Remember how I was talking about how Nic Cage was on a roll? Well, then there was this movie.
City of Angels (1998)
This is a remake of a wonderful movie made 10 years earlier by Wim Wenders called Wings of Desire. I watched it in high school and was mesmerized. Then, I heard there was a remake...so I watched it, doubtful that it would affect me the way the original had, but hopeful that it would at least be worth my time.
Unfortunately, it missed the mark.
Unfortunately, some bad things happened.
Unfortunately what originated as understated, effective drama...
became overstated, forgettable melodrama...
and Nick Cave...
became the Goo Goo Dolls...
and sexy trapeze artist Solveig Dommartin became quirky do-gooder doctor Meg Ryan.
...to name a few of these bad things.
Oh, America. Is there a more perfect example of a missed-the-point remake?
The most frustrating thing about this movie is not only that it is terrible, but that in the process of being terrible it takes all of the beautiful and interesting elements of the original movie and cheesifies them so much that it's hard to believe they could ever be anything other than cheesy. Which is so totally unfair. It's one thing to make a crappy remake of an awesome movie, but to make a crappy remake of an awesome movie that threatens to ruin a viewer's ability to appreciate the beauty of the original? That's just cruel.
So, really all I want to say is don't watch City of Angels, don't read anything more about it, and rent Wings of Desire someday.
And if you're unfortunate enough to have seen City of Angels already, I'm sorry. But PLEASE still give Wings of Desire a chance, even though the thought of watching another movie about the concept of angels on earth is probably making you twitchy. I promise. It's beautiful in that one.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
I miss Nic! (and Cory)
So, yeah, posting has been pretty sporadic lately. We actually haven't been able to watch any movies in May. First we went to Marfa so Cory could work the Alamo show at the Marfa film festival, and now Cory is on tour until the end of the month. So, movie-watching on hold till June. Which has actually been kind of weird, to go from NIC CAGE OVERLOAD to...nothing (except for a couple seconds here and there when we've caught a snippet of a movie on T.V., which, silly enough, is slightly comforting).
However, we did watch a ton of movies right before this hiatus, so I've been kind of trying to slowly post about them this month, just so no one gets too bored and gives up on us. So don't give up on us! We Will finish this project!
For now, the last two of the nineties...
Snake Eyes (1998)
This was another one of those pleasant surprises. It's a pretty typical mystery story, but what sets it apart from a lot of crime dramas is that for most of it there's really no mystery for the viewer, only for the protagonist, which I liked.
Visually, there's a lot of interesting stuff going on in this one, which adds to its appeal. The entire movie takes place in one Atlantic City casino, which makes for a kind of claustrophobic and tense mood throughout. The first 10 to 15 minutes are awesome, as the camera follows a fast-talking Nic Cage around as he wheels and deals behind the scenes before and during a big boxing match at his casino. It's all fast and loud and looks like it's all one take which is cool (Cory looked it up though, and apparently it's a couple different takes edited together to look like one, but it's still cool).
Happily, Nic is totes on fire in his role as Ricky Santoro. You really find yourself routing for him, even if he is kind of a sleaze.
8 mm (1999)
We've come to dread the movies where Nic plays a good guy. As a general rule, he is totally great as a Flawed protagonist (e.g. Raising Arizona, Leaving Las Vegas) or at bringing emotional complexity to a villain (Kiss of Death), but when he's supposed to be the straightforward good guy or hero he usually plays it so squeaky clean and one-dimensional that it's unbelievable and you end up bored to tears (Guarding Tess, It Could Happen To You). Thankfully, in this one he avoids that trap and allows himself to go over to the dark side a little.
As for the film itself...it was okay. I felt it could have been way better. Definitely could have been creepier, more affecting. I mean, snuff films--that's not light subject matter. Not that this movie was lighthearted, but it all just seemed a little superficial, from the commissioned One Million Dollar snuff film to the long-haired, silk bathrobe-wearing porn director and the stereotypically freaky sex store. I feel like for whatever reason the director was scared to delve very deep into the subject matter, which left him unable do anything more than basically Hollywoodize it into a simple moralistic tale that entertained, but didn't really hit a realistic or emotional level.
Which, of course, happens all the time. It's hard to face all the sick shit that's in the world head-on, and even harder to take a piece of that sick shit and make it into a relevant Fictional movie. I certainly couldn't do it.
