Review: 'City of Angels' has no spirit

April 10, 1998
Web posted at: 10:39 p.m. EDT (0239 GMT)

From Reviewer Paul Clinton

(CNN) -- Courage, the meaning of love and the frailties of being human are explored in "City Of Angels." Loosely based on the 1987 German film, "Wings Of Desire," this European art film-turned-big-budget Hollywood movie stars Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage.

"City of Angels" movie trailer

Paul Clinton's review

"City of Angels" is an ambitious effort that focuses on spirituality, the existence of angels, excessive romantic sappiness, and, most important, Cage's ability to overact even when he doesn't say a word.

Just like "Wings of Desire," "City of Angels" is about angels who are immortal and have always been immortal, never human. They roam the earth listening to people's thoughts and comforting those in need. But what happens when an angel falls in love with a mortal woman?

"City of Angels" movie clip
	2.2M/40 sec./320x240 1.4M/40 sec./160x120 QuickTime movie

In "City of Angels," he gives up his own immortality and falls from the sky to be with her.

Unlike the original film, the love story begins in the first reel. Again, unlike the original, this love story is totally schmaltzy.

"Wings of Desire," directed by acclaimed filmmaker Wim Wenders ("Paris, Texas") was haunting and lyrical. Set in modern-day Berlin, the angels, dressed in black coats, looked mystical.

"City of Angels," directed by second-time director Brad Siberling, is set in Los Angeles and the angels, dressed in black coats, just look trendy. "City of Angels" is slick and beautifully crafted. It's also vapid.

The musical score is also way over the top. Gabriel Yared won an Academy Award last year for his scoring of "The English Patient." But with "City of Angels" his music telegraphs every mood and is so depressing it makes you want to slash your wrists.

Ryan is fine as Maggie, a down-to-earth doctor shaken by her encounter with the angel (Cage). She becomes even more shaken when she falls in love with him.

"N.Y.P.D. Blue" star Dennis Franz is fine as Messinger, a former angel who also fell to Earth for the mortal he loved. And Andre Braugher, best known to TV audiences as Detective Frank Pembleton on the hit series "Homicide: Life on the Streets" gives a loose, understated performance as an angel named Cassiel.

But Cage drives me nuts. His moony face and bug-eyed interpretation of an angel in love is ludicrous. Is it just me, or does Cage take most of his roles and work them like a dog with a bone? This guy doesn't know when to quit. He can't just be. He always has to throw in some quirkiness or an accent. Give it up, guy. Just be the character.

I found "Wings of Desire" completely enchanting. It's not your typical romantic fare. But this Hollywood version is over-produced and can't make up its mind whether it wants to be stylish and original or just romance as usual, Hollywood style.

"Wings of Desire" makes you feel glad just to be alive. "City of Angels" makes you glad just to get out of the theater alive.

"City of Angels" is rated PG-13 and runs 117 minutes. I'd suggest that you wait for the video, or better, rent "Wings of Desire," which is much better and already available at a video store near you.

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