Film Review: Rage (2014)

SYNOPSIS:

When the daughter of a reformed criminal is kidnapped, he rounds up his old crew and seeks his own brand of justice.

REVIEW:

If you’re like me, you might have been saying to yourself… yunno what I need right now? I’d really love to see a new Cage movie with Nicolas freaking out, kicking ass, and generally pissed off thru most of the film. Look no further than the new release of “Rage” (nicely titled to rhyme with the main actors last name).

This movie has got alot of street level thug violence to fill a sufficient evening of much needed crime/ action viewer needs. Nicolas Cage is a reformed criminal by the name of Paul Maguire. He has been on the straight and narrow since his wife’s death on the promise of keeping a straight path for his daughter’s well being. All is going well for Paul. He lives a comfortable life, spends his days in his career as a business man and watches over his daughter as she makes her way thru college.

When Paul and his wife Vanessa (Rachel Nichols) steps out for an evening leaving his daughter Caitlin (Aubrey Peeples) alone with her friends, they didn’t expect to get a call that she had been abducted. A messy crime scene, no answers and now a daughter missing, quickly escalates things for Paul who is quite familiar with shaking down the underground when need be.

Paul calls upon his 2 best friends and old crime cohorts, Kane (Max Ryan) and Danny (Michael McGrady). While life has calmed down for all 3 of them taking on a more civil direction in life, it is very apparent that things are “about” to change. Paul organizes his old team in the effort of locating his daughter and digging up some much needed answers. He soon receives dire news.

The 3 of them bust down doors, shoot bad buys and torture local snitches leading them to a tip that the gun that was used (in the hit) was in fact, Russian-issued. Paul and friends who take matters into their own hands (despite a police force who seems legitimately concerned) begin a rampage of violent shakedowns and attacks on the local Russian mob. The intention being to get the attention of Russian crime boss Chernov (Pasha D. Lychnikoff). Despite the warning from an old associate Francis O’Connell (Peter Stormare) and despite the request of Det. Peter St. John (Danny Glover) Paul remains determined (Lucky for us viewers who get to share in the “Cage rage”). Glover falls a bit short this round with a few forced lines and a “I’m too old for this kind of work” attitude.

Cage does embrace the title of this film by pulling out his well practiced-rage card in his mobster rooted character. There is also a strong sense of comradeship between Paul and his buds that stays loyal throughout the film while ultimately making quite a mess of things in the process. I’m sure most viewers will question the unbalance between what is criminal and not as the film seems to place the emphasis on Paul doing what he “needs” to do. This also appears to involve quite a bit of the law officers looking-the-other-way and letting him gun down criminals. Violence in “Rage” is quite heavier than other films that Nicolas has been featured in, however that is also why I favor this one a bit more.

By the 3rd act, a reflection of past events appears to iron itself out under the reality of what has transpired. Directed by Paco Cabezas, “Rage” is simply good action. With purpose and pursuit, Paul and team make for a great vigilante gang that work to the benefit of the film. Its an enjoyable movie, sizzling with as bit of meat to it that hits its mark dead on. It may not live up to “Face-off” level, but its still fun to watch.

“Rage” is a film with alot of action and sizzle.

Rage is now available on bluray from Image Entertainment