Drive Angry

(2011 d. Patrick Lussier)

7 out of 10

This movie is ridiculous. Crazy stupid. But also a lot of fun.

Sort of in the same vein as the recent Pirannah 3D, but (as another review mentioned) much in common with early Sam Raimi (or late, if we're counting Drag Me to Hell).

Lussier was recently named one of Hollywood Reports hot new directors. Most on that list are indie guys, making serious dramas with weight and significance. But Lussier is making a grindhouse-esque, comedy-action romp, in 3D no less. But I think he's deserving of the buzz. This movie is expertly directed, and there is an amazingly well-edited (Lussier was also co-screenwriter and co-editor) sequence near the end.

Nicolas Cage is great, delivering purposely cheesy lines with deadpan sincerity. Quite a few memorable quotes here. Amber Heard is beautiful and pulls of some decent acting, too. Fichtner gets some great moments. The most annoying character was the main villain, a smarmy cult leader who's the targed of Cage's vengeance.

The trailer trumpeted how this was "SHOT in 3D" and that does make a huge difference. I'd still prefer if it were 2D, but overall the film looked great and the 3D gags fit perfectly with the overall tone of the movie.

Caveat - in keeping with the film's schlocky heritage, there are many, many, um..objectionable elements here. But the tone is light, and sufficiently self-aware to know when to back off and when to go completely overboard.

A big, crazy, ridiculous Saturday morning cartoon for adults.