Upon watching trailers for Angel Eyes, I just couldn't figure out what the hell this movie was going to be about. The studio sort of made it look haunting. It came across like it might be some kind of Sixth Sense movie or something. While watching the picture I realized there probably was no right way to market it. It's not that the movie is bad. There's just a lot going on in it.

Jennifer Lopez plays a cop who seems to have things worse in her home life than she does when she's out on the job. Obviously lonely, yet hesitant and afraid to fall in love, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious man (played by Frequency's Jim Caviezel) who has some issues of his own. As the story progresses, the two souls begin to fall for one another while they desperately try to pick up the pieces of their individual lives.

Angel Eyes was directed by Luis Mandoki, a strong film maker who likes to deal with stories about relationship struggles (see White Palace or When a Man Loves a Woman). He directs this film at an intentional slow pace, unveiling revelation upon revelation as his two lead characters try to cope with personal problems. Mandoki is very observant especially where family is concerned. He seems to have much insight into the all American dysfunctional family. However, as strong as these moments are, the love story seems stilted. I really had a hard time getting into it. I was much more interested in Lopez's and Caviezel's personal struggles.

Lopez gives an uneven performance. Usually she's effective, particularly when she's dealing with her parents (watch for a scene in which she pours her heart out in front of a video camera, because it's a doozy), but in other moments she's just not believable (especially when exuding anger). Still, this is her strongest work since Out of Sight. Caviezel is good but this is a one note performance. Actually, it feels like an extension of his role in Pay it Forward (early on in the film, he's even seen doing all kinds of good deeds.)

Angel Eyes is a film full of interesting moments, but ultimately, it feels disjointed, and I was very aggravated by the stupid songs on the soundtrack that seemed hell-bent on manipulating the audience. Doesn't the damn studio trust us? The scenes speak for themselves, and the inclusion of these songs felt more intrusive then anything else.

While Angel Eyes does offer up a haunting vibe, it really doesn't stick with it. This is a story about redemption and people moving on with their lives. And while I thought the picture was watchable, it could have been much better. Mandoki can be much more effective. Hopefully he will be next time.