Avenging Angelo (2002)

This film is worth watching for the picture-perfect comic timing of the actress Madeleine Stowe. Her foil is the hang-dog, laid-back Sylvester Stallone, and this film includes some of Sly's finest work in years.

Stowe's character Jennifer is the spoiled daughter of a mafia don; Sly's character Frankie is the trusted bodyguard. From start to finish, there were hilarious moments of comedy delivered primarily by the gifted Stowe.

The script by Will Adis included many inspired bits and take-offs on various mafia films. The funniest sequence is when Jennifer learns the mafia meaning of the word "whack," and she decides to snuff out the aged don who killed her father. A whirlwind romance and wedding follow, and on the fateful wedding night, Jennifer sees to it the old don becomes excited just enough to become a flatliner! Again, the timing, takes, and line deliveries were done to perfection by Stowe.

A recent film entitled "Spanglish" received great acclaim as parody of bourgeois culture in L.A. But that film pales alongside the witty and well-crafted "Avenging Angelo." In fact, "Spanglish" could have benefited from all of the strengths of "Avenging Angelo," including the good scripting, comic set-ups, and, above all, the style evoked by an underrated comedienne like Madeleine Stowe.

Fmovies: This is what is termed a Screwball Comedy, a Romantic Comedy. Remember, that's all this movie is so expect foolish silliness and just enjoy with laughter. If you don't like foolish silliness then don't bother watching this film. A couple of scenes are funny just because they are so ironic.

Sylvester Stallone plays straight man to Madeleine Stowe's zany character. Both are great in their roles. I found myself laughing at things I normally would not laugh at but the timing was perfect and completely caught me without warning. This is another example of how Stallone is moving away from the stereo typical characters he has helped create; not to say he won't do more of those but he continues to branch out.

This movie is dedicated to the memory of Anthony Quinn. This was his very last film appearance. His work on this film was long enough, considering his health and age. Watch the featurette for more on Anthony Quinn. It may bring tears to your eyes to remember this wonderful man and the many wonderful performances he has given us over six decades.

There's a little mystery thrown into the movie. Watch for clues here and there and see if you can solve the mystery.

When I knew that Anthony Quinn was in this title, I had to see it. It's nice to see The Master on the big screen one more time.

The story line for this film is nice and funny but unfortunatly there was a slight miss cast... The Leads!!! Sylvester Stallone is a great actor, no doubt about that, but the character here is faced with comedic situations and even has some funny lines. I admire the change that Stallone made to his roles, but let's face it... he's not funny at all. He can do great in drama, action... but not comedy!!

Madline Stowe was fine but not convencing enough. It was obvious from the first look that there was no chemistry between the two. That can be seen clearly from the seen where Frankie trains Jennifer the cat walk. to me that's the worst scene in the movie.

I personally liked the Funeral scene. I felt as if it was the last goodbye to Anthony Quinn.

In short... The movie is entertaining but not worth going all the way to the theatre. If you are a Quinn fan, then rent it to see him for the last time.

Avenging Angelo fmovies. When I looked at other people opinion about this movie I thought that I'm about to look some stupid and dull action movie.Again I was surprised."Avenging Angelo" is a action comedy and every other genre wouldn't fit to this one.This movie is special because of few things.First, this is a last movie of legendary actor Anthony Quinn.Second,I liked Stallone's part in this movie.Lots of people didn't like his comedy "Oscar" but I think that was a great and funny movie."Avenging Angelo" is a bit similar to "Oscar" because Sly is connected to mafia in both films.This movie has some funny scenes but problem is always ending.Ending is the most important part in this kind of movie and lots of them aren't too good.This one is predictable like the others and if you can close your eyes on that part,you will see that this movie isn't that bad.It's OK and that's it.Sly is good in this one but his role in "Oscar" was much better too me.Madeleine Stowe is good and I like her and I think with death of Mr.Quinn world of movies lost another great actor.This movie is also for him."Avenging Angelo" has it's good and bad sides but I think that first people should take a look and then create their opinion.Also I have to say that a man in charge for music in this movie is another legend - Jon Bon Jovi.

Frankie Delano (Sylvester Stalone) is the bodyguard of the mobster Angelo Allieguiere (Anthony Quinn, in his last work). Angelo has a daughter, Jennifer (Madeleine Stowe), who does not know her true identity. Frankie was responsible also for her protection since she was born, and is secretly in love with her. When Angelo is killed by another gangster, Frankie gets close to Jennifer, since she would be in danger. Many funny situations will happen when the killers try to murder Jennifer. This movie, although predictable and with some ridiculous dialogs, entertains and works reasonably well on DVD. It is an average and forgettable comedy, but good for some laughs and killing time. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Missão Perigosa" ("Dangerous Mission")

Believe me, nobody wants to see Sly reclaim his former glory more than me, but "Avenging Angelo" ain't the way he's gonna do it. I cringed when I saw it on the shelf in the video store - Sly's second straight to video dud - but I rented this one too. "Eye See You" wasn't all that bad...he's had worse go to theaters...but "AA" is totally D.O.A. Stallone is good, but Stowe is over the top and annoying - she's trying too hard to make everything "zany" and "madcap". And the "wacky banter" - Sly tries to blame a farting corpse on "bloated squirrels stuck in the walls"(???!) - is just horrible.

Many scenes are stupidly overdone - the shoe scene, the shooting the ceiling scene, the adultery scene, all those pointless romance fantasies - they're trying to be funny but that's all they are...trying. In fact, the whole movie is. I watched half of it on fast forward, stopping occasionally to see if it improved. It didn't. Even the climactic fight is lame. Sly's worst.