In the first edition of Citizen Shame, we'll be taking a look at a movie that features Nicolas Cage talking weirdly. You might be inclined to ask: isn’t that every Nicolas Cage movie?
You would be correct, of course, but in "Con Air" (1997), his voice somehow manages to be even weirder and borderline upsetting, with a bonus Southern lilt. So, as we reach the 20-year anniversary of the film’s release, it is time to revisit this classic tale of a bunch of criminals flying a plane.
We open on Cage’s Cameron Poe, a con scheduled to be released from prison after serving time for accidentally murdering the living heck out of some guy. After being paroled, he is to be transferred home on a flight filled with homicidal lunatics who will eventually hijack the aircraft. The delicate, subtle world-building on screenwriter Scott Rosenberg’s part will not go unnoticed by this reviewer.
Where the film really begins to find its brilliance is in its supporting characters. John Cusack plays a really boring John Cusack-type who sort of gets upset at some points. John Malkovich is also in this movie, but that doesn’t really matter. Dave Chapelle appears and does a standup comedy routine, which might feel vaguely out of place but is a highly essential part of the comic relief that director Simon West fills the movie with. That’s not to say this action classic is devoid of thrills. Hearing Nicolas Cage’s accent will literally make your bones melt.
There is a plot but seeing how this is a positive review, we probably shouldn’t think about it too much. Here are some highlights to help you catch up:
- Steve Buscemi plays checkers with a child.
- Nicolas Cage throws Dave Chapelle’s body from the plane to communicate with John Cusack.
- Nicolas Cage continues to talk in stomach-churning fashion.
- Something about his wife and kid, but upon repeat viewing this reviewer still isn’t sure.
- Machete from Spy Kids is back!
"Con Air" is a story of redemption, love and one of the most haunting accents ever to grace the silver screen. In its 20-year history, it has faced the scorn of viewers who demand “quality” or “any type of sense,” but it is well worth your time. And for any seniors who are worried about the skills they learn at Tufts translating to the job market, remember: Nicolas Cage is paid to do this.
