Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 3/5 stars
Say what you want about Nic Cage, but the man delivers at least one entertaining film a year – either in the action or thriller genre. Sure most of these erstwhile efforts Cage has been associated with fall squarely in the B-movie category, but what simple, straightforward entertainers they've been – way better than some bloated, glitzy, A-level blockbusters.
This time he isn't the leading hero, but has a strong supporting part with his character bringing an important element to the crux of the plot. Hayden Christensen is the main protagonist of "Outcast" and he plays the stoical, taciturn, gritty, lost, down-and-out, wandering badass with measured assurance. The role actually suits him – considering his lack of acting skills and emoting capabilities – and is one of his very few, decent performances.
Stunt coordinator turned debutante Director,Nick Powell, knows a thing or two about action, which is evident from the fluidity with which the hand-to-hand combats, sword fights, chase sequences, and battles scenes are shot. Story wise, "Outcast" certainly brings nothing fresh to the table: When the heir of the Chinese imperial throne becomes the target of assassination by his despised older brother, the young prince's only hope is the protection of his sister, and the reluctant aid of a war-weary Crusader, Jacob (Christensen) who must overcome his own personal demons and rally the assistance of the legendary Crusader-turned-bandit, Gallain (Cage) to return the prince to his rightful place on the throne. But it's that one entertaining, annual Nic Cage vehicle we've become accustomed to. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a good, simple, popcorn action movie.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Say what you want about Nic Cage, but the man delivers at least one entertaining film a year – either in the action or thriller genre. Sure most of these erstwhile efforts Cage has been associated with fall squarely in the B-movie category, but what simple, straightforward entertainers they've been – way better than some bloated, glitzy, A-level blockbusters.
This time he isn't the leading hero, but has a strong supporting part with his character bringing an important element to the crux of the plot. Hayden Christensen is the main protagonist of "Outcast" and he plays the stoical, taciturn, gritty, lost, down-and-out, wandering badass with measured assurance. The role actually suits him – considering his lack of acting skills and emoting capabilities – and is one of his very few, decent performances.
Stunt coordinator turned debutante Director,Nick Powell, knows a thing or two about action, which is evident from the fluidity with which the hand-to-hand combats, sword fights, chase sequences, and battles scenes are shot. Story wise, "Outcast" certainly brings nothing fresh to the table: When the heir of the Chinese imperial throne becomes the target of assassination by his despised older brother, the young prince's only hope is the protection of his sister, and the reluctant aid of a war-weary Crusader, Jacob (Christensen) who must overcome his own personal demons and rally the assistance of the legendary Crusader-turned-bandit, Gallain (Cage) to return the prince to his rightful place on the throne. But it's that one entertaining, annual Nic Cage vehicle we've become accustomed to. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a good, simple, popcorn action movie.