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Wild at Heart (1990)

Directed by: David Lynch

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton, Dianne Ladd, Jack Nance, Sherilyn Fenn

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 5 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Style, Story, Weirdness, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Lynch-lite, Somewhat Silly at Times

Wild at Heart (1990)

February 27, 2020

Young lovers Sailor and Lula go on the run after Lula’s mother tries to keep them apart by any means necessary.

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In Action, Adventure, Crime, Coming of Age, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton, Dianne Ladd, Jack Nance, Sherilyn Fenn, David Lynch, 1990, 3.5 Stars, R
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Color Out of Space (2019)

Directed By: Richard Stanley

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Joely Richardson, Madeleine Arthur, Elliot Knight, Tommy Chong , Brendan Meyer, Julian Hilliard, Josh C. Waller, Q'orianka Kilcher

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 51m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

Strengths: Lighting and Color, Nic Cage, Cosmic Dread

Weakness: Some CGI and Acting Moments

Color Out of Space (2019)

January 24, 2020

When a meteor crash lands near their home in the New England woods, one family is given a glimpse of the universe outside their capacity to grasp without insanity inducing effect.

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In Classic Literature, Fantasy, Horror, Sci Fi Tags Michael McDonald, 5 Stars, R Rated, Color Out of Space, 2019, Nicolas Cage, Joely Richardson, Madeleine Arthur, Elliot Knight, Tommy Chong, Brendan Meyer, Julian Hilliard, Josh C. Waller, Q'orianka Kilcher, Richard Stanley
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The Frozen Ground (2013)

Directed by: Scott Walker

Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens

Rated: R for Violent Content, Sexuality/Nudity, Language and Drug Use

Running Time: 1h 45m

TMM Score: 2.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Nic Cage, Atmosphere, True Story

WEAKNESSES: Vanessa Hudgens, Cinematography, Safe Writing

The Frozen Ground (2013)

October 8, 2019

A detective hunts down the famous serial killer Robert Hansen.

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In Drama, Mystery Tags Karl Nagurski, The Frozen Ground, Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack, Rated R, 2.5 Stars, Drama, Myster, Mystery
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A Score to Settle (2019)

Directed by: Shawn Ku

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Benjamin Bratt, Noah Le Gros

Rated: R for Violence and Language

Running Time: 1h 43m

TMM Score: 2 Stars

STRENGTHS: Nic Cage

WEAKNESSES: Amateur Filmmaking

A Score to Settle (2019)

October 1, 2019

A man seeks revenge after being wrongfully put away for 19 years.

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In Drama, Action Tags Karl Nagurski, a score to settle, Nicolas Cage, Noah Le Gros, Benjamin Bratt, Rated R, 2 stars, Action, Drama
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Kick Ass (2010)

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Mark Strong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 57m

TMM Score: 3 Stars (I liked it)

Strengths: High Concept, Nicolas Cage, Fun

Weakness: Acting

Kick Ass (2010)

September 6, 2019

Dave, a comic book nerd high school outcast, is tired of the petty crimes surrounding him and decides to fight back. Inspired by his love of comic heroes, he becomes Kick Ass the crime fighter. If only he had powers.

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In Action, Comedy, Coming of Age, Crime, Fantasy, Superhero Tags Michael McDonald, Matthew Vaughn, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Mark Strong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, R Rated, 3 Stars, Kick Ass, 2010
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Rage (2014)

Directed by: Paco Cabezas

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Peter Stormare, Danny Glover, Aubrey Peeples

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Violence and Language)

Running Time: 1 h 38 m

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Ending, Some Unintentionally Funny Action Scenes

WEAKNESSES: Writing, Directing, Unlikeable Characters, Acting, Pacing

Rage (2014)

August 30, 2019

After his daughter is murdered, an ex-criminal gets his old crew together to find the people that killed her.

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In Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller Tags Paco Cabezas, Nicolas Cage, Peter Stormare, Danny Glover, Aubrey Peeples, 2014, 2 Stars, NR
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Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Directed by: Mike Figgis

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis

Rated: R for Strong Sexuality and Language, Violence and Pervasive Alcohol Abuse

Running Time: 1 h 51 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Writing, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Slightly Melodramatic

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

August 23, 2019

An alcoholic ex-screenwriter moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he encounters a prostitute with whom he forms a unique relationship. 