Oh you know what? We also watched Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Broken Hearted (1990) which Was at Vulcan (thanks to whoever posted that tip, I don't know why I just assumed they wouldn't have it). Nic Cage is only in the first scene, and then it's just a long play of weird people running around on stage with Julee Cruse flying around over them, singing songs from the album that the Twin Peaks music is from. So...um...not that exciting. But whatever, I like her music. I would watch that 7 times in a row before watching Trapped in Paradise again.
And that's it for now! Check back in June, when we resume the madness with renewed vigor!
In the meantime, were you wondering how Nicolas Cage picks the types of meat he eats?
However, we did watch a ton of movies right before this hiatus, so I've been kind of trying to slowly post about them this month, just so no one gets too bored and gives up on us. So don't give up on us! We Will finish this project!
For now, the last two of the nineties...
Snake Eyes (1998)
This was another one of those pleasant surprises. It's a pretty typical mystery story, but what sets it apart from a lot of crime dramas is that for most of it there's really no mystery for the viewer, only for the protagonist, which I liked.
Visually, there's a lot of interesting stuff going on in this one, which adds to its appeal. The entire movie takes place in one Atlantic City casino, which makes for a kind of claustrophobic and tense mood throughout. The first 10 to 15 minutes are awesome, as the camera follows a fast-talking Nic Cage around as he wheels and deals behind the scenes before and during a big boxing match at his casino. It's all fast and loud and looks like it's all one take which is cool (Cory looked it up though, and apparently it's a couple different takes edited together to look like one, but it's still cool).
Happily, Nic is totes on fire in his role as Ricky Santoro. You really find yourself routing for him, even if he is kind of a sleaze.
8 mm (1999)
We've come to dread the movies where Nic plays a good guy. As a general rule, he is totally great as a Flawed protagonist (e.g. Raising Arizona, Leaving Las Vegas) or at bringing emotional complexity to a villain (Kiss of Death), but when he's supposed to be the straightforward good guy or hero he usually plays it so squeaky clean and one-dimensional that it's unbelievable and you end up bored to tears (Guarding Tess, It Could Happen To You). Thankfully, in this one he avoids that trap and allows himself to go over to the dark side a little.
As for the film itself...it was okay. I felt it could have been way better. Definitely could have been creepier, more affecting. I mean, snuff films--that's not light subject matter. Not that this movie was lighthearted, but it all just seemed a little superficial, from the commissioned One Million Dollar snuff film to the long-haired, silk bathrobe-wearing porn director and the stereotypically freaky sex store. I feel like for whatever reason the director was scared to delve very deep into the subject matter, which left him unable do anything more than basically Hollywoodize it into a simple moralistic tale that entertained, but didn't really hit a realistic or emotional level.
Which, of course, happens all the time. It's hard to face all the sick shit that's in the world head-on, and even harder to take a piece of that sick shit and make it into a relevant Fictional movie. I certainly couldn't do it.
Oh you know what? We also watched Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Broken Hearted (1990) which Was at Vulcan (thanks to whoever posted that tip, I don't know why I just assumed they wouldn't have it). Nic Cage is only in the first scene, and then it's just a long play of weird people running around on stage with Julee Cruse flying around over them, singing songs from the album that the Twin Peaks music is from. So...um...not that exciting. But whatever, I like her music. I would watch that 7 times in a row before watching Trapped in Paradise again.
And that's it for now! Check back in June, when we resume the madness with renewed vigor!
In the meantime, were you wondering how Nicolas Cage picks the types of meat he eats?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Between the Rock and Con Air
The Rock (1996)
Remember back in the 90s when white people could be terrorists too?
I don't have much to say about this one. I think it was really popular? Didn't think it was bad, just not really my thing. I think Cory liked it better.
Remember back in the 90s when white people could be terrorists too?
I don't have much to say about this one. I think it was really popular? Didn't think it was bad, just not really my thing. I think Cory liked it better.
Cory says...Yes I did it is good times. I was sad to learn that you can't make animated gifs with sound cuz I wanted to make two from this movie. The first would be when n.c. says he is a beatlemaniac, and the second would be when connery and n.c. both say "it's a grunge thing." Not a great movie, but not amos and andrew either.
Con Air (1997)
You know, for all the shit I talk about action movies, I actually kinda dig this one. I mean, it's totes ridiculous...but I think that as long as you are able to completely ignore what is possible in reality and just accept this movie for what it is, you will be adequately entertained. Nic's hair is pretty atrocious but in a funny mullet way...not in a greazy sleazy way like in Zandalee) and he is kind of endearing as the soft-spoken good bad guy. I also really like John Malkovich...and of course Steve Buscemi (although it is totez lolz that it is supposed to be a good thing when at the end he, a mass murderer, remains free to live a supposedly changed life). Oh yeah, and John Cusak is his regular cute John Cusak-y self. All in all, a pretty fun time. And thanks to Top Drawer thrift store's 50 cent movie shelf, I now own it on VHS.
