Angel-A (2007, DVD)

One of the best films I have seen in recent years. It is really different, but funny and is so French and fun! A love letter to Paris, France, as well as a standout movie in it's own right.
I already enjoy Luc Besson as a filmaker, but this movie had come in under my radar. I didn't know anything about it. So, I rented it at a local store, and so loved it, I had to own one.
It is one part, It's a Wonderful Life, and one part modern crime comedy, where this fellow Andre' is hard pressed to come up with money he owes some bookies and other assorted lowlifes he has had the misfortune to associate with, and in desperation, decides to jump off a bridge in the middle of Paris.
Lo and behold, he is not alone.
A beautiful, and I do mean, BEAUTIFUL girl has the same idea and beats him into the water, spurring our hapless hero into becoming her savior instead of a suicide.
From there, it becomes a tale of who is she, and what is she doing, and willing to do, for Andre' in return.
Cast with only the two primaries in almost every scene, they have to carry the movie, and do they! All the way to the revealing ending, it had me hanging on, and enjoying every minute. It was a VERY satisfying ending to all that as well.
If I fault the DVD, it is only in that there is no English dubbed version, so I can stop reading the wonderfully rapid fire, hilarious dialogue long enough to stare at the ravishing Rei Rasmussen, who plays the title Angela. And the lead role, played by the utterly believable and hilarious Jamel Debbouze, is one of my all-time favorite performances. He just owns the screen. I am a fan now. Must seem more of his work!
But, whatever you do, SEE ANGEL-A! It is a wonderful movie!