breakdownthatfilm-blogspot-com Sylvester Stallone isn't the actor to make many comedies. It's been proved in the past that he's tried many a time to shed his action star image by taking on a role that is full out comedy. It seems like though the only kind of comedic role he can play is either a role that involves action or is a parody of an action role. Stallone's best performance is from Tango & Cash (1989) where he partnered up with Kurt Russell as two professional cops who do things completely opposite but team up to take down a common enemy. That's his comedic action role. This movie is his parody of an action role.In this what is of sorts, a comedy revenge film, Stallone plays a bodyguard named Frankie, who is assigned the job of protecting his boss' daughter, Jennifer played by Madeleine Stowe. The catch is, Frankie's boss, Angelo (the late Anthony Quinn) did not tell Jennifer that he is in fact her biological father and would only know when Angelo passed on. Thus creating complications. At first, Jennifer denies such a claim but soon learns that Frankie knows more than she ever could, making her come to grips with the reality and wanting revenge of Angelo's death. The film is directed and written by some not so well known people that will have viewers leery about deciding to watch it - that's understandable.But to be honest, it really isn't all that bad. It's by no means the next biggest laugh out loud film but it does have its moments. First off, here's why this movie is more or less an action parody; how the Italian language is perceived. There is a mob boss called Malatesta - mala is the word for bad and testa is the word for head in Italian. In other words, he's a headache. Of course, if you don't know Italian, that's not the viewer's fault but the point is that the writers did incorporate some sense of humor into the language.The majority of the action that goes on here is all shootings since the plot revolves around mobs, bosses and hits. That's about it, there's one fight scene but it isn't anything being too excited over. But here's the films strongest point, the characters. The way Stallone's character was written has a very good memory and it's funny to watch him ramble off a bunch of information that Jennifer didn't know about or to prove someone else wrong because they were lying. Frankie is that good of a bodyguard. What's also enjoyable is how Frankie disposes of the hit men that try to kill Jennifer. It's done so nonchalantly that it helps make that scene, that much more comical. But in all honesty, not every scene does its job. A lot of the comedy is hit or miss and that's where the film falls flat.Madeleine Stowe does an alright job playing Jennifer because she has no clue how to deal with the mafia. But her character also lacks intelligence on some very well known things – things that involve common sense. It's insulting. As Anthony Quinn's last film, his performance is appropriate since he's Italian he plays what is famously known as the "God father" portrayal. And for what it's worth, it seems like he went out with a smile, which is good, since this film is dedicated to him. Lastly, Bill Conti's music to the film is good too. It has some very sweet piano tunes and goofy Italian related themes. However, the insertion of contemporary music wasn't always needed. It felt too much like the movie was being directed as another genre. For a comedy starring Stallone, it's alright.It is by far from being an excellent comedy but it does work in a number of scenes. It is more of a revenge parody than it is an actual comedy.

asiegel-8 I really enjoyed this movie. Women will love this movie, most men will hate it. I feel this movie was poorly advertised, I never heard of it until recently when it was on TV. It was likely not advertised properly. If you like movies like; Only You, Legally Blonde, and so on that are light, usually predictable, with some laugh out loud moments you will enjoy this. Nice to see Stallone not be this Hollywood oiled up creation to be a tough guy, let's be real he is like 5'8". This is a movie you sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy.Madeline Stowe is a well off unhappy housewife, forced to let her 8 year old son go to boarding school, she gets wrapped up in romance novel book clubs and develops a crush on the writer (a very good looking Italian) while her husband is sleeping with her best friend. She learns, from Stallone, he has been watching her to protect her and in love with her since she was a girl. He lets her know of her real identity, her parents were paid to adopt her, her adoptive father is gay, her biological father was a mob boss who was murdered and she decides to get revenge and take control of her life to find peace and happiness. I really enjoyed this flick, my husband went into another room to watch Sports Center.

phd_travel This is a light hearted romantic mob comedy with a good cast. It wasn't successful and there were some scathing reviews. It's true the screenplay is flawed with some dull moments and painful jokes and the pace is slow. But it's not that bad. On the plus side there is some attractive Italian scenery. There are funny moments spaced throughout the movie.Madeleine Stowe is still very beautiful here. Sylvester Stallone plays her bodyguard and turns in as a competent comedic performance. Raoul Bova plays a love interest for Madeleine. Anthony Quinn in his last movie role plays Madeleine's father.Overall I think it is worth a watch.

takingside I always thought that this film never got a cinematic release because of Stallone's string of flops, back then. I was wrong!!!'Avening Angelo' is a classic example of decent actors wasted over shallow writing and awful direction. The screen-play (if there was one) is just awful and the director Martyn Burke has no idea where to go with it.The actors, both Sly and Madeleine, ooze charm and look fresh but the thin script really leaves them with no room for performance at all.Sly at times seems too conscious of the camera and doesn't feel comfortable between his toupees and comical gestures. However, he does prove that, yes, he can speak fluently if provided the opportunity:)Another thing I would like to say is that for someone like Sly who has quite a bit of experience of writing screen-plays, he really should have known better than to pick this one.Not worth your time....you're better off leaving this one alone.My rating....3 out of 10!