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In Drama, Romance Tags Mike Figgis, Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis, R, 4.5 Stars
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Adaptation (2002)

Directed By: Spike Jonze

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton, Brian Cox

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 55m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

Strengths: Story, Acting

Weakness: None

Adaptation (2002)

August 23, 2019

A writer struggles to complete a screenplay which is based on a book which was based on an article which was based on an incident which had transcendental effect on the author.

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In Drama, Buddy Movies, Comedy Tags Michael McDonald, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton, Brian Cox, R Rated, 5 Stars, Adaptation, 2002
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Army of One (2016)

Directed By: Larry Charles

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Russell Brand, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Paul Scheer, Will Sasso, Rainn Wilson

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 32m

TMM Score: 3 Stars

Strengths: Nic Cage

Weakness: Uninspired Directing, Pacing

Army of One (2016)

August 22, 2019

When Gary Faulkner is told by God to go get Osama Bin Laden he struggles with his Holy Quest/Life balance.

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In Biographical, Comedy, Fantasy Tags Michael McDonald, Nicolas Cage, Russell Brand, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Paul Scheer, Will Sasso, Rainn Wilson, Larry Charles, Army of One, 2016, R, 3 Stars
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Between Worlds (2018)

Directed by: Maria Pulera

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Penelope Mitchell, Franka Potente

Rated: R for Strong Sexual Content, Language Throughout, Some Violence

Running Time: 1h 30m

TMM Score: 2 Stars

STRENGTHS: Nicolas Cage

WEAKNESSES: Just About Everything Else

Between Worlds (2018)

August 22, 2019

Grieving truck driver Joe finds himself in a steamy story of spirits.

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In Drama, Thriller Tags Karl Nagurski, Nicolas Cage, Rated R, 2 Stars, Between Worlds, Drama, Thriller, Erotic Thriller
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Ghost Rider (2007)

Directed By: Mark Steven Johnson

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda, Wes Bentley

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 1h 54m

TMM Score: 2 Stars

Strengths: Ummm… I got nothing.

Weakness: CG, Acting, Story, Logic, Everything

Ghost Rider (2007)

August 21, 2019

When the son of a motorcycle daredevil makes a deal with the real devil he becomes a spectral flaming skeletal bounty hunter for him, collecting any souls the devil desires.

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In Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Superhero, Western Tags Michael McDonald, Ghost Rider, 2007, Mark Steven Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda, Wes Bentley, PG-13, 2 Stars
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Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

Directed by: The Pang Brothers

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Chakrit Yamnam, Charlie Yeung

Rated: R for Violence, Language, Some Sexuality

Running Time: 1h 35m

TMM Score: 1.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Almost So Bad It’s Good, Unintentionally Hilarious

WEAKNESSES: Cinematography, Direction, Action, Performances

Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

August 21, 2019

Contract Killer Joe Faces His Toughest Assignment Yet

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In Crime, Action Tags Karl Nagurski, Nicolas Cage, Pang Brothers, Action, 1.5 Stars, Chakrit Yamnam, Charlie Yeung
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Face/Off (1997)

Directed by: John Woo

Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Alessandro Nivola, Joan Allen

Rated: R for Intense Sequences of Strong Violence, and For Strong Language

Running Time: 2 h 18 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Practical Effects and Stunts, Ridiculous Performances, Bizarre Story

WEAKNESSES: Logic, Hokey 90s Moments

Face/Off (1997)

August 21, 2019

An FBI agent undergoes a facial transplant surgery to work his way into a terrorist sect, but the plan goes awry when the terrorist whose face he stole impersonates the FBI agent. 

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In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags John Woo, 1997, 3.5 Stars, John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Alessandro Nivola, Joan Allen
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Season of the Witch (2011)

Directed by: Dominic Sena

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Claire Foy, Stephen Graham, Robert Sheehan, Christopher Lee

Rated: PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Violence and Disturbing Content

Running Time: 1 h 35 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Claire Foy, Pacing, Fun

WEAKNESSES: Paint-By-Numbers Plot, Pointless Action Scenes, Character and Story Logic

Season of the Witch (2011)

August 20, 2019

Crusader deserters are charged with bringing a suspected witch to an isolated monastery, where the monks that reside there will use a book to judge her.

