Plot: What’s it about?
“We’re No Angels” is the kind of movie that is so very tongue-in-cheek, that you can’t really help but have fun watching it. Starring Sean Penn and Robert DeNiro, two essentially “dramatic” actors, they’re given free reign to do some comedy here. Though we know Penn can be funny (“Fast Times at Ridgemont High”) and dramatic (every other movie besides ‘Fast Times…’), it was Robert DeNiro who convinced us that he could be a comedic actor. Though this was made in the late 80’s, the height of DeNiro’s dramatic career, he’s shown lately that he still has what it takes to make us laugh. The movie, written by David Mamet – who is one of the few who can write some great conversational dialogue, was directed by Neil Jordan. Jordan gained some notoriety about ten years ago when he directed “The Crying Game”, a movie which I’ve still yet to see. A pre-“Ghost” Demi Moore rounds out what is a decent cast. Now about the movie…
Anyone familiar with cinema knows that this is a remake of the 1955 version starring Humphrey Bogart. Though the newer is funnier, it’s safe to say that the original is still probably the overall better movie. We begin as Ned (Robert DeNiro) and Jim (Sean Penn) manage to escape from what appears to be a dungeon, but is in actuality a prison. The two are in Canada and need to make it across the border to get their freedom. But, they’re mistakenly confused for priests somewhere along the way. Deciding to go along with their mistaken identities, they see that this might be an easier and therefore, safer, way to get into the United States and go on with their lives. The humor, though, comes when we see them try and play the parts as “men of the cloth”. Molly (Demi Moore) is a local woman who has a child. They need her help to get across the border, but she’s not as cooperative as they’d like. Can the two men escape the law and get their freedom or will they end up back in the big house where they belong? The movie is fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s one of my favorites with both of these actors and should be recommended for a rental, the rather featureless disc will only entice the true fan.
Video: How does it look?
“We’re No Angels” is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a more than average presentation, but some flaws surface that keep the score down. Most scenes come off as very sharp and impressive, but a few scenes display some issues that trouble me. The rest of the image is terrific however, with bold colors, accurate flesh tones, and razor sharp contrast levels. All in all, not a bad effort, but it could have looked a tad better.
Audio: How does it sound?
I found the new Dolby Digital 5.1 mix to be more than adequate, though not as expansive or effective as I had hoped it would be. The rear channels are used to enhance atmosphere at times, but never with much power and not often enough. I felt some scenes could have used a boost, even if a small or subtle one. The mix has a nice amount of range and punch though, especially since of it’s age. The dialogue is a little low at times, but this has always been the case with this movie and in the end, you can make out all of the vocals, so worries.
Supplements: What are the extras?
No supplements have been included.
