The Nicolas Cage Challenge 2023 (UPDATED 4/13)
The Nicolas Cage Challenge 2023 (UPDATED 2/28)
By Sunshine Mayfield
Twitter: @mr_sun_shine
Letterboxd: @mr_sun_shine
The details are a little fuzzy but I remember the main points. I was in middle school and I was having friends over, likely for a birthday sleepover; and as is tradition, at least for me, when friends come over I got to go rent movies from Blockbuster. Also falling in line with tradition, I was allowed to get 2 movies. The first choice was a “no-brainer”, a classic in my mind from the very beginning that beautifully blended horror, comedy, and action starring Brendan Fraser and the ever-so-talented Rachel Weiss. Perfect for a Halloween-time shindig. The second decision wasn’t so easy. After 20 minutes of going up and down the aisles of the store, I found myself looking at what seemed to be a car chase movie. Recent in nature, but unknown to me, starring a person that I maybe had heard of but wasn’t familiar with. I took a chance and grabbed the movie off the shelf and had my parents pay as we headed home to prepare for the get-together.
After we finish pizza and soda we head upstairs to play the first movie and, of course, ‘The Mummy’ delivers like we all knew it would. Frightening images mixed with wondrous combat with a splash of wit from our charismatic lead. We were young and we were happy.
And now, the risk…
We place the next movie in the video player, unsure of what we will find. The movie starts with two young men stealing a car straight out of the dealership and we as viewers were not ready for the joyride of a lifetime. 108 minutes is all it took to change our entire personalities forever. Gone in 60 Seconds became the best movie I had ever seen. The excitement, the adrenaline, the need to call my mom’s 2001 Highlander Eleanor. Now, two decades later, I have two big regrets.
One, I never was able to convince my parents to let me put black lights in my bedroom. And two…
I never properly invested time into watching the movies of Nicolas Cage, an actor whose work molded my personality for a brief but important period in my formative years. It wasn’t until I watched Cage in future works that I really started to pay attention. After viewing more recent entries into his catalog, ‘Mandy’ and ‘Pig’ to be specific, did I realize that I had a huge blind spot in my cinema world. It is now time to change that. So in 2023, I will be watching every Nicolas Cage movie available to watch and I will be cataloging and updating you here and on Letterboxd. I hope you will join me for what will most undoubtedly be a wild ride.
Here are my most current viewings, ranked from least favorite to favorite…
Not Rankable:
Werewolf Women of the SS
Dir. Rob Zombie
I genuinely don't know what to say about this fake trailer from Grindhouse (2007). It is something that exists and I'm pretty thankful it's just a fake trailer from Grindhouse (2007)
36. 211 (2018)
Dir. York Alec Shackleton
‘211’ is a tough watch from start to finish. To say the dialogue is clunky is the understatement of the year and the action sequences are some of the most boring ever put on screen. Cage coasts through this slogfest that has zero redeemable qualities. 2/10
35. Left Behind (2014)
Dir. Vic Armstrong
Even if you can get past the fact that this movie fails in almost every facet, from the unremarkable visual choices and dull score to the clunky dialogue and dreadful performances, you are still left with a movie that's core premise deeply misunderstands the humanity in others and refuses to give grace or compassion to those that don't fit into its target audience. 2/10
34. The Humanity Bureau (2017)
Dir. Rob W. King
'The Humanity Bureau' is a failure in almost every conceivable way. What tries to be an engaging sci-fi mystery tale of a world destroyed by climate change ends up being a disjointed and dull affair filled with bad green screen backdrops and a script that no actor could salvage. 2/10
33. Primal (2019)
Dir. Nick Powell
There is not a lot of substance in ‘Primal’ but also, I doubt that there was really supposed to be. With that in mind, there still isn’t much value to this outing. Think Snakes on Plane but with none of the fun and no self-awareness. Such a short runtime feels so lengthy and action sequences are shot and edited with no regard for the progression of the fight sequence, making this movie a muddled and boring mess. 3/10
32. The Best of Times (1981)
Dir. Don Mischer
Technically not a movie but an ABC Pilot and It's not a big surprise that this wasn't picked up. 'The Best of Times' is confusing on several levels. Too dark in humor to be a Saturday morning watch for the kids, too goofy and childish to connect with teens. On top of all of that, there is no definable story to connect the characters to each other in this disjointed and unalluring show, which is also filled with musical numbers? 3/10
31. Jiu Jitsu (2020)
Dir. Dimitri Logothetis
If you enjoy the visual styling of the Sci-Fi network, then you may find something to appreciate, but the hand-to-hand combat is unremarkable and the plot (or lack thereof) is incredibly repetitive and uninspired. 3/10
30. Knowing (2009)
Dir. Alex Proyas
‘Knowing’ starts with a promising premise that just fails in its delivery in almost every way. Performers have a tough time getting dialed into the tone of the feature and visually, it’s just a mess. Due to all of its flaws, a reveal that should feel devastating becomes more of a relief that it's all over.
