Nicolas Cage has been in so many good movies, and so many appalling movies, that he has been the subject of more internet memes than possibly any other actor. To his immense credit, though, he has ever taken offense, but has instead often taken an active part in those memes. He clearly has a splendid sense of humour. He seems to take the line that it's better to overact in a bad movie - and at least get people talking - than to be in no movie.
This movie, then, is the most Nicolas-Cage-iest movie possible; a movie which both sends up "Nicolas Cage", at the same time honouring his work, both good and bad. And it works. Playing both himself and a younger version of himself (in the credits said to be played by "Nicolas Kim Coppola"; his birth name), he romps though this hugely enjoyable film with all the energy we've come to love about him.
His counterpart, played by Pedro Pascal (in the role of a supposed kingpin of a drug and arms cartel), is no less wonderful, and each of the two bounce superbly off each other. This is a case where the total is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. The real kingpin, the evil cousin Lucas, is played with tremendous gusto by Paco Leon, who looks as though he had a thoroughly good time of it. Even the henchman. Carlos, played by Jacob Scipio, has not a great deal more but to look smouldering, but boy, does he smoulder! In fact, every part is terrifically played - see other reviews for other fine actors.
There were a few moments when I though the action dragged a bit, but they were few, and served to highlight the next scene.
This is a tremendously fun movie, filled with cracking action scenes and some superb one-liners. ("It's grotesque - I'll give you $20,000 for it.") It's a movie with real heart, and a real tonic for these times.
This movie, then, is the most Nicolas-Cage-iest movie possible; a movie which both sends up "Nicolas Cage", at the same time honouring his work, both good and bad. And it works. Playing both himself and a younger version of himself (in the credits said to be played by "Nicolas Kim Coppola"; his birth name), he romps though this hugely enjoyable film with all the energy we've come to love about him.
His counterpart, played by Pedro Pascal (in the role of a supposed kingpin of a drug and arms cartel), is no less wonderful, and each of the two bounce superbly off each other. This is a case where the total is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. The real kingpin, the evil cousin Lucas, is played with tremendous gusto by Paco Leon, who looks as though he had a thoroughly good time of it. Even the henchman. Carlos, played by Jacob Scipio, has not a great deal more but to look smouldering, but boy, does he smoulder! In fact, every part is terrifically played - see other reviews for other fine actors.
There were a few moments when I though the action dragged a bit, but they were few, and served to highlight the next scene.
This is a tremendously fun movie, filled with cracking action scenes and some superb one-liners. ("It's grotesque - I'll give you $20,000 for it.") It's a movie with real heart, and a real tonic for these times.