Nicolas Cage Gloriously Returns to Form in the Western Action Flick The Old Way

The Glorious Return of Nicolas Cage in The Old Way

Nicolas Cage has captivated audiences for decades with his unique brand of dramatic intensity and offbeat charm. At his best, he brings a distinct manic energy to every role that makes his films compulsively watchable. After a few years spent in direct-to-video purgatory, Cage makes a glorious return to form in the 2023 western action flick The Old Way.

Cage Shines as a Retired Gunslinger

In The Old Way, Cage plays Colton Briggs, a former gunslinger trying to live a quiet life as a general store owner in the small town of Gold Creek, Arizona. But when a gang of ruthless outlaws comes to town looking to settle an old score, Briggs is forced to dig up his violent past and become the cold-blooded killer he used to be.

Cage is perfectly cast in the role, channeling the dark intensity of his turns in films like Face/Off and Bringing Out the Dead. There's a simmering rage lurking beneath his steely gaze, just waiting to erupt. When the action starts, Cage transforms into a whirlwind of episodic violence, mowing down bad guys with ruthless efficiency.

A Love Letter to the Western Genre

But The Old Way is more than just a showcase for Cage's reliable unhinged energy. It's also a loving homage to the classic western. First time director Brett Donowho clearly has an affinity for the genre, filling the film with dust-swept vistas, grizzled cowboys, and old-fashioned saloon shootouts.

Donowho's direction captures the textures and tones of the classic western beautifully. The remote desert setting oozes danger and isolation. Quick zooms and off-kilter framing add a sense of disorientation to the action sequences. And the costumes, sets, and props are authentically period-specific without feeling stale.

"I'll Do Anything" Era Nic Cage

But the real joy of The Old Way is watching Cage recapture the eccentric charisma of his "I'll do anything" era in the 90s. Back then, he would swing wildly between sincere drama and unhinged comedy from film to film. The Old Way taps into that unpredictable energy perfectly.

One minute Cage is brooding and threatening, staring down his enemies with the cold brutality of an angel of death. The next he's cracking wise and reveling in the carnage he's created like a kid playing an ultra-violent game of cops and robbers. It's a signature Cage performance reminiscent of his legendary work in films like Wild at Heart, Honeymoon in Vegas, and Con-Air.

A Good Bad Movie

Make no mistake, The Old Way is not going to win any Oscars. The plot is workmanlike at best and the dialog is frequently clunky. But the film knows exactly what it is - an unapologetic niche genre exercise that provides the perfect vehicle for Nicolas Cage to go full Cage.

For audiences who savor Cage at his most unchained, The Old Way delivers everything you could ask for. It's a good bad movie, anchored by an actor who remains compulsively watchable even when the material itself is lacking.

Cage and Westerns: A Perfect Match

On paper, Nicolas Cage and westerns seem like a mismatch. But The Old Way proves some inspired casting can override expectations. Cage's one-of-a-kind energy injects new life into the familiar tropes of the genre.

By blending real cinematic craft with an unrestrained lead performance, The Old Way shows westerns still have plenty of surprises left. Let's hope this is just the beginning of Cage's foray into the wild west. Because based on this deliriously fun film, he's found the perfect new frontier for his singular skills.

FAQs

What is The Old Way about?

The Old Way is about a former gunslinger named Colton Briggs, played by Nicolas Cage, who is forced to confront his violent past when a gang of outlaws comes to his quiet town seeking revenge.

What genre is The Old Way?

The Old Way is a western action film that pays homage to classic western movies while allowing Nicolas Cage to tap into his signature unhinged acting style.

Who directed The Old Way?

The Old Way was directed by Brett Donowho in his feature film directorial debut. Donowho helped capture the tone and textures of classic westerns.

What era of Nicolas Cage does The Old Way evoke?

With its blend of intensity and dark humor, The Old Way harkens back to Nicolas Cage's "I'll do anything" era of the 1990s in films like Wild at Heart and Con-Air.

Why does Nicolas Cage make a good western hero?

Nicolas Cage's unpredictable energy and unhinged acting style inject new life into the familiar tropes of western movies, making him an inspired leading man in the genre.