Podcast Summary: High and Mighty - “UNLOCKED: ActionBoyz Dark Angel aka I Come In Peace (1990)”

Overview

In this episode of "High and Mighty," hosted by Gabrus from Headgum, the team dives deep into the 1990 action/sci-fi film "Dark Angel," also known as "I Come in Peace." The hosts—John Gabrus, Ryan Stanger, and Jackie Johnson—provide a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of the movie, blending their characteristic humor and spontaneous tangents with insightful critiques of the film's elements.

Introduction to "Dark Angel"

The episode begins with an enthusiastic introduction to "Dark Angel." Ryan Stanger sets the stage by describing Dolph Lundgren's role as Jack Kane, a tough Texas cop tasked with stopping future—or even alien—criminals. He humorously notes, “[00:10] Ryan Stanger: ...this is a very special episode of Action Boys about the movie called Dark Angel. AKA I Come in Peace. A real goofy one.”

Plot and Structure Analysis

The hosts dissect the film's convoluted plot, which intertwines buddy cop dynamics with alien sci-fi elements. Ryan critiques the multiple cold opens, expressing confusion over the pacing: “[14:07] Ryan Stanger: ...five cold opens before you get to like what, like who the leads are and what's actually happening in the movie.” This disjointed structure leads to a fragmented narrative that the hosts find hard to follow.

Character Performances and Development

Dolph Lundgren's portrayal of Jack Kane is both praised and critiqued. Jackie Johnson remarks on Kane's physical transformation and demeanor changes, saying, “[21:40] Jackie Johnson: ...he's got the worse haircut. He must be one of us.” This highlights the inconsistency in character development, making Kane's actions seem out of sync with his established personality.

Agent Switzer, portrayed by Brian Ben, is another focal point. The hosts find his over-the-top obsession with rules and his boss character to be a weak point in the film: “[15:10] Jackie Johnson: ...Brian Ben, Ben's character is too annoying.” This rigidity disrupts the film's balance between comedy and action.

Direction and Production Insights

The trio appreciates Stan Lathan (Baxley) for his stunt coordination, acknowledging his work in "Predator" and "Stone Cold." Gabrus states, “[18:39] John Gabrus: ...Baxley was the stunt coordinator on Predator and Silver, was producing. Produced Predator and was producing this movie...” His expertise in action sequences is evident, yet the hosts feel that the film's narrative suffers despite the commendable stunt work.

Comparisons to Genre Staples

"Dark Angel" is compared to other buddy cop films like "Lethal Weapon" and "Action Jackson." The hosts note that while "Dark Angel" attempts to blend genres, it fails to capture the seamless integration seen in its more successful counterparts. “[15:17] Ryan Stanger: ...it is funny that the simple thing of like giant badass cop and small annoying FBI guy should just work and that doesn't.”

Strengths: Action Sequences and Special Effects

Despite its narrative flaws, the film's action sequences receive high praise. Ryan enthusiastically comments, “[14:49] Ryan Stanger: Explosions are fucking awesome. So much shit blows up here.” The special effects, particularly the alien's unique abilities and weaponry, are highlighted as standout elements that sustain viewer interest.

Weaknesses: Plot Coherence and Character Motivations

The main criticism revolves around the film's lack of plot coherence and underdeveloped character motivations. Instances where characters act illogically or dialogue feels forced are frequently mentioned. For example, the alien's sudden appearance and the FBI's inconsistent actions contribute to the film's disjointed feel: “[75:30] Jackie Johnson: ...and why aren't they curious about the alien's motives?”

Humor and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a lighthearted and humorous tone, often veering off into unrelated tangents. This includes playful insults, personal anecdotes, and humorous takes on their experiences, making the summary engaging and entertaining. For instance, they joke about their own promotional efforts and share funny personal stories related to film and action genres.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts give "Dark Angel" a mixed review. While they commend the film's action sequences and unique special effects, they lament its narrative inconsistencies and character development issues. Ryan concludes, “[168:44] Jackie Johnson: ...So yeah, this movie's insane,” reflecting the overall sentiment that "Dark Angel" is enjoyable for its action but falls short in storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• “[14:07] Ryan Stanger: ...five cold opens before you get to like what, like who the leads are and what's actually happening in the movie.”
• “[15:10] Jackie Johnson: ...Brian Ben, Ben's character is too annoying.”
• “[14:49] Ryan Stanger: Explosions are fucking awesome. So much shit blows up here.”
• “[75:30] Jackie Johnson: ...and why aren't they curious about the alien's motives.”
• “[168:44] Jackie Johnson: ...So yeah, this movie's insane.”

Key Takeaways

• Action vs. Narrative: "Dark Angel" excels in delivering high-octane action scenes and innovative special effects but struggles with maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative.

• Character Dynamics: The buddy cop dynamic intended to add depth falls flat due to inconsistent character motivations and underdeveloped relationships.

• Genre Blending: The attempt to merge buddy cop tropes with sci-fi elements is ambitious but ultimately not seamless, leading to tonal inconsistencies.

• Humorous Critique: The hosts' humorous and candid critique provides an entertaining analysis, making complex film discussions accessible and enjoyable.

This episode offers a balanced critique of "Dark Angel," highlighting its strengths in action and special effects while addressing its shortcomings in storytelling and character development. Whether you're a fan of action films or enjoy humorous film critiques, this summary encapsulates the essence of the hosts' detailed discussion.