Dark Angel

Dark Angel, also known as I Come in Peace, is a 1990 action and science fiction film starring Dolph Lundgren, Brian Benben and Betsy Brantley. Directed by Craig R. Baxley, the movie showcases an adrenaline-charged mixture of sci-fi fantasy, riveting criminal investigations and high-stakes buddy cop dynamics. With Lundgren leading the pack, the film offers a dose of intense action, thrills, and 90s nostalgia.

The movie introduces us to Jack Caine (Dolph Lundgren), a hot-shot Houston detective whose approach to law enforcement is unorthodox but effective, characterized by his bold methods and no-nonsense personality. With his craggy good looks and towering stature, Lundgren’s on-screen presence lends a palpable magnetism to his character's tough-guy persona, even when going against the typical cop traditions, for a cause he believes in.

When his partner gets killed in a sting gone wrong involving a gang of white-collar drug dealers, Caine finds himself paired up with the snarky, by-the-book federal agent Arwood 'Larry' Smith, played with a perfect sense of comic timing and acerbic wit by Brian Benben. While they initially clash due to their different methods, both law enforcers soon realize they need to work together to unravel a particularly complex case.

The plot takes a thrilling turn when a series of inexplicable deaths are linked back to an alien entity, introducing a dynamic sci-fi element to the everyday cop-and-robber plot formula. The movie uniquely merges crime with cosmic horror as a mysterious and nearly indestructible alien criminal arrives on Earth, and starts using locals as living drug labs, a scientific method so uncharacteristic of usual crime procedures.

The otherworldly villain, without giving too much away, raises the stakes significantly, offering the audience an antagonist that's both intriguingly complex and chilling in his cruelty while promising an intergalactic menace that our duo must combat together. The advanced technology brought by the extraterrestrial antagonist ensures the action scenes aren't your typical shoot-'em-up fare and involves intriguing sci-fi elements that add an extra edge to the film's pervasive sense of danger.

With our action-hero Lundgren at the helm, moviegoers can expect a festival of gripping action sequences and fight scenes that don’t shy away from showcasing his raw physicality. Whether he's facing human or alien foes, Lundgren's Caine never fails to command attention, leaving viewers rooting for him.

Betsy Brantley plays Diane Pallone, Caine's love interest, gently infusing the hardcore action movie with some moments of emotional vulnerability and providing a welcome counterbalance to the testosterone-heavy dynamic between Caine and his unlikely ally Smith. Their relationship also allows the film to explore themes of love and commitment amid chaos.

Ultimately, Dark Angel is more than just an action movie. It's a fun-house mirror of a 90's cop drama reflecting anxiety over drugs, big-city crime and the encroaching unknown "other," personified by the villain from outer space. Combined with its command over tongue-in-cheek humor, the film delivers more than enough entertainment to engage viewers even when it occasionally dips into the absurd.

Director Craig R. Baxley does a commendable job of harmonizing various genre elements, subtly weaving them into a narrative that's as engaging as it is stylized. The vintage special effects and music further amplify the ‘90s vibes. What makes Dark Angel standout is its unique fusion of procedural drama tropes with extraterrestrial suspense, creating a hybrid narrative that's as surprising as it is appealing.

For fans of action-packed thrill-rides or anyone looking for a hefty dose of 90's nostalgia, Dark Angel promises an engaging watch. It delivers thrill, mystery, humor, and emotional depth, all wrapped into a steady-paced narrative. With its compelling characters and robust storytelling, the film remains a cult classic among sci-fi and action enthusiasts.