So, happily Nic seemed to be able to recover from the disastrous releases of 1994 with the Kiss of Death, and then stay reasonably afloat with the Rock, and Con Air. Oh yeah, then Face/Off after that. None of which are my faves, but all of them are much, much more respectable additions to his repertoire than those of that dark year.
You never know what you're gonna get with this guy.
Con Air (1997)
You know, for all the shit I talk about action movies, I actually kinda dig this one. I mean, it's totes ridiculous...but I think that as long as you are able to completely ignore what is possible in reality and just accept this movie for what it is, you will be adequately entertained. Nic's hair is pretty atrocious but in a funny mullet way...not in a greazy sleazy way like in Zandalee) and he is kind of endearing as the soft-spoken good bad guy. I also really like John Malkovich...and of course Steve Buscemi (although it is totez lolz that it is supposed to be a good thing when at the end he, a mass murderer, remains free to live a supposedly changed life). Oh yeah, and John Cusak is his regular cute John Cusak-y self. All in all, a pretty fun time. And thanks to Top Drawer thrift store's 50 cent movie shelf, I now own it on VHS.
So, happily Nic seemed to be able to recover from the disastrous releases of 1994 with the Kiss of Death, and then stay reasonably afloat with the Rock, and Con Air. Oh yeah, then Face/Off after that. None of which are my faves, but all of them are much, much more respectable additions to his repertoire than those of that dark year.
You never know what you're gonna get with this guy.
Monday, May 10, 2010
1994
Nicolas Cage was in three movies that came out in 1994. I don't know What he was thinking, but they are all utterly, painfully, terrible.
I have to say, that even during runs like this, maybe even in a twisted way Because of runs like this, I can't stop loving this guy. I mean, even when he's in a complete piece of crap he still gives it his all. I haven't seen a movie yet where he seems like he's just sleepwalking through the role...even in the ones that seem to be "filler" or blatant money-makers.
Roger Ebert said:
There are often lists of the great living male movie stars: De Niro, Nicholson and Pacino, usually. How often do you see the name of Nicolas Cage? He should always be up there. He's daring and fearless in his choice of roles, and unafraid to crawl out on a limb, saw it off and remain suspended in air. No one else can project inner trembling so effectively.... He always seems so earnest. However improbable his character, he never winks at the audience. He is committed to the character with every atom and plays him as if he were him.
Yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about.
Anyway, I should stop now lest my sentimental ramblings distract you from the main point of this post; these three movies are awful. Watch at your own risk.
Guarding Tess (1994)
This was probably the best of the three. Which is not saying much. A bizarre movie with a meandering plot; I still don't quite understand what it was trying to say.
Trapped in paradise (1994)
Worst. Movie. Ever. Barf. I would rather watch Amos and Andrew again, twice, than watch this movie one more time. Dana Carvey? Jon Lovitz? Oh, and it's a CHRISTMAS MOVIE too! UGHHH.
Cory says... When we watched City of Angels I started doing stuff like ironing my pants cuz it was so boring, but this movie was really really pissing me off. I could feel my muscles tensing up and I got a headache. If anyone can name me a more annoying character than Dana Carvey in this film I would be amazed.
I have to say, that even during runs like this, maybe even in a twisted way Because of runs like this, I can't stop loving this guy. I mean, even when he's in a complete piece of crap he still gives it his all. I haven't seen a movie yet where he seems like he's just sleepwalking through the role...even in the ones that seem to be "filler" or blatant money-makers.
Roger Ebert said:
There are often lists of the great living male movie stars: De Niro, Nicholson and Pacino, usually. How often do you see the name of Nicolas Cage? He should always be up there. He's daring and fearless in his choice of roles, and unafraid to crawl out on a limb, saw it off and remain suspended in air. No one else can project inner trembling so effectively.... He always seems so earnest. However improbable his character, he never winks at the audience. He is committed to the character with every atom and plays him as if he were him.
Yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about.
Anyway, I should stop now lest my sentimental ramblings distract you from the main point of this post; these three movies are awful. Watch at your own risk.
Guarding Tess (1994)
This was probably the best of the three. Which is not saying much. A bizarre movie with a meandering plot; I still don't quite understand what it was trying to say.
Cory says.. No this movie is not allowed to be the best of anything.
