Upon
watching trailers for Angel Eyes, I just couldn't figure out what the hell this
movie was going to be about. The studio sort of made it look haunting. It came
across like it might be some kind of Sixth Sense movie or something. While watching
the picture I realized there probably was no right way to market it. It's not
that the movie is bad. There's just a lot going on in it.
Jennifer
Lopez plays a cop who seems to have things worse in her home life than she does
when she's out on the job. Obviously lonely, yet hesitant and afraid to fall in
love, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious man (played by Frequency's Jim Caviezel)
who has some issues of his own. As the story progresses, the two souls begin to
fall for one another while they desperately try to pick up the pieces of their
individual lives.
Angel
Eyes was directed by Luis Mandoki, a strong film maker who likes to deal with
stories about relationship struggles (see White Palace or When a Man Loves a Woman).
He directs this film at an intentional slow pace, unveiling revelation upon revelation
as his two lead characters try to cope with personal problems. Mandoki is very
observant especially where family is concerned. He seems to have much insight
into the all American dysfunctional family. However, as strong as these moments
are, the love story seems stilted. I really had a hard time getting into it. I
was much more interested in Lopez's and Caviezel's personal struggles.
Lopez
gives an uneven performance. Usually she's effective, particularly when she's
dealing with her parents (watch for a scene in which she pours her heart out in
front of a video camera, because it's a doozy), but in other moments she's just
not believable (especially when exuding anger). Still, this is her strongest work
since Out of Sight. Caviezel is good but this is a one note performance. Actually,
it feels like an extension of his role in Pay it Forward (early on in the film,
he's even seen doing all kinds of good deeds.)
Angel
Eyes is a film full of interesting moments, but ultimately, it feels disjointed,
and I was very aggravated by the stupid songs on the soundtrack that seemed hell-bent
on manipulating the audience. Doesn't the damn studio trust us? The scenes speak
for themselves, and the inclusion of these songs felt more intrusive then anything
else.
While Angel
Eyes does offer up a haunting vibe, it really doesn't stick with it. This is a
story about redemption and people moving on with their lives. And while I thought
the picture was watchable, it could have been much better. Mandoki can be much
more effective. Hopefully he will be next time.
