"Drive Angry" isn't a scary film, that's for sure, but it certainly is one distinctly wacky film. Judging from the people I've watched it with, this is either going to be a film you hate or a film you love with very few folks landing in the middle. And while I acknowledge that it's a far from perfect film, count me on the love side.
The story follows a formerly-deceased man named John Milton, played by Nicolas Cage, as he seeks revenge against the cult leader who murdered his daughter and plans to make a sacrifice of her infant child. Along for the ride is actress Amber Heard as Piper, a sort of variation on the hooker with a heart of gold character; the tough as nails, trailer park, white-trash girl with a heart of gold. Heard plays the role with such abandon, such relish, that you can't help but love her. Cage, on the other hand, plays his role much more laid back and, dare I say, subtle. At least subtle for Nicolas Cage, especially considering how bat-shit crazy everything else going on around him is. And while many of us go to Nicolas Cage films to see just how far over the top he'll go this time, the fact that he plays it mellow here was the right call as it gives a grounded center to the surrounding insanity.
So yeah, Cage is chasing the bad guys, blowing people's arms and legs off with skillful shotgun blasts ... and that's pretty much the plot. Fairly straight forward, and it's really all at service of setting up some outrageous action sequences and bloody violence, but what bloody fun it is. Take for example the scene where Cage's Milton gets into a shootout with about a dozen or so cultists who try sneaking up on him while he's having sex. The battle ensues, only Milton never stops having sex. Now based on that description you'd have to assume that this scene is insufferably stupid, and yet writer Todd Farmer and director Patrick Lussier understand how wonderfully absurd the situation they've created is and treat it accordingly, so they are able to make it work.
But perhaps the best aspect of the film is the character known simply as The Accountant. Played pitch perfectly by William Fichtner, The Accountant's purpose and motivations are endlessly fascinating and, to me, elevate the entire film above it's simple revenge plot.
SIDE NOTE: Oh wow, speaking of the cast, I just realized something; this is Tom Atkins film #3 as the actor has a small role here as a police detective. Jeez, this is unintentionally turning in to the Tom Atkins Marathon of Halloween Films.
But anyway...
Originally a 3D film in theaters, many of those goofy 3D effects now look particularly cheesy on your 2D television screen. But so what. It all adds to the over-the-top silliness of the whole affair. So if you're wanting a break from the straight up chills of other Halloween themed films, consider taking a little side trip with "Drive Angry."
However, if you just can't bring yourself to watch an action film for Halloween, maybe give Lussier and Farmer's previous film, the remake of "My Bloody Valentine," a try. Similar nutty, bloody fun, but it's a straight-up horror film, so far more chills and scares.
(P.S. Tom Atkins film #4)
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