In the realm of American history, Hollywood often takes the spotlight, overshadowing the stories of other nations. However, there are still gaps in American history left untouched by filmmakers. One such fascinating tale is that of the 19th Century Mormons. In 1995, Turner Pictures endeavored to shed light on this history with "The Avenging Angel," a television western directed by Craig W. Baixley.
Based on the novel by Gary Stewart, the film opens with a prologue set in the 1840s in the USA. Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons, face persecution due to their unconventional religious beliefs, including polygamy. Following the murder of their founder Joseph Smith, surviving Mormons, led by Brigham Young (portrayed by Charlton Heston), embark on a dangerous journey to the American West, where they establish a theocratic state in Utah. The "Danites" or "Avenging Angels," a group of Mormon militia and death squads, are formed to protect their interests. However, as political dynamics shift in 1872, Miles Utley (played by Tom Berenger), the most skilled of the "Danites," uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the Mormons from within. Forced to become a renegade, Utley must navigate a web of danger to clear his name and safeguard the Mormon leader.
While American cinema has shied away from Mormon history for various reasons, "The Avenging Angel" offers a new perspective on this lesser-known chapter. Despite condensing complex historical events into a standard television format, the film manages to present a somewhat sympathetic portrayal of Mormons. However, the weak and predictable conspiracy plot detracts from the overall impact of the story.
The film's saving grace lies in its cast, with Tom Berenger delivering a solid performance as both actor and producer. Veteran actors Heston and Coburn provide additional gravitas, though the performance of young Daniel Quinn falls short in the role of the villain. Director Craig W. Baixley's expertise in action sequences shines through, elevating the film visually. Yet, the focus on action scenes leaves little room for character development.
In conclusion, "The Avenging Angel" falls short of its potential, offering glimpses of a compelling narrative that could have been more fully realized. Recommended for those intrigued by obscure historical tales, the film ultimately misses the mark in delivering a truly immersive experience.
Rating: 4/10 (+)
(Note: This review was originally posted in the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on November 12th, 2002)
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