There are so many reasons why a movie like "Cowboys and Angels" shouldn't work that it's a wonder it does at all.
Let's start with the fact that it's a live-action, PG-rated movie that wasn't made for children, nor is it specifically aimed at families — something that's almost unheard of in the filmmaking industry these days.
Then there were the serious cast defections that could have shut down the entire production (among the actors originally supposed to be in the movie but who dropped out at the last minute are Matt LeBlanc and Gretchen Mol, who were replaced by independent-film actors).
But somehow "Cowboys and Angels" succeeds in doing what it sets out to do, which is to tell an interesting story and, at the same time, say something about the influence one person can have on another's life.
And that's not to say that the film always does this well. To be truthful, there are times when the main story line is obscured by a few distracting subplots — though they're certainly nothing serious — as well as a too-obtrusive score that keeps beating the film to the emotional punch.
The cowboy in the film's title is Danny Sorenson (Adam Trese), an attorney who has a love for country music and bad luck with women.
Lately, Danny has been obsessing about his most recent relationship, which went awry just days before his planned wedding. If there's someone who's going to help him get over that, it may be the mysterious JoJo (Radha Mitchell, from "Pitch Black"), who loves weddings but who enigmatically tells Danny that she can never have one.
However, that doesn't stop her from getting extremely close to Danny, who — despite her warnings and his reservations — falls extremely hard for his new, wedding-crasher companion.
Unfortunately for him, their promising relationship ends as soon as it begins, with JoJo telling him they can no longer see each other — seemingly out of the blue.
At this point, Danny seriously begins to wonder if his broken heart will ever mend. But just as he swears off dating, he meets pretty cowgirl Candice (Mia Kirshner), whom he manages to save from some rowdy bar patrons.
The two try to take it slowly, but it's clear they're falling for each other. But this relationship may also be doomed, since JoJo has reappeared — in the same mysterious manner that she first entered Danny's life.
Given Gregory C. Haynes' track record (especially with the awful Richard Grieco-Yasmine Bleeth "Heaven or Vegas"), "Cowboys and Angels" has to be considered a great leap forward for the local filmmaker.
Here, he tells a sweeter, simpler story, one that benefits from good performances by Mitchell (for whom the film was written) and Kirshner — they both have charm and energy to spare.
The dour-looking Trese doesn't fare nearly as well, and his performance never progresses much beyond the brooding phase, even in scenes when his character is supposed to be cheerier.
(Attentive local moviegoers will also be able to recognize many local landmarks and street signs, as well as the easily identifiable Salt Lake City skyline, although the movie isn't specifically set in Utah.)
"Cowboys and Angels" is rated PG for violence (a brief fight outside a bar, as well as some target-shooting) and some thematic elements. Running time: 100 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com