In the 80+ DVD movies I have, and I’m sure that is a small collection (we still have VHS’ too, and each boy has their own collection of DVD’s. But, in mine alone, out of eighty movies that range from Schindler’s List to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, and the “feel good romp” of Mystic River, thirteen of these movies have Nicholas Cage in them. I told you this was an Extremely Biased Film Review. My passion for Nicholas Cage, and his acting knows very little bounds and has only recently been replaced by Viggo Mortensen, who I only have two DVD’s of.
There are some actors who just have to act, even if the movie is a stinker. But, then again, in whose opinion? So here are my thoughts on the Cage movies I own. Starting alphabetically and some in more depth than others:
8mm: Very good movie and performance by Cage. It is, however a dark and disturbing movie about an “obsessive search for the truth.” Cage handles it well and you walk away haunted. I highly recommend it.
Adaptation: Cage does a good job of becoming a weak, simpering, overweight fool twin. Why in God’s name he would want this is beyond me. This movie doesn’t deserve either Cage or Meryl Streep. It cons you into buying it because it was by the creator of Being John Malkovich, an excellent film. The best thing about Adaptation is the cover photo of Cage’s face on a broken flower pot.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin: Okay one of the top Chick-Flick, wish you were his co-star, movies of all times. And, he learned to play the Mandolin for it. It’s a great romantic story with a sexy lead. Men ask, why the heck is Nicholas Cage considered sexy? I don’t know guys, maybe it’s the fact that he doesn’t hesitate to throw himself into everything he does. He’s not afraid to look foolish or dance or learn to play the Mandolin. I don’t want men fighting over me. I want a man who keeps living life to the fullest, without shame or fear of looking stupid, and Cage has got that down. YUMMM!
City of Angels: One of my absolute favorite movies of all time. Talk about living life to the fullest. There is a line in this movie about rather living a life with you than an eternity without you. Wouldn’t we all give anything to have that kind of love? In this movie, the Protagonist gives up immortality for the woman he loves. When you are watching this film you realize that maybe you haven’t been living life to the fullest, yourself. Close your eyes and tell me what a pomegranite tastes like, but tell me with your sense of touch and sound and eyes, not your taste. Just watch it and you will understand.
Con Air: Why I had to buy this is unknown, because Starz plays it about every three months. It’s a movie that when nothing else is on, including Two and a Half Men, you can watch it over and over and over and over. And, I have. Cage looks fantastic in long curly hair and jeans. He hasn’t overdone the accent. You want him fighting for your friends and coming home to you. There are some great other actors in this: John Cusack, John Malkovich, and an awsome performance by Steve Buscemi.
The Family Man: This is a movie for when a group of friends are half watching. You won’t mind them talking during it. It’s good and funny. He goes from being a wealthy womanizing bachelor to a married man. He learns to love his kids and get more out of life than the almighty dollar. Just average stuff.
Guarding Tess: I have no idea why I like this, but I do. Shirley MacLane does an excellent job as a crudgy retired first lady; escaping her guards and giving Cage a hard time. He’s a reluctant body guard but when the chips are down, he’s there for her.
LORD OF WAR: Okay, notice the caps. This is my vote for Oscar winning performance and movie. I love this movie. I think this movie should be a must see for high school kids. It’s based on a real story of an actual illegal gun dealer, who was arrested a year after this was out. Cage is fantastic in it. The story is worth the watch. I don’t know why it didn’t get better reviews, but it deserved them.
Matchstick Men: Billed as an “ingenious, wonderful movie.” Not to me. Cage’s take on an Obsessive Compulsive does not come close to Tony Shalub’s, in Monk. But, then on the back it says he is “agoraphobe, a germaphone” so obviously the acting did not say anything clear to me. It’s an okay movie, when you are sick, have chicken soup and are too tired to read.
Red Rock West: Here’s a little known Cage movie that I fell in love with. He’s just so human in this movie. It’s a great story about a guy who has one thing after another that literally brings him back to a town he would just as soon leave; and for his own safety he needs to leave. It will keep you guessing and entertain you too.
The Rock: Okay, if you get Starz, this is the other Cage movie that plays every three months. Sean Connery and Ed Harris are in it with him and they are a great team of actors. I love the opening scene where Cage, as a bored chemical weapons specialist, sits making a rube goldberg contraption to set fire to a toy Hula Dancer. I’ve watched The Rock a bazillion times (on Starz) and enjoy it every time.
The Weather Man: This one is so good that I barely remember what it is. That’s NOT a good sign, especially when Michael Caine is in it too. The billing, to get you to watch says it is part, American Beauty and part About Schmidt. Well, that says it all. It’s a waste of time movie. Must have been in the $5.00 bin. I think Cage mailed in his performance too.
Windtalkers: I thought about making this it’s own Blog. I do think that Cage deserved an Oscar for this movie. He plays damaged soldier, brave soldier, caring soldier, human soldier excellently. It’s all those things and more. Highly recommend!
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