Nicolas Cage is a familiar face in Hollywood, known for his diverse range of roles. From playing Count Dracula in Renfield to a caricatured version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Cage has proven his versatility as an actor. However, his latest project, The Old Way, fails to meet expectations, and despite Cage's commendable performance, the film falls short.

 

The movie starts strong, introducing Cage's character as an outlaw with an exciting premise. However, it quickly transitions to twelve years later when Cage's character is married with a family. Although his wife and daughter ground the character, the rest of the cast feels like caricatures of Western archetypes, with over-the-top and campy performances that add to the tonal inconsistency of the film.

 

The first hour and 20 minutes of the movie fly by, but the rest of the story feels like exposition with minimal character growth, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying third act that detracts from the overall viewing experience. The movie's lack of depth and character development leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied.

 

It appears that the film was edited down from a three-hour script to approximately an hour and 45 minutes. The opening feels pointless and could have easily been conveyed through subtext later in the film. The forced third-act climax further contributes to the film's tonal inconsistency.

 

While The Old Way may be suitable as background entertainment, it fails to deliver a serious and well-developed story and characters. Those seeking a more substantial Western film should consider other options. Cage's commendable performance is one of the few highlights in an otherwise subpar film.

 

Cage's recent roles in Pig and Renfield showcase his potential as an actor, but unfortunately, The Old Way falls short of expectations. Cage seldom delivers a poor performance, but this movie is a prime example of a mediocre film. If you're searching for an easy Western with minimal stakes and all the stereotypes you'd expect in a spaghetti Western, this film might satisfy your needs. However, if you're seeking a movie that takes itself seriously and features well-developed characters and storyline, there are superior options available.

 

In conclusion, The Old Way fails to deliver a serious and well-developed story and characters, despite Cage's commendable performance. The tonal inconsistency, lack of character growth, and rushed third act detract from the overall viewing experience. While the movie may be suitable for background entertainment, those looking for a more substantial Western film should look elsewhere.