A notorious criminal must break an evil curse in order to rescue an abducted girl who has mysteriously disappeared.
Nicolas Cage is a National Treasure. I understand he’s lambasted for over-the-top performances and tax issues but man does he commit to his roles. He heads to Japan to star in a genre-blending mix of post-apocalyptic/samurai/spaghetti western action.
In “Prisoner’s of the Ghostlands,” Cage is a shotgun-wielding bank robber, appropriately named Hero. After a bank job turns deadly, he’s locked up in a wooden cell straight out of the Shogun era. In a wink and a nod moment, a neon-lit jukebox in the Warden’s office plays Elvis for Hero to enjoy while being in prison. It reminded me of when Cage performed a solid cover of “Love Me” in David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart.”
Wearing nothing but a Fundoshi (Sumo thong), Hero is dragged out in chains to a man dressed in a Stetson and white tailored suit with blood-red gloves. This evil-looking plantation cowboy introduces himself as the Governor (Bill Moseley). The plot resembles “Escape from New York” with Hero being offered immunity of his crimes if he rescues the Governor’s granddaughter (Sofia Boutella). As an extra contingency, he’s adorned in some explosive jewelry to ensure he won’t go AWOL. The Snake Plissken homages continue when Hero is given a leather daddy outfit to wear.
Aside from homages to Carpenter, veteran director Sion Sono shoots his native Japan like Sergio Leone took over the production design. It’s a bonkers film but Sono takes it seriously. I think this will please fans of outlandish violence, but its odd tempo might throw some off. While it doesn’t meet the greatness of “Mandy,” nonetheless, it’s always a joy watching Cage yell insane lines while taking on countless enemies.
“Prisoners of the Ghostland” premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, January 31st
