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Luc Besson, the man responsible for "Le Femme Nikita," "The Professional," "The Fifth Element," to name a few, has another winning story here. Most of Besson's films are visions as well as stories, and I'm a follower of anything he produces. With that said "Angel-A" is quite a vision. As a story and visually stunning as a film. Filmed in black & white, Paris takes on the part of the third character in the gorgeous scenery that inhabits every frame. Literally you could freeze frame the DVD, print, and frame some of the cinematography here. Don't get me wrong though - it's not distracting - it's the backdrop of this film that's just a plus. Which leads us to the fact that this is a French film. You'll probably never see it dubbed in english, and it shouldn't be. I don't mind subtitles, but I prefer to hear and see the film rather than read it. However, as I mentioned, Paris has a major role here, and I don't think it would work quite as well. I don't speak French, so I read and kept up. And it was worth it. A film of fantasy that helps a man find what is real-ity and the true things in life. Andre, played convincingly by Jamel Debbouze, has painted his world of bad choices into a corner and decides to end it all by jumping into the Seine river. But at the last minute - ala "It's a Wonderful Life" - he saves a similar damzel in distress who jumps into the river before him. Instinct kicks in and he saves this damzel instead, who's name just happens to be Angela, played beautifully by Rie Rasmussen. Any thought I had that this was going to be a similar story to "It's a ..." was quickly dismissed. The film was intriguing from the beginning and I was caught up in this moving tale of "will he ever get it?" and the relationship between who really saves who. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to see this one. Even if you have to read it to get it :-). - Dave, March 13, 2008

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