So currently I am in between films reviews. But have no fear World War Z, White House Down, and Man of Steel should be coming soon. Also I am trying to put together a video review thing soon or later. But in the mean time I would like to ask all of you to watch this trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0_mrDgDe4w
The trailer is for an upcoming thriller called Frozen Ground which is based on a real life spree of serial killings in Alaska during the 80's. To me this actually sounds like a good premise for a movie, I am thinking something along the lines of Zodiac in the snow. Unfortunately it is set to star Nicolas Cage and John Cusack as the head detective and killer respectively. Now this is now direct snub to these actors, in fact I really like both of them. Cusack and Cage both have a certain cheesy charisma that reflects back to the glory days of both their careers. And in those glory days they actually starred in another movie together called Con-Air. If you haven't seen Con-Air it is about as cheesy as a mid 90's action film could get, and it was all the better for it. It is a failure as a movie on many levels, but it is so ludicrous that it is undeniably watchable. Just watch this clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waziKjv_2qU
Taken out of context, you might think that was taken out of a comedy. But it is dead serious. And yes that is John Malkovich really shooting at that helicopter! Something like that will keep the most cynical man smile all day. But obviously Frozen Ground is not that type of movie. In fact Frozen Ground looks more like the Christopher Nolan film Insomnia. Insomnia is another film about a serial killer set in Alaska. And it also had an actor hamming it up as the lead detective (Al Pacino) and an actor primarily known for comedies giving a surprisingly subtle performance as the killer (Robin Williams). Now Insomnia is not a great flick, in fact it is a mess of a movie that falls apart in the third act. But there are things I like about it. And I have serious doubts that Frozen Ground will be half as good as it.
Now I very well could be wrong, but just listen to this. Frozen Ground is being made by a first time director who has decided to cast both Vanessa Hudgens and 50 Cent in major dramatic roles. That doesn't really instill me with confidence. And casting John Cusack as a serial killer just seems like a horrible idea. Now Cusack has pulled off performances in thrillers and horror films before though, but he usually sticks to playing the protagonist. John Cusack is a very likable actor and casting him in the lead saves the screenwriter some time explaining why we should be rooting for our hero. But Cusack playing the antagonist may spark a little unintentional hilarity, as may the appearance of Nicolas Cage.
I'm sure that anyone who is reading this is well aware of the path these two actor's careers have went down. Both have been in a slump as of late, and from the look of it neither realize why. It is because they are taking parts in absolutely shit movies. Both actors have been very hit or miss since the early 2000's, almost all being misses truthfully. Which is a damn shame because I think the early 2000's had some of their best roles. Cage had Adaptation and Matchstick Men, and Cusack had Being John Malkovich (Alright that was late 1999) and High Fidelity. Now I realize that both of these actors (Cage to a much larger extent) have been reduced to jokes on the internet, but I truthfully do enjoy them overall.
Both have given abhorrent performances throughout their careers, but I can never say that they were boring. Cage in particular always gives an interesting performance despite how terrible the film is. And John Cusack is so charming that watching him sleepwalk through a movie is still somehow endearing. Let me put it this way, most action stars are completely replaceable. Cage and Cusack will make the worst film still entertaining on some level. So after that I say this next part with a heavy heart.
Both seem to be horribly miscast. Now I have not seen the film but just from the trailer I am going to guess that this is a serious drama. Now from previous experiences I have noticed that Cage does much better when let off the reins and is allowed to be as nutty as he wants to (Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call). And in a straight drama there is typically little to no nuttiness allowed. And I think I already explained why Cusack as a serial killer is a bad choice. But lets be honest I am probably going to end up seeing this anyway.
Anyway have you guys seen the Wolf of Wall Street trailer? Cause that looks pretty frickin sweet! Martin Scorsese, Yeezus, Jonah Hill's big glasses, and a game of what appears to be "midget darts". What more can you ask for?
Oh, that's what.
-SP McDonald
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