Recent Reviews
DVD Review: The Wicker Man (2006)
By Dave Dreher

Jan 1, 2007, 22:14

You have got to give Nicolas Cage credit, just when you think you have him pegged for a certain acting style he mixes it all up and just heads off in a new direction.  Early in his career he played the goofy romantic guy in films like Moonstruck and Raising Arizona.  Then he decided he was going to be an action hero and you know what?  He pulled it off, big time.  The Rock , Con Air, National Treasure, I love them all.

Now he has decided to visit the horror genre with a remake of the classic The Wicker Man.

I can’t lie to you, I have never really thought of The Wicker Man as a horror film.  While some of the things that happen in the film are horrifying I found nothing about the original film particularly scary and I’m afraid I pretty much feel the same way about this remake.  The story line remains the same.  A sheriff while investigating the disappearance of a young girl finds himself on a remote island filled with pagans who kind of live by a strange set of rules and ultimately ends up finding out more about their lifestyle then he ever wanted to know.

This time around though director Neil Labute does manage to build some tension, an attribute that I found the original could never muster for me. The film looks wonderful and I really like the acting of Nick Cage.  He pulls of the character of Edward Malus with his usual laid back flare that only he can do and not look awkward.  He is supported by a stellar cast that features Ellen Burstyn, Kate Beahan and LeeLee Sobieski.  All the parts are in place and I really can’t say this is a bad film it just isn’t my cup of tea.

Fans of the original should most definitely check this out as should fans of Nick Cage.  But, if you’re a horror fan looking for a scary good time, keep on looking.

The package offered up by Warner Brothers is worth a look.  You get two versions of the film.  The unrated version offers up an alternate ending while the rated version is the one that was shown in theaters.  Also a commentary track featuring the director Neil Labute a couple of the co-stars and some production people.  Noticeably absent is Nick Cage.  

Fans were pretty hot or cold on this remake and that seems to hold true for the DVD release.  Those that love it do and those that hate it can’t stop telling you how bad it is.  I find myself on the fence.  I never really cared for the original all that much and this remake while well done and not bad just really doesn’t do much for me.

I can’t recommend it or bash it.  All I can tell you is to pick it up and give it a spin.

The Wicker Man is available now where ever you buy your favorite films.

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