Tag: Nicolas Cage

Dream Scenario (2023) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h42
Release 10.11.2013
Director Kristoffer Burgle
About A family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. However, when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, he’s forced to navigate the consequences of his newfound stardom.
Moon: Not that I saw

Trailer:

The Good

Nic Cage does what he does best; he gives us an extroverted off the wall, unhinged performance while still presenting a strangely bumbling every-man. No one could provide us with both and make it convincing.

The story is scary. It’s creepy and chilling, not only in terms of the dreams but the way people respond firstly to the dreams, but then to the real Paul. It actually is a fascinating look at celebrity and cancel culture.

There’s just something about a horror that makes you laugh as well as be on edge. Largely to do with Cage’s performance you just cannot help but have a good time.

The Bad

There’s a very cringe and awkward scene near the mid mark that will put you off sex for life. That is literally all I’m going to say on the matter. If, and once, you’ve watched it, we have much to discuss.

The Ugly

Nic Cage is only getting better. Even with his bad performances, he’s a genius and he’s had four films and a lifelong dream fulfilled (eh, sort of) with a cameo. However, in recent weeks Nic Cage has spoken about retirement and it’s making me sad.

Final Thoughts

An odd story, an even odder Nic Cage and I loved (almost) every minute of it. I do have a theory though and I need to know if anyone else picked up on something that comes back towards the end of the movie.

Film Review: Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

Rating 25
Length 1h 28
Release 12.2.2021
Dir Kevin Lewis
About When his car breaks down, a quiet loner agrees to clean an abandoned family fun center in exchange for repairs. He soon finds himself waging war against possessed animatronic mascots while trapped inside Willy’s Wonderland.

The Good

It’s chaotic and bonkers. It is Cabin in the Woods meets Jennifer’s Body by way of The Dead Don’t Die. It’s not going to everyone’s cup of tea but it is entertaining.

  • This film is chaotic, bonkers and the perfect vehicle for Nicolas Cage. This is gory, volatile type of horror that is more likely to make to chuckle or squirm than scream.
  • It’s not for everyone, but it feels like Cabin in the Woods (2011) meets Jennifer’s Body (2009) by way of The Dead Don’t Die (2019). So while its not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, if you like those movies this will be, at the very least, entertaining for you.
  • The lighting in this film (aside from the migraine inducing strobe) is incredible. I can’t put my finger on how it was done, but it adds light to the screen so you can see the action, without dulling the atmosphere.

The Bad

  • Nicolas Cage doesn’t speak. Now, he does a perfectly excellent job at presenting the character without words. That, I have no issue with. I just really missed Cage’s manic dialogue.
  • There are few really weird plot choices that are left unexplained. They just seem like plot devices and that’s a little disappointing.

The Ugly

  • The flashing/ strobe lighting that’s used at the beginning and partway through is nauseating. I totally understanding the artistic decision for it, however it detracts more than it adds.
  • With Nicolas Cage’s character mute, he’s not well rounded. It means we’re in the same position as the rest of the cast, but it has come at the expense of not investing in any of the characters.

Final Thoughts

It’s flawed (What Nic Cage project in the last decade isn’t), but well worth your time.