The angels' resentment of humanity--the inferior Johnny-come-latelies who nonetheless command God's love and grace--is fertile dramatic territory, lending an edge even to a flat, direct-to-video sequel like Prophecy 3. The film alternates between atmospheric explorations of emotions, such as Zothael's contemptuous anger or Danyael's confusion, and neo-horror fight scenes updated with a late-'90s budget-Matrix feel. Each of these two components struggles to be the center of the film, echoing the film's conflict between believers and cynics. Is Prophecy 3 a creepy, metaphysical journey to the dark side of a possibly godless universe, or is it angry angels duking it out, a seraphim smackdown?

The hero, too, is "Matrix Light"--very light. Fortunately, Buzzotta, who gets a deadly "introducing" credit for his role as Danyael, is not called upon to carry the film. Like Edward Furlong (John Connor) in Terminator 2, he's the focus but not the soul, more symbol than substance. And, as in T2, the protector and nemesis are far more compelling. Spano's Zothael is freighted with eons of umbrage over the Almighty's inexplicable attention to these small-minded weaklings. He's not so much evil as disgusted. Meanwhile Walken, though he gets star billing, has an essentially advisory role; he does have some interesting scenes, though, including an epiphany in which he realizes what Danyael's purpose must be. Series veteran Hytner is also both good and fun in a crucial role.

The climax of the film involves the confrontation with Pyriel, which has been carefully foreshadowed with premonitions. But because the struggle with Zothael figures so prominently, it's anticlimactic to turn aside to a showdown with a new character alluded to only in cryptic visions. Still, Prophecy 3 is worth watching, and neatly ties up the tale of the earthy angel Gabriel and an ill-fated union between angel and woman.