The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man was directed by Neil Labute and stars Nicholas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, and Leelee Sobieski. Cage plays officer Edward Malus who is determined to find his missing daughter and is eventually led to a town where nothing is "normal."
This film was categorized as a thriller, horror, and mystery, believe me The Wicker Man failed to hit any of the aforementioned categories. The film was originally adapted from the book, Ritual by David Pinner. Read the book instead as your imagination will likely conjure up far more interesting images than those portrayed in the film.
In terms of the casting, I love Nicholas Cage as he is one of the more versatile actors working in Hollywood and most of the time he can punch up a script and make it work. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do this time around, as The Wicker Man script was just to poorly constructed. The film fails to keep the audience in any real suspense as to what is around the next corner and thus just fails short.
However, The Wicker Man does have a bit to offer, here and there. Ladies, if you ever had a man treat you wrong or you’ve just been dumped, this is the film for you. Wicker Man can be a great 1 hour and 40 minute escape for women who like to feel superior to men or are suffering from a broken heart. Here’s the deal with Wicker Man, unless you’re scared of bees and strong women, well, be prepared to laugh. At one point you will be treated to the image of Cage running through the woods in a bear suit. Yes, a bear suit. Can you picture that? But there is other comedy as well, such as some of the dialogue. Here’s the best line in the film "put the bike down or I’ll shoot." Comedy. Oh yeah, comedy.
So here’s the rub, if not already a fan of one Mr. Nicholas Cage, you might be after this film. The Wicker Man is not a good film choice on Cage’s end but his skill and range does smooth out the experience...some. And, there are some other nice touches as well, as the wardrobe department worked hard on this film, Ellen Burstyn is looking better than ever and Leelee Sobieski plays a role that is a bit unexpected. But, alas, The Wicker Man is getting a grade of "D". This is not a film worth those evening prices at the local theater. Wicker Man had the potential to elaborate on its fundamental base of intrigue and mystery and create a little cinema magic, but it just doesn’t happen. This might be a good movie to watch-if your friend is picking up the tap, but that’s about it.
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