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In Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, War Tags Dominic Sena, Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Claire Foy, Stephen Graham, Robert Sheehan, Christopher Lee, 2.5 Stars, 2011, PG-13
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Joe (2013)

Directed by: David Gordon Green

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Gary Poulter

Rated: R for Violence, Disturbing Material, Language and Some Strong Sexual Content

Running Time: 2h

TMM Score: 4 Stars

STRENGTHS: Subtle Nic Cage, Performances, Atmosphere, Story

WEAKNESSES: Some Directing/Writing Choices, Unnecessary Animal Violence

Joe (2013)

August 20, 2019

Joe is a hard working ex-con man who forms an unlikely bond with Gary, a 15 year old with an abusive father, and eventually Joe’s past catches up with him.

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In Crime, Drama Tags Karl Nagurski, Nicolas Cage, David Gordon Green, Tye Sheridan, Gary Poulter, Rated R, Joe, 4 stars
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Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Directed by: Werner Herzog

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Xzibit, Fairuza Balk, Jennifer Coolidge, Tom Bower, Brad Dourif, Shea Whigham, Michael Shannnon

Rated: R for Drug Use and Language Throughout, Some Violence and Sexuality

Running Time: 2 h 2 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Acting, Story

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting, Cheesy Ending, Uneven Quality

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

August 19, 2019

A drug and gambling addicted detective working in post-Katrina New Orleans investigates the brutal killings of five Senegalese immigrants.

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In Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Xzibit, Faiiruza Balk, Jennifer Coolidge, Tom Bower, Brad Dourif, Shea Whigham, Michael Shannnon, Werner Herzog, 2009, 3 Stars
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Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Zoe Kravitz, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liv Schreiber, Chris Pine

Rated: PG for Frenetic Sequences of Animated Action Violence, Thematic Elements, and Mild Language

Running Time: 1 h 57 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Animation, Story, Meta-Writing, Crazy Freaking Visuals

WEAKNESSES: -

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

December 18, 2018

After Peter Parker is killed, a device opens a portal between multiple dimensions, allowing multiple versions of Spider-Man into new Spider-Man Miles Morales’s version of New York. 

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In Action, Adventure, Animated, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Zoe Kravitz, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liv Schreiber, Chris Pine, PG, 5 Stars
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Vampire’s Kiss (1988)

Directed by: Robert Bierman

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Maria Conchita Alonso, Jennifer Beals, Elizabeth Ashley

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 43 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Unique Acting

WEAKNESSES: Story, Characters

Vampire's Kiss (1988)

October 23, 2018

A publishing executive believes he’s turning into a vampire.

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In Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Thriller Tags Vampire's Kiss, 1988, Robert Bierman, Nicolas Cage, Maria Conchita Alonso, Jennifer Beals, Elizabeth Ashley, R, 3 Stars
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Mandy (2018)

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Richard Brake

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Strong Bloody Violence, Disturbing Images, Drug and Sexual Content, Graphic Nudity and Some Language)

Running Time: 2 h 1 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Aesthetic, Cinematography, Uniqueness, Acting, Inventiveness

WEAKNESSES: Some Pacing, Some Themes

Mandy (2018)

September 17, 2018

Set in alternative world in 1983. Red Miller hunts a religious cult after they murder the love of his life, Mandy.

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In Action, Art House, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller Tags Mandy, 2018, Panos Cosmatos, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Richard Brake, NR, 4 Stars
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The Rock (1996)

Directed by: Michael Bay

Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris

Rated: R for Strong Violence, Language and a Sex Scene

Running Time: 2 h 16 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, No Holds Barred Action, Ridiculous Premise, Humorous Writing

WEAKNESSES: Ridiculous Premise, Directing

The Rock (1996)

August 23, 2018

An ex-con and a chemist team up to stop a general who has taken control of Alcatraz Island and plans to release nerve gas on San Francisco.

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In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Thriller Tags Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Bay, 3 Stars
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