"Drive Angry" film review
"Drive Angry" film review by: Matthew R. Reis (Now on DVD)
3 Stars
As featured in: The Ithacan
Back in 1996 Nicholas Cage won an Oscar for lead role in Leaving Las Vegas,” but has lately accepted far less noteworthy roles in flops like this January’s “Season of the Witch.” However, the clichéd “Drive Angry 3D,” is an oddly fulfilling movie showcasing a reinvigorated and refocused Cage.
Set in the Deep South, convicted felon Milton (Cage) has literally been to Hell and back. He busts out of Hell in order to rescue his baby granddaughter from the same cult who killed his daughter. Milton enlists the help of Piper (Amber Heard), a sexy twenty-something waitress with a mean streak. But, the Devil’s right hand man, The Accountant, isn’t fond of being short a soul is eager to return Milton to his fiery cell.
The movie recycles plot elements from previous Cage films in a highly cohesive and successful manner. While “Ghost Rider” also features Cage as a hell dwelling vigilante, audiences laughed at, not with the movie. On paper, Milton is similar to Ghost Rider, because they are both have moxie and an uncanny ability to kill people. Though Milton isn’t a demon, with a fiery skull and possesses more realistic human emotions.
Cinematographer Brian Pearson balances the 3D effects well with the more organic, less technological aspects of the picture. The depth and clarity of the 3D is easy on the eyes, and Pearson uses the technology without any gimmicky fluff. Rather than having objects continually pop off the screen, he takes a more naturalistic approach by focusing on the blocking, which highlights the actor’s movements and strengthens their onscreen chemistry. As a result, “Drive Angry” is more like a piece of art than another 3D extravaganza that empties wallets.
The film’s only mega star is Cage while the rest of the cast lacks notoriety. William Fichtner plays The Accountant with a Joe Cool attitude that gives his character an ease of persuasion reminiscent of Capt. Jack Sparrow. Cage and Heard have good chemistry and the father-daughter relationship that develops onscreen adds a serious, dramatic edge to the film.
“Drive Angry” attempts to modernize the exploitative, gritty style of 1970’s grindhouse movies. Naturally, the oozing sex appeal of Heard is unabashedly played up as she dons short shorts and tight shirts. Composer Michael Wandmacher music works well with the throwback theme blending funky, energetic beats with the action. Sadly, the script by Todd Farmer and writer-director Patrick Lussier isn’t as engaging as the score. While Cage gives one particularly cheesy line, “Wouldn't wanna be you when Satan finds out! What's he gonna do, not let me back in?” he embraces the script and delivers the tongue-in-cheek to great effect.
In 2000, the visceral, asphalt-hugging film “Gone in Sixty Seconds” featured Cage as a carjacker. The highflying racing sequences are very similar, albeit in two-dimensions. While all of the chases were necessary in “Sixty,” Milton’s pursuit of the cult in “Drive Angry” is mostly filler, and gets old. Besides the shoddy script, the chases are the weakest part of the film.
Nicholas Cage’s acting is far from a national treasure, but he delivers a scintillating performance this time around. The 3D coexists doesn’t detract from the performances and story. The success of this 104-minute romp is far from accidental because it is blissfully over-the-top entertainment.
“Drive Angry” was written by Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier and directed by Patrick Lussier.
Checkout the angriest trailer you'll ever see below:
3 Stars
As featured in: The Ithacan
Back in 1996 Nicholas Cage won an Oscar for lead role in Leaving Las Vegas,” but has lately accepted far less noteworthy roles in flops like this January’s “Season of the Witch.” However, the clichéd “Drive Angry 3D,” is an oddly fulfilling movie showcasing a reinvigorated and refocused Cage.
Set in the Deep South, convicted felon Milton (Cage) has literally been to Hell and back. He busts out of Hell in order to rescue his baby granddaughter from the same cult who killed his daughter. Milton enlists the help of Piper (Amber Heard), a sexy twenty-something waitress with a mean streak. But, the Devil’s right hand man, The Accountant, isn’t fond of being short a soul is eager to return Milton to his fiery cell.
The movie recycles plot elements from previous Cage films in a highly cohesive and successful manner. While “Ghost Rider” also features Cage as a hell dwelling vigilante, audiences laughed at, not with the movie. On paper, Milton is similar to Ghost Rider, because they are both have moxie and an uncanny ability to kill people. Though Milton isn’t a demon, with a fiery skull and possesses more realistic human emotions.
Cinematographer Brian Pearson balances the 3D effects well with the more organic, less technological aspects of the picture. The depth and clarity of the 3D is easy on the eyes, and Pearson uses the technology without any gimmicky fluff. Rather than having objects continually pop off the screen, he takes a more naturalistic approach by focusing on the blocking, which highlights the actor’s movements and strengthens their onscreen chemistry. As a result, “Drive Angry” is more like a piece of art than another 3D extravaganza that empties wallets.
The film’s only mega star is Cage while the rest of the cast lacks notoriety. William Fichtner plays The Accountant with a Joe Cool attitude that gives his character an ease of persuasion reminiscent of Capt. Jack Sparrow. Cage and Heard have good chemistry and the father-daughter relationship that develops onscreen adds a serious, dramatic edge to the film.
“Drive Angry” attempts to modernize the exploitative, gritty style of 1970’s grindhouse movies. Naturally, the oozing sex appeal of Heard is unabashedly played up as she dons short shorts and tight shirts. Composer Michael Wandmacher music works well with the throwback theme blending funky, energetic beats with the action. Sadly, the script by Todd Farmer and writer-director Patrick Lussier isn’t as engaging as the score. While Cage gives one particularly cheesy line, “Wouldn't wanna be you when Satan finds out! What's he gonna do, not let me back in?” he embraces the script and delivers the tongue-in-cheek to great effect.
In 2000, the visceral, asphalt-hugging film “Gone in Sixty Seconds” featured Cage as a carjacker. The highflying racing sequences are very similar, albeit in two-dimensions. While all of the chases were necessary in “Sixty,” Milton’s pursuit of the cult in “Drive Angry” is mostly filler, and gets old. Besides the shoddy script, the chases are the weakest part of the film.
Nicholas Cage’s acting is far from a national treasure, but he delivers a scintillating performance this time around. The 3D coexists doesn’t detract from the performances and story. The success of this 104-minute romp is far from accidental because it is blissfully over-the-top entertainment.
“Drive Angry” was written by Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier and directed by Patrick Lussier.
Checkout the angriest trailer you'll ever see below:
As always thanks for reading!
©2011 Matthew R. Reis, All rights reserved.
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