Almost an Angel

Almost an Angel

Year: 1990

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: John Cornell

Comedy

Terry Dean, a talented electronics specialist and career thief, is released from prison only to be struck by a car while rescuing a little girl. In the hospital he dreams that God tells him he’s been made an Angel and must atone for his past. Though he lacks supernatural powers, Terry uses his skills and street‑wise ingenuity to perform good deeds and prove his new purpose.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Almost an Angel (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Almost an Angel (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1980s to 1990

The narrative plays out in a contemporary late-1980s United States setting. A hospital sequence hints at the era, with Highway to Heaven on a TV in the room. Terry's use of a universal remote to manipulate broadcasts reflects the tech-pop culture of the time. Overall, the tone aligns with a late-1980s/early-1990s milieu.

Location

Prison, Hospital, Church, Paradise Bar, Youth Center

The story unfolds across several urban locations. It begins in a prison, moves to a hospital, then to a church, and to a local Paradise Bar and a youth center run by Steve and Rose. Each setting anchors Terry's redemption arc: the prison and hospital remind him of his past, the church and bar test his faith, and the youth center becomes the space for giving back.

🏙️ Urban 🤝 Community ⛪ Religious backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

Main Characters – Almost an Angel (1990)

Meet the key characters of Almost an Angel (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Terry Dean (Paul Hogan)

A skilled burglar who tailors his crimes with gadgets and disguises, then undergoes a dramatic moral awakening after a life-altering hospital encounter with God. He evolves into an angel-in-training who uses his talents to protect and uplift others, seeking redemption through acts of service.

🕊️ Redemption 🧠 Tech-savvy 🫶 Compassionate

Steve Garner (Elias Koteas)

A wheelchair-bound, terminally ill man who becomes Terry's ally and friend at the youth center. His guarded pain gives way to camaraderie and purpose as he supports Terry's mission to help at-risk youths.

🫶 Compassionate ♿ Wheelchair-bound 🤝 Loyal friend

Rose Garner (Linda Kozlowski)

Runs the youth center with Steve and is initially skeptical of Terry. Over time she becomes protective of the kids, witnessing Terry's genuine care and eventually developing romantic trust.

💪 Protector ❤️ Hopeful 🤝 Trusting

George Bealeman (Parley Baer)

The center's backer who pretends to be devout. His willingness to fund the project wavers, prompting Terry to demonstrate his ingenuity by manipulating a telecast to secure continued support.

💰 Wealthy ⛪ Hypocritical Christian 🧭 Pragmatic

Reverend Barton (Ben Slack)

An evangelist whose televised message is exploited to motivate George Bealeman and illuminate the tension between faith and materialism.

📺 TV Evangelist 🕍 Faith-driven 🗣️ Charismatic

Det. Bill (David Alan Grier)

A detective in pursuit of Terry, representing the law and the film's moral counterforce as Terry navigates temptation and its consequences.

👮 Law enforcement 🕵️ Pursuit 🧭 Moral compass

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

Major Themes – Almost an Angel (1990)

Explore the central themes of Almost an Angel (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Redemption

An ex-criminal's path to atonement drives the narrative as Terry uses his skills to help others and seek forgiveness. His journey culminates in acts of selflessness—returning money, guiding the community, and embracing a higher calling as an angel-in-training. The arc emphasizes mercy, growth, and the possibility of a second chance.

🙏 Faith & Miracles

Divine presence and signs punctuate Terry's transformation, with God appearing as a probation officer and the lit cross signaling a test of character. The hospital, church, and bar act as stages for miracles, both literal and metaphorical, shaping how characters perceive meaning and destiny.

🤝 Community & Healing

The youth center becomes a focal point for hope, sheltering children and teens under Steve and Rose's care. Terry teaches boxing and fixes arcade games, helping the center survive financial troubles and proving that mentorship and support can spur personal change.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

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Quirky Redemption Tales like Almost an Angel

Stories where flawed characters get a second chance through unexpected means.For viewers who enjoyed Almost an Angel, this list features movies about unexpected redemption. If you like stories where con artists, thieves, or ordinary flawed people get a second chance through a whimsical or faith-based premise, you'll find similar heartwarming and uplifting comedies here.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a self-serving protagonist who experiences a life-altering event that forces a reevaluation of their path. Using their unique, often morally grey skills for good, they embark on a series of well-intentioned acts, forming genuine connections and discovering a new purpose, leading to a transformation that is both earned and touching.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on redemption arcs that are more whimsical than grim. They blend humor with sincere emotional moments, creating a hopeful and uplifting vibe even when dealing with serious themes like loss or regret. The pacing is steady, allowing the character's change to feel organic.

Bittersweet Hopeful Comedies like Almost an Angel

Uplifting stories that aren't afraid to touch on real sadness.If you liked the mix of humor and heartfelt emotion in Almost an Angel, this collection is for you. Discover movies that make you laugh but also carry a poignant, bittersweet edge. These similar films feature steady pacing, medium emotional weight, and endings that are uplifting yet touched with genuine feeling.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives often revolve around a central comedic premise or character, but introduce a sobering reality—such as illness, past mistakes, or irrevocable loss—that challenges the protagonist. The journey involves navigating this sadness while striving for a positive outcome, resulting in an ending that feels hopeful yet authentically tinged with the story's emotional complexities.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their unique tonal blend. The primary experience is comedic and hopeful, but the inclusion of real stakes and emotional depth prevents the story from feeling lightweight. This creates a more satisfying and resonant viewer experience, appealing to those who enjoy laughs without complete avoidance of life's tougher moments.

Unlock the Full Story of Almost an Angel

Don't stop at just watching — explore Almost an Angel in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Almost an Angel is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Almost an Angel Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Almost an Angel, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Almost an Angel Summary

Almost an Angel Timeline

Track the full timeline of Almost an Angel with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Almost an Angel Timeline

Almost an Angel Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Almost an Angel that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Almost an Angel Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Almost an Angel

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Almost an Angel: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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