It could happen to you (1994)
Cheesy. Corny. Sappy. Rosie Perez.
Cory says.. Nic is a cop in this, and Bunk from the Wire is his partner. Do yourself a favor and never watch this.
It could happen to you (1994)
Cheesy. Corny. Sappy. Rosie Perez.
Cory says.. Nic is a cop in this, and Bunk from the Wire is his partner. Do yourself a favor and never watch this.
Trapped in paradise (1994)
Worst. Movie. Ever. Barf. I would rather watch Amos and Andrew again, twice, than watch this movie one more time. Dana Carvey? Jon Lovitz? Oh, and it's a CHRISTMAS MOVIE too! UGHHH.
Cory says... When we watched City of Angels I started doing stuff like ironing my pants cuz it was so boring, but this movie was really really pissing me off. I could feel my muscles tensing up and I got a headache. If anyone can name me a more annoying character than Dana Carvey in this film I would be amazed.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Balls, Attitude, Direction
Kiss of Death (1995)
It's little gems like this that have made this endeavor worth it. I'm not saying this is a great film, but Nic Cage's roided out performance is a sight for very siiick eyes. Instant top 10. David Caruso is boring as usual, as is Sam Jackson, but whoever wrote this part for Nicolas knows whazzup. One thing we've learned thus far is that when casting N.C. you need to make sure he is not the hero, and he needs to be allowed the freedom to go waaay off the tracks.
katy says...I didn't really think David Caruso or Sam Jackson were that boring. Sam Jackson had a leaky eye thing going on that was pretty gross. My mom's good friend Jay O. Sanders is in it too, which was a nice surprise.
Cory is right, of course, Nic definitely stole the show. Gnarly goatee? Check. Various white windsuit/wife beater combos? Bench-pressing of a stripper? Check. You totes want to watch this one.
(sorry about the crappy quality of this clip; it's all I could find, and I just had to give y'all a taste)
It's little gems like this that have made this endeavor worth it. I'm not saying this is a great film, but Nic Cage's roided out performance is a sight for very siiick eyes. Instant top 10. David Caruso is boring as usual, as is Sam Jackson, but whoever wrote this part for Nicolas knows whazzup. One thing we've learned thus far is that when casting N.C. you need to make sure he is not the hero, and he needs to be allowed the freedom to go waaay off the tracks.
katy says...I didn't really think David Caruso or Sam Jackson were that boring. Sam Jackson had a leaky eye thing going on that was pretty gross. My mom's good friend Jay O. Sanders is in it too, which was a nice surprise.
Cory is right, of course, Nic definitely stole the show. Gnarly goatee? Check. Various white windsuit/wife beater combos? Bench-pressing of a stripper? Check. You totes want to watch this one.
(sorry about the crappy quality of this clip; it's all I could find, and I just had to give y'all a taste)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Heading into the new millenium!!
So. Here we are on May 1.
While we didn't meet our initial goal of finishing in 30 days, we still watched a TON of Nic Cage movies this month, 33 to be exact. In fact, it turns out we have knocked out everything up to the 2000s, with only 18 movies left to go.
This is really pretty amazing, considering we both have jobs, friends, and yes, even interests other than Nicolas Cage. Plus, our schedules are often pretty opposite; I work Monday-Friday 10-6, and Cory works whatever day of the week he is scheduled, and usually until 12:30-1 a.m.
PLUS we were sober the whole time! Which made the simple act of just Finishing some of these movies an incredible accomplishment in and of itself.
Yep, we're feeling pretty proud of ourselves.
But we don't want to get carried away with pride yet, we still have movies to watch. Which we can now watch with beer! Which, incidentally, might be key to getting us through this last stretch ...I have a feeling the post-2000 chunk is not going to be as easy as the pre-2000. (I'm lookin' at you, Captain Corelli's Mandolin.)
Anyway, thanks for reading and stick around...there's plenty more to come!
