Tommy Lee Jones Shines in Modern 'Angel' Adaptation

The third cinematic iteration of "Angel and the Badman" has arrived, directed by Julio Quintana and starring Zachary Levi. This latest version, released in 2025 as a rebranded Angel media company project, attempts to capture the spirit of the 1947 original but is noted for prioritizing piety over excitement.

The original 1947 film, produced and starred by John Wayne, was a unique blend of western action and redemption drama. It presented Wayne as Quirt Evans, a gunman saved by a Quaker family, highlighting character depth and atmosphere. The new adaptation is criticized for smoothing over this western texture, resulting in a less compelling narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones garners praise for his role as a U.S. Marshall, bringing wit and presence to his character. However, his performance sometimes overshadows the main plot. Zachary Levi, as Quirt, faces challenges in reconciling the character's conflicting traits and tonal shifts within the script.

This remake, like its distributor Angel's "values-based" model, leans heavily into Christian themes. However, critics argue it trades the original's subtle piety and chemistry for overt sanctimony, ultimately failing to resonate as strongly. The film's visual aesthetic, while featuring New Mexico's scenery, lacks authentic period detail.