I have a love/hate relationship with Nicolas Cage and his movies. Cage’s work comes across as either very, very good or very, very bad -- and the same goes for the films he chooses. But I never give up on him. After seeing almost all of this actor’s films – good, bad and in between -- I continue to be a fan whether watching him do comedy, drama, action or romance. His appeal? Probably because although he doesn’t look like a traditional movie star, he usually appears so believable in the diverse roles he plays. My five favorite Cage movies are listed below in chronological order.
RAISING ARIZONA (1987). Cage gets to show off his comedy chops in this wacky Coen Brothers offering. He plays a well-intentioned but not too bright guy who robs convenience stores. He marries a cop (Holly Hunter) who cannot have a child. She persuades him to kidnap one of a group ofquintuplets -- and the fun begins. I couldn’t stop laughing through most of this crazycomedy. Shame on me.
MOONSTRUCK (1987). What a wonderful rom.com! It includes lots of laughs, mostly because of Cage’s melodramatic performance as a one-handed baker who falls for his brother’s bride-to-be (portrayed by Cher, (Oscar winner for this role). The problem? Cher’s character loves him back. What shall they do? I watched Moonstruck againrecently and enjoyed everything about the film’s entertaining story.
NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (2007). Abraham Lincoln’s assassination triggers the events taking place in this fast-paced sequel. Happily, the major parties from the popular first movie return, and two new intriguing characters -- played by Helen Mirren and Ed Harris, This time, Nicolas Cage fits even more snugly into the role of Ben Gates, the world’s most famous treasure hunter. Cage obviously enjoys portraying Ben, probably because this man is definitely NOT a one-note hero. The paradox is that he’s a criminal of sorts, but in a good way.
BANGKOK DANGEROUS (2008). When a hitman decides he’ll take one more assignment before getting out of the game, his plans go awry. Sound familiar? Of course. But in Bangkok Dangerous, Nicolas Cage nails this clichéd character by using his trademark emotionless voice plus his ability to project a vulnerability behind the hitman’s cynicism. Also, Charlie Yeung’s touching performance as Cage’s deaf mute love interest add to the film’s watchability as do Srimantra’s stunning cinematography, and Bryan Tyler’s splendid background music.
RAGE (2014). Rage ends up being a bloody cautionary tale about how revenge can backfire. It also provides Cage with the opportunity to show off his darker side in a role that comes across like an amped-up version of Liam Neeson’s work in the Takenflicks -- and I don’t mean that as a complaint. I was fascinated again by Cage’s ability to draw me into his performance.
Other Nicolas Cage films that impress me include LORD OF WAR, TRAPPED IN PARADISE, LEAVING LAS VEGAS, FACE/OFF, and THE WICKER MAN. (Just kidding about that last one.).
Share
Save
Follow Me