The List: UPDATED 5/1/2010
(I'm behind a little in blog posts, but we have watched everything that is checked off)
Season of the Witch (2010)
Kick-Ass (2010) ✓
Astro Boy (2009) (voice)
The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)
G-Force (2009) (voice)
Knowing (2009)
Bangkok Dangerous (2008)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
Next (2007)
Grindhouse (2007) only in a mock trailer ✓ (watched on you tube...awesome)
Ghost Rider (2007)
The Wicker Man (2006)
World Trade Center (2006)
The Ant Bully (2006) (voice)
The Weather Man (2005)
Lord of War (2005)
National Treasure (2004)
Matchstick Men (2003)
Adaptation (2002)
Sonny (2002)
Windtalkers (2002)
Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001) (voice)
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)
The Family Man (2000)
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Bringing Out the Dead (1999) ✓
8MM (1999) ✓
Snake Eyes (1998) ✓
City of Angels (1998) ✓
Face/Off (1997) ✓
Con Air (1997) ✓
The Rock (1996) ✓
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) ✓
Kiss of Death (1995/I) ✓
Trapped in Paradise (1994) ✓
It Could Happen to You (1994) ✓
Guarding Tess (1994) ✓
Deadfall (1993) ✓
Red Rock West (1993) ✓
Amos & Andrew (1993) ✓
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) ✓
Zandalee (1991) ✓
Wild at Heart (1990) ✓
Fire Birds (1990) ✓
Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Brokenhearted (1990) (TV) ✓ (which totes was at Vulcan, I don't know why I doubted them)
Tempo di uccidere aka Time to Kill (1989) ✓
Vampire's Kiss (1988) ✓
Never on Tuesday (1988) (uncredited) .... Man in Red Sports Car
Moonstruck (1987) ✓
Raising Arizona (1987) ✓
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) ✓
The Boy in Blue (1986) ✓
Birdy (1984) ✓
The Cotton Club (1984) ✓
Racing with the Moon (1984) ✓
Rumble Fish (1983) ✓
Valley Girl (1983) ✓
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) ✓
While we didn't meet our initial goal of finishing in 30 days, we still watched a TON of Nic Cage movies this month, 33 to be exact. In fact, it turns out we have knocked out everything up to the 2000s, with only 18 movies left to go.
This is really pretty amazing, considering we both have jobs, friends, and yes, even interests other than Nicolas Cage. Plus, our schedules are often pretty opposite; I work Monday-Friday 10-6, and Cory works whatever day of the week he is scheduled, and usually until 12:30-1 a.m.
PLUS we were sober the whole time! Which made the simple act of just Finishing some of these movies an incredible accomplishment in and of itself.
Yep, we're feeling pretty proud of ourselves.
But we don't want to get carried away with pride yet, we still have movies to watch. Which we can now watch with beer! Which, incidentally, might be key to getting us through this last stretch ...I have a feeling the post-2000 chunk is not going to be as easy as the pre-2000. (I'm lookin' at you, Captain Corelli's Mandolin.)
Anyway, thanks for reading and stick around...there's plenty more to come!
The List: UPDATED 5/1/2010
(I'm behind a little in blog posts, but we have watched everything that is checked off)
Season of the Witch (2010)
Kick-Ass (2010) ✓
Astro Boy (2009) (voice)
The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)
G-Force (2009) (voice)
Knowing (2009)
Bangkok Dangerous (2008)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
Next (2007)
Grindhouse (2007) only in a mock trailer ✓ (watched on you tube...awesome)
Ghost Rider (2007)
The Wicker Man (2006)
World Trade Center (2006)
The Ant Bully (2006) (voice)
The Weather Man (2005)
Lord of War (2005)
National Treasure (2004)
Matchstick Men (2003)
Adaptation (2002)
Sonny (2002)
Windtalkers (2002)
Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001) (voice)
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)
The Family Man (2000)
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Bringing Out the Dead (1999) ✓
8MM (1999) ✓
Snake Eyes (1998) ✓
City of Angels (1998) ✓
Face/Off (1997) ✓
Con Air (1997) ✓
The Rock (1996) ✓
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) ✓
Kiss of Death (1995/I) ✓
Trapped in Paradise (1994) ✓
It Could Happen to You (1994) ✓
Guarding Tess (1994) ✓
Deadfall (1993) ✓
Red Rock West (1993) ✓
Amos & Andrew (1993) ✓
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) ✓
Zandalee (1991) ✓
Wild at Heart (1990) ✓
Fire Birds (1990) ✓
Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Brokenhearted (1990) (TV) ✓ (which totes was at Vulcan, I don't know why I doubted them)
Tempo di uccidere aka Time to Kill (1989) ✓
Vampire's Kiss (1988) ✓
Never on Tuesday (1988) (uncredited) .... Man in Red Sports Car
Moonstruck (1987) ✓
Raising Arizona (1987) ✓
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) ✓
The Boy in Blue (1986) ✓
Birdy (1984) ✓
The Cotton Club (1984) ✓
Racing with the Moon (1984) ✓
Rumble Fish (1983) ✓
Valley Girl (1983) ✓
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) ✓
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