3.5/10
29. Time to Kill (1989)
Dir. Guiliano Montaldo
'Time to Kill' is a downright chore of a movie. Poorly paced, weird decisions in editing and photography, and a lead you care absolutely nothing about. The critique of fascism and war somewhat lands while we see our unlikable lead driven to the brink after he caused irreparable harm but there is no true lesson of accountability and overall the movie isn't worth your time.
4/10
28. Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
Dir. Kevin Lewis
An intentionally trashy "B-movie" with an outlandish premise, 'Willy's Wonderland' certainly gives us moments of campy horror fun. However, the gimmick of seeing possessed serial killer animatronics devour unsuspecting locals wears thin pretty quickly, and what you're left with is a bloody, repetitive mess. Though a silent, violent Cage certainly elevates the experience, you can only see him hit so many mascots. This movie had some potential but unfortunately, like the suburban amusement chains of your youth, the idea seems fun but the reality is disappointing. 4/10
27. Running with the Devil (2019)
Dir. Jason Cabell
Not every move needs profound or prophetic themes. Not every movie needs to be a critique of the current political climate or an intense character study about the human condition. Sometimes a film can just be simple, engaging, and fun. However, 'Running with the Devil' is none of these things. Just a meandering of ideas or moments, thrown together with minimal thought or cohesion leading to a dull, muddled, snoozefest trying to be reminiscent of early Guy Ritchie but never has a movie centered around drug running been so boring. 4/10
26. Stolen (2012)
Dir. Simon West
It’s not a stretch to say that ‘Stolen’ falls into the category of “so bad, it’s good.” Ultimately it’s watchable and Lucas’ over-the-top performance kinda brings some life into what would otherwise be a pretty stale revenge story. 4/10
25. Kill Chain (2019)
Dir. Ken Sanzel
It certainly helps that ‘Kill Chain’ understood the assignment, it just had trouble executing. This movie is exactly what it pitches itself to be, a chain of attempted action from start to finish with clever ideas on how to pull it all together. Cage is certainly the most watchable performance in this movie, but overall the visuals and lackluster offerings from the rest of the cast leave the audience wanting. 4.25/10
24. Pay the Ghost (2011)
Dir. Uli Edel
'Pay the Ghost' is a weird manifestation of being less than the sum of its parts. Yes, visual gags and jumpscares are lacking and there is more than one clunky exposition dump, but the performances are serviceable and the structure, though familiar, isn't far off from similar genre films that you love. However, fairly or unfairly, when you compare 'Pay the Ghost' to other paranormal horror movies, even the mediocre ones, it falls short in every category. 4.25/10
23. Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)
Dir. Sion Sono
There are times when nothing is better than an outrageous, mindless, midnight movie, and 'Prisoners of the Ghostland' has all the potential of being precisely that. Nicolas Cage sent into the vast wasteland of a post-apocalyptic world to rescue a girl while wearing a suit that blows up if he fails? That's the exact type of gaudy flick that I'm here for, but the product does not come as advertised and what we are given instead is a dull affair with little action and little entertainment. 4.25/10
22. Season of the Witch (2011)
Dir. Dominic Sena
A solid cold open may lead you to believe that 'Season of the Witch' may have something to offer, and in some ways it does. Between Cage, Pearlman, the big-screen debut of Claire Foy, and a Christopher Lee cameo, there is plenty of star power to go around, but the script struggles to find its desired tone, clunkily throwing in modern-style dialogue, making our two leads feel out of place in this medieval world. There are several sequences that show promise but quickly unravel as the film abandons interesting themes for poor CGI visuals and lackluster action. Give credit where credit is due though, every now and then you get some pretty cool makeup effects. 4.75/10
