3/5 stars for me. I was riding 4 stars for much of the flick, but Besson lost me during the final act.
First, the good. Script is tight and cast is small, so you never feel like the movie is rambling. Shot in black & white, you won't be distracted by colorful backdrops, random cars & people, etc. It's intentionally intimate. The acting was very good, even by the gangsters who are barely on screen. And generally speaking I did like the semi-It's A Wonderful Life Story (one of the few perfect movies ever made).
Andre immediately falls for his hot guardian angel and wants to know about her past. She knows as much as he does, as it turns out angels have their memories erased to keep them focused on their tasks. That was probably the most effective part of the movie -- watching Andre come to the realization that at the end of the day, other people's problems may make him feel better or worse, but they won't make him show some initiative and take charge of his own life.
Now, the distracting. The final act increased the sense of urgency as Angela was being called back to heaven, and Andre desperately wanted this newfound love to stay with him. Good. But what *exactly* is Angela's purpose? Is she sent by God to help Andre get on the right path, and then she'll be called home without further involvement? I mean she see's the future, has all these supernatural abilities. So seeing her wings pop out and watch her ascend (perhaps even against her will) was tragic, but very satisfying. It felt right within the context of the story.
Instead, Andre clings to her and his earthly power is somehow stronger than God's power? Sure, she loves him and isn't thrilled about them parting, but she reports to someone with ultimate authority. She knows Andre has a life ahead of him with ____ (can't remember the name). But the two crash back to their favorite pond to start a new life together, choosing to forget about that all powerful God who was responsible for turing Andre around in the first place. There is no sign that Angela is now a complete mortal. As far as we know, her wings were just removed.
So either Andre's will is more powerful than God's will, or God thought it would be sweet to let Angela stay on earth with Andre and change an already established future. Either way, the end was wrong. Here's how it could have been totally solved with ONE line of dialogue: Andre calls her _____ instead of Angela. (Whatever the name of his future wife is). Angela knew he'd have a wife and beautiful kids, but no more details.
As it is, I'm just plain neutral about Angel-A.