Drive Angry (C- or 1.5/4 stars)
Nicolas Cage. Ohhh, Nicolas Cage. Why are you taking part in the films that you are? Granted, 'Drive Angry' (directed by Patrick Lussier) isn't one of his worst (of previous years). But it's certainly nothing to cheer about, either. Cage plays John Milton. At first, Milton seems to be some sort of demented Terminator-like individual; chasing down villains in his car & blowing them away without a care in the world. That's odd, don't you think? Why is he on a tirade? The answer? Wait for it ... he is dead & escaped Hell to get revenge on the man who killed his daughter & kidnapped his granddaughter.
Like the answer? Moving on {haha}. The plot really kicks into gear (no pun intended) when he saves a waitress, Piper (Amber Heard), from a beating by her disgusting two-timing boyfriend & joins her on a road trip to Louisiana; where his granddaughter is believed to be held captive by Jonah King (Billy Burke), a Satanic cult leader. John Milton must act fast, however; because Jonah King plans to sacrifice the granddaughter during the next full moon, which is fast approaching. While Milton hunts down Jonah, he in turn is chased by the mysterious entity named The Accountant (the always sturdy William Fitchner); an "FBI agent" sent from Hell whose dry wit & steely reserve mask how lethal he is when faced with danger.
Now, I have to say, I thought that I would truly hate this. In fact, there's a crazy absurdity about the proceedings that I actually kinda dug for a while. In other words, this is an AWFUL movie that I didn't overly dislike watching. The absurdity - in fits & starts - kept me interested. The special effects are atrocious; hyper-kinetic, cartoonish & inept. 'Drive Angry' is also an exploitation film. There is gore, over-the-top action, honky tonk brawls, flying body parts, there is sex, nudity, sex, nudity ... oh, did I mention sex & nudity? This movie is trash. But I can't say I disliked some of its exploits. Now, the filmmakers probably want us to appreciate how it uses a supernatural occurrence to highlight a theme of Good vs. Evil. But you know what ... this movie really isn't about a theme. It's about Nicolas Cage acting like a maniac, spewing ripe dialogue, driving fast, shooting people, screwing women while drinking in one hand & shooting enemies in the other.
And speaking of Cage, I mentioned above that he's too talented to be in films like this. I WILL say, however, that I can't picture anyone else executing these types of roles, either. Amber Heard is pretty & does well with the role; but that's not saying much. William Fichtner brought a smile to my face (as The Accountant). But David Morse, who I normally like, doesn't have much to do in the script. So yeah, overall, parts of 'Drive Angry' provide cheesy, campy fun. Parts are too vulgar. And too much of the film - especially in the middle - become flat & detrimentally ridiculous. I watched this film on DVD; which is fine. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in a theater (in annoying 3D). And really, the movie feels like it should go straight to cable. But yeah, it definitely has its moments.
Like the answer? Moving on {haha}. The plot really kicks into gear (no pun intended) when he saves a waitress, Piper (Amber Heard), from a beating by her disgusting two-timing boyfriend & joins her on a road trip to Louisiana; where his granddaughter is believed to be held captive by Jonah King (Billy Burke), a Satanic cult leader. John Milton must act fast, however; because Jonah King plans to sacrifice the granddaughter during the next full moon, which is fast approaching. While Milton hunts down Jonah, he in turn is chased by the mysterious entity named The Accountant (the always sturdy William Fitchner); an "FBI agent" sent from Hell whose dry wit & steely reserve mask how lethal he is when faced with danger.
Now, I have to say, I thought that I would truly hate this. In fact, there's a crazy absurdity about the proceedings that I actually kinda dug for a while. In other words, this is an AWFUL movie that I didn't overly dislike watching. The absurdity - in fits & starts - kept me interested. The special effects are atrocious; hyper-kinetic, cartoonish & inept. 'Drive Angry' is also an exploitation film. There is gore, over-the-top action, honky tonk brawls, flying body parts, there is sex, nudity, sex, nudity ... oh, did I mention sex & nudity? This movie is trash. But I can't say I disliked some of its exploits. Now, the filmmakers probably want us to appreciate how it uses a supernatural occurrence to highlight a theme of Good vs. Evil. But you know what ... this movie really isn't about a theme. It's about Nicolas Cage acting like a maniac, spewing ripe dialogue, driving fast, shooting people, screwing women while drinking in one hand & shooting enemies in the other.
And speaking of Cage, I mentioned above that he's too talented to be in films like this. I WILL say, however, that I can't picture anyone else executing these types of roles, either. Amber Heard is pretty & does well with the role; but that's not saying much. William Fichtner brought a smile to my face (as The Accountant). But David Morse, who I normally like, doesn't have much to do in the script. So yeah, overall, parts of 'Drive Angry' provide cheesy, campy fun. Parts are too vulgar. And too much of the film - especially in the middle - become flat & detrimentally ridiculous. I watched this film on DVD; which is fine. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in a theater (in annoying 3D). And really, the movie feels like it should go straight to cable. But yeah, it definitely has its moments.