May 2001 Film Review : Angel Eyes

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by Wilson Morales (New York) Film Review - Angel Eyes Distributor: Warren Brothers Director: Luis Mandoki Screenwriter: Gerald Di Pego Producers: Elie Samaha, Mark Canton, Neil Canton Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Jim Caviezel, Sonia Braga, Terrance Howard, Jeremy Sisto & Shirley Knight In the last few years, there have been a few actors who have multi-talented skills such as Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez. Both have appeared on TV shows and both are singers. Their fan base stretches farther than the film community. Lopez has a new movie called “Angel Eyes,” which is being marketed in the wrong direction and may leave her fans disappointed. This film is not as much about the supernatural as the ads and film title may suggest. This is a small film that involves romance and emotional sadness. Although Lopez’s performance is adequate, the film falls short due to a contrived plot and undeveloped characters. “Angel Eyes” is a story about a seemingly unlikely couple who cross paths under life-threatening circumstances as though they are destined not only to meet but to save each other’s lives. When Chicago Police Officer Sharon Pogue (Jennifer Lopez) goes chasing after a suspect and nearly gets herself killed, little does she know that her savior Catch (Jim Caviezel) is actually no stranger to her. As romance blossoms, each is holding back something from their past before applying total commitment. Sharon’s life is built on being opposite to her family roots. She still longs to settle past differences with her family while Catch simply needs to put the past behind him. The problem with this film is that we do not learn enough about each character to understand the bigger picture. Based on her family upbringing, one could never believe she would fall for a guy who first appeared as a stalker before becoming her savior. Caviezel’s performance is bland to say the least given the lack of character background. Sonia Braga and Victor Argo are given wasted performance when their characters are crucial in explaining Sharon’s tough and protective behavior. There is a meaning behind “Angel Eyes,” but the story never gives us a chance to figure it out.