installment is just another violent action movie, despite some slick camerawork and a fast pace. One peculiar touch is the frequent use of Bronski Beat's savage dance hit "Why?" which, although it has appropriately exciting music, it concerns gay-bashing and has no relation whatsoever to the storyline.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/31/2020
UPC:	0814456022567
Original Release:	1985
Rating:	R
Source:	Vinegar Syndrome
Region Code:	A
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	1:33:00
Sales rank:	16,012

Special Features

Newly scanned and restored in 2k from its 35mm interpositive "Chasing an Angel" - an interview with Co-Writer/Director Robert Vincent O'Neil and Co-Writer Joseph Cala "Street Smarts" - an Interview with actress Betsy Russell Theatrical trailers for: Angel, Avenging Angel and Angel lll Reversible cover artwork

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Betsy Russell	Actor
Rory Calhoun	Actor
Robert F. Lyons	Actor
Susan Tyrrell	Actor
Ossie Davis	Capt. Moradian
Barry Pearl	Johnny Glitter
Ross Hagen	Ray Mitchell
Tim Rossovich	Teddy Butts
Estee Chandler	Cindy
Steven Porter	Yo-Yo Charlie
Paul Lambert	Arthur Gerrard
Frank Doubleday	Miles Gerrard
Richard DeHaven	Terry
Tracy Robert Austin	Pat
Michael A. Andrews	Mike
Michael Andrews	Mike
Karin Mani	Jani Soon Lee
Carl Bressler	Prof. Garfield
Deborah Sue Voorhees	Roxie
LeRoy Daniels	Bootblack
Bill Cakmis	Security Guard
Joseph M. Cala	Sanitarium Guard
Billy Beck	Tall Man
Liz Sheridan	Nurse
Robert Tessier	Tattoo Artist
Jan Peters	Businessman
Hoke Howell	Seven Fingers Sid
Edward Blackoff	Studs
Laura Burkett	Blonde Hooker
Dick Valentine	Cop
Lynda Wiesmeier	Debbie
Paul 'Mousie' Garner	Joe Borenstein
Jeanne Lucas	Shopping Cart Sally
Charlene Jones	Hocker
Claudia Templeton	Claudia
Howard Honig	Baylor
Debisue Voorhees	Roxie
Jessica O'Neil	Little Buck
Tony Lorea	Man in Bowler
Charlene Shires	Spectator
Richard Acunto	Spectator
Kin Shriner	Actor

Technical Credits

Joseph Cala

Gary F. Bentley	Special Effects
Vince Deadrick Jr.	Stunts
Sandy Howard	Producer
Gregory C. Landerer	Special Effects
Don Levin	Executive Producer
Robert Vincent O'Neil	Director
Mel Pearl	Executive Producer
Keith Rubinstein	Producer
Joseph Cala	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

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.

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