21. Army of One (2016)
Dir. Larry Charles
This story of a man on a "Don Quixote"-esque adventure to assassinate Osama Bin Laden is a choppy mess that overstays its welcome fairly quickly. However, Nicolas Cage gets to really let loose while exploring one of his wackiest roles in recent memory and that alone may make Army of One worth watching. 5/10
20. Valley Girl (1983)
Dir. Martha Coolidge
‘Valley Girl’ is certainly a product of its time and with that comes the good and the bad. The script is a chunky mess but we all know the story we are getting. The 80s needle drops are fantastic but some of the jokes/themes don’t age well which likely won’t work well for a new audience or for those re-visiting. 5/10
19. The Trust (2016)
Dir. Alex Brewer, Benjamin Brewer
Wood and Cage have a surprisingly watchable dynamic together in this low-level heist movie. Between the two leads and a good dash of nihilistic comedy, 'The Trust' had the ingredients to be a surprising watch, but the twists don't really twist and the conclusion is unremarkable leading to a decent but mostly forgettable watch. 5.5/10
18. The Croods (2013)
Dir. Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco
'The Croods' struggles early as it tries to create a captivating story and leans into repetitive plot points for the bulk of the runtime, but there are humourous moments, and the third act brings enough heart so your time doesn't feel wasted. 5.75/10
17. Never on Tuesday (1989)
Dir. Adam Rifkin
'Never on Tuesday' has all the makings of a mediocre 80s comedy, and in a lot of ways, that's exactly what it is, especially at the start. Many of the jokes don't land and even inside a short runtime, the bit starts to wear thin. However, strategically placed throughout the movie there are some genuinely kind moments of growth, learning, and humanity that give a little purpose of weight to this story. It also has some standout cameos, including a 26-second appearance by the one and only, Nicolas Cage. 6/10
16. G-Force (2009)
Dir. Hoyt Yeatman
How Disney pulled together such an all-star cast for this movie is a mystery to me, but it certainly helps to make this outlandish children's movie a bit more watchable. Overall, this flick is rather harmless, and hearing the likes of Nicolas Cage and Steve Buschemi crack jokes as rodents certainly made me chuckle more than I thought it would. Not to mention that the third-act turn is absolutely wild. 6/10
15. Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
Dir. Robert Bierman
I'm not sure how much time I'm going to need to process what I just watched. If you're ranking outrageous Nicolas Cage performances, 'Vampire's Kiss' is certainly near the top featuring several moments that have left the internet arguing if the portrayal of the protagonist is terrible or sheer genius and I'm not sure where I land.
One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is how it fails upwards. While trying to create a tragic tale highlighting how loneliness and sexual frustration have a negative effect on one's mental stability, what we get, by accident it seems, is an accurate depiction of the harm that privileged and entitled men will cause when they feel like they aren't getting to live the life they deserve. 6/10
14. Guarding Tess (1994)
Dir. Hugh Wilson
Shirley Mclaine is the driving force behind why this movie works and Cage compliments her so well. Guarding Tess has its flaws but ultimately ‘Guarding Tess’ is a charming little flick with a lot of heart.
6.5/10
13. Mom and Dad (2017)
Dir. Brian Taylor
For better or worse, 'Mom and Dad' is an insanely wild ride that consistently had my jaw on the floor. The script is laughably bad, the story lacks any real depth, and the majority of the time just feels like a violent stream of consciousness thrown onto the screen, in what might be the most hyperbolic depiction of a midlife crisis.
