"A teenage girl and her little brother try to survive a wild 24 hours during which a mass hysteria of unknown origins causes parents to turn violently on their own children."
One of the first horror movies of the year comes from Brian Taylor (Gamer, Crank) and stars Nicolas Cage, Selma Blair (Cruel Intentions, Hellboy), Anne Winters, and Zackary Arthur (The 5th Wave). It also cameos, in one of the best casting decisions ever, Lance Henriksen as Cage's character's father. It premiered in the Midnight Madness section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. The film was released this January by Momentum Pictures.
Though not as high octane as you would expect from the man responsible for Crank, Mom and Dad is a clever twist on a concept usually overrun by zombies. These parents aren't actually zombies since they are very much aware of what is happening and even manage to keep some level of intelligence despite their uncontrollable anger. There's also tons of dark humor interwoven into a plot that examines the mental issues that come with being and becoming parents. As a strange static (ala The Signal) influences the parents to find and kill their own children, not anyone elses. Subjects like postpartum depression, middle age crisis, and aging stereotypes become a big part of the joke as parents of all ages attempt to eradicate their own kids. Because if they can bring you into this world, than dammit, they can take you out of it. The soundtrack is also the perfect addition to the mayhem.
As most of you are likely to remember, I am not your everyday Nicolas Cage fan. In fact I usually can't stand him. When it comes to acting he doesn't, instead who shows up all stained faced and seems to dliver lines thinking the influence in his voice is enough to convince us he's really sad, or mad, etc. Otherwise his face never changes. That has been the case for at least 2 decades now and although I may be a late bloomer but while watching Mom and Dad I finally realized what Cage is really good. He's really good at being friggin crazy! Why they tried to make him a serious actor when its obvious he should always play the nutjob I have no idea. I was almost bored to death during the somber moments before parents starting killing their kids and even the supporting cast couldn't keep me awake. But, as soon as the poop hit the pan and Cage went full psycho I was in for the madness. When I declared I'd finally figured out what Cage was good at to Joel he laughed and said "that's because he wasn't acting. He really is crazy." That seems true, since he isn't acting other time, so why would I think he was now?
Mom and Dad is currently available in theaters. Since its one of only 2 offerings to start the New Year with don't go into expecting briliance and you won't be let down.
No comments:
Post a Comment