However, all of that creates a perfectly twisted playground for Cage and Blair to give the most unhinged performances that fit the desired tone with masterful precision. It's not a great movie but our two leads, some well-placed humor, and a good amount of shock value make for a decent viewing experience. 6.5/10
12. Snake Eyes (1998)
Dir. Brian De Palma
At its core, 'Snake Eyes' is a mediocre political crime thriller with a relatively bare-bones plot that isn't as complicated as the many moving parts would want you to believe, but for all of that, I couldn't help but enjoy it. Cage keeps things engaging and De Palma really does a stellar job on the presentation with some clever editing, contrasting visuals, and an opening scene that is just delightful. 6.5/10
11. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Dir. Jon Turteltaub
"A pleasant surprise" is likely the best way to describe 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'. It's far from perfect and loses a little steam in the third act but Cage is still charming, Alfred Molina is a fun villain, and I find Jay Baruchel to be a delight. Similar to other Cage/Turteltaub collaborations, it's a little "paint-by-numbers", but I think it accomplished what it sets out to do. 6.5/10
10. Con Air (1997)
Dir. Simon West
There is plenty to roll your eyes at while watching the Oscar-nominated 'Con Air', mostly Cage's terribly over-the-top southern accent and more than a few cheesy one-liners. And yet, here I am, entertained and engaged. It certainly helps that this movie has a top-notch cast with Malkovich and Cusack stealing the show, but even for its sins or maybe because of them, 'Con Air' is undoubtedly memorable. 6.5/10
9. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (2018)
Dir. Aaron Horvath, Peter Rida Michail
'TTG! TTM' is easy to overlook but this flick has plenty of moments of wit and charm. Like any other shotgun style of comedy, not every joke lands but the overall effect hits the mark of what it was trying to achieve and fans of superhero movies will find something to enjoy. I also like that I can now make people on Twitter mad by saying Nicolas Cage is my favorite Superman. 6.75/ 10
8. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Dir. Amy Heckerling
There is something timeless about the messiness of the American high school experience, trying to grow up too fast, and the perceived importance of now-seeming insignificant moments. 'Fast Times' does a great job of pulling you back into that experience. It's a little disjointed and certainly dated, but in the same vein, still connects the audience to that timeless feeling. And even though Nicolas Cage is just a glorified extra, at least we get to see Sean Penn give us one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. 7/10
7. National Treasure (2004)
Dir. Jon Turteltaub
There is certainly a small sense of magic that comes with 'National Treasure" and connections to its historical roots add some interesting flavor to the mix. Cage is charming as the lead but Justin Bartha typically steals the show with quippy one-liners that seem to always illicit a chuckle. 'National Treasure' isn't the best of its kind but overall it's a harmless watch that families can easily enjoy together. 7/10
6. It Could Happen to You (1994)
Dir. Andrew Bergman
'It Could Happen to You' brings together a truly great ensemble. Rosie Perez, Isaac Hayes, Stanley Tucci, and Richard Jenkins all show up and show up well, but the beating heart of this movie really is the chemistry between Cage and Briget Fonda. The plot is simple with a sweet moral that is easy to digest, but all of this is elevated by endearing moments that we get to witness between our two leads. And sometimes, simple and sweet is exactly what we need to watch. 7/10
5. Racing with the Moon (1984)
Dir. Richard Benjamin
When you think of the 80s "coming of age" movies, there are several that come to mind before 'Racing with the Moon', if this movie is remembered at all. The fact that this film gets lost in the shuffle is a shame because it truly delivers in so many ways. A young Sean Penn and Elizabeth McGovern are delightfully endearing and Cage gives such a natural performance as the misfit best friend, flowing in between irksome and charming with ease. Where 'Racing with the Moon' really thrives is in its ethos. There is such sincerity and sensitivity to the storytelling as it depicts young love, fear of the unknown, and hope for the future. 7.5/10
4. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Dir. Dominic Sena
Is Gone in 60 Seconds perfect? Far from it. There are plenty of moments where suspension of disbelief allows for a more pleasant viewing experience, but damn this movie is just plain good fun. Fast cars, a star-studded cast, and a simple story that delivers time and time again.
7.5/10
3. Kick-Ass (2010)
Dir. Matthew Vaughn
There are certainly moments that remind you of the time in which 'Kick-Ass' was made, a few jokes that don't land, and a few bits of dialogue that age poorly, but what an incredible counterpoint to the standard Superhero formula that was happening at the time and still happening now. Not only are the action sequences fun, but it does a super job of leaning into the ridiculousness while at the same time creating high stakes and emotional weight. 8/10
2. Pig (2021)
Dir. Michael Sarnoski
Nicolas Cage arguably puts on the best performance of his career in 'Pig', providing so much depth and complexity in one of his most subtle roles yet. What feels simplistic, reveals itself to be smarter than it initially appears, beautifully crafting a story that delicately layers elements of grief, connection, and legacy into the fold and encourages us all to focus on what nurtures love and forget this rest. Absolutely stunning. 9/10
1. Mandy (2018)
Dir. Panos Cosmatos
Every time I watch 'Mandy', I like it more and more. Slow and methodical to start, Cosmatos creates this creepy and atmospheric world, engulfed in a mystic haze, slowly ramping up into a trippy and wicked thrill ride. Every member of the cast plays their parts to perfection, and though Roache and Riseborough are the true standouts, Cage still gives us an outlandish performance that blends perfectly into the universe that has been created. 'Mandy' may not be for everyone but it is certainly for me and has become an annual staple of my viewing rotation.
9/10
See the full rankings here: https://letterboxd.com/mr_sun_shine/list/2023-nicolas-cage-challenge/