We’re starting to see a resurgence of Grindhouse-style cinema, particularly in the form of the “revenge” flick.  Usually the stories are simple, one man is stopping at nothing to get back at someone for being wronged, and will destroy anyone and anything in his way to complete the job.  DRIVE ANGRY fits the basic mold of this genre, but adds in quite a few surprises in the process.  The brainchild of director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Todd Farmer (both of who brought us MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D), the new film takes what could have been a dumbed down basic formula and shows it to us in a rather unusual and highly entertaining way.

Nicolas Cage stars as Milton, a man who breaks out of hell (literally) to hunt down a twisted cult leader named Jonah King (played by TWILIGHT‘s Billy Burke) who killed his daughter and stole her baby with the intention of sacrificing it.  Along the way our hero meets Piper (Amber Heard), a tough-talking diner waitress with a fast car and plenty of problems.  Piper is involved with Frank (Todd Farmer in an extended cameo), an abusive fiance who has no problem cheating on her.  Milton takes her away from her troubles, and asks her to help him on his journey, which she finds herself strangely willing to do.  But Piper soon learns that her new friend isn’t quite human, and may be taking on more than he can handle.  Adding to their woes is a mysterious man who calls himself The Accountant (the great William Fichtner), using his God-like power to try and stop Milton from completing his quest.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of 3-D movies, and really don’t like the whole craze that we’ve found ourselves in currently.  The funny thing is I don’t really know anyone else that likes 3D, or wants to see movies that way, so one has to wonder if Hollywood is just forcing that gimmick down our throats in an attempt to drive up ticket revenue.  That said, if I see a 3D movie that is done well, I am certainly able to appreciate it… and this one meets that criteria.  Being a big fan of MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, a film which sadly didn’t get the deserved credit for rejuvenating live action 3-D movies, I was already looking forward to seeing what Lussier and Farmer could deliver with their newest collaboration.  Plus, in the interest of full disclosure it should be noted that Todd is a good buddy of mine, so I’m a little biased in that I want him to succeed in what he does… but I’m not above smacking him down if he produces crap.  Thankfully the end result of DRIVE ANGRY is a really fun ride, and a great example of popcorn cinema you can easily enjoy with friends.  Don’t go in expecting high art, and don’t let the seemingly complicated storyline scare you off.  This is one of those “check your brain at the door” flicks that really delivers.

Nicolas Cage finds himself more comfortable that he ever did in GHOST RIDER, playing the man from hell led by good intentions.  There could certainly be some superhero overtones assumed with his character, and it’s one of the more crowd pleasing roles he’s had in recent years.  Very little background is given surrounding Milton, and it works, as the audience need not be concerned with where this guy came from, only what he is here to do.  It surely must have been a fun role for the seasoned actor, and that translates in his performance.

Amber Heard is excellent as Piper, the tough girl with a heart of gold.  Putting aside the fact that she’s so naturally stunning it’s hard to believe she’d be stuck in her on screen life, Piper is a fun part and Heard plays it with 110% enthusiasm… which is so genuine that we the viewer can’t help but fall in love.  Surprisingly enough, out of all the roles I’ve seen her play to date, this may be one of the most sincere and effective.  It’s a star-making performance, and one of the best aspects of the production.

But the highest accolades go to the wonderful William Fichtner, who chews every scene he’s in with perfection.  Any second he’s on screen is glorious entertainment, and he shows that his veteran actor skills can truly shine if given the right material.  I’ve always loved Fichtner as a character actor, but this film makes him a force to be reckoned with, and fondly memorable for audiences.  I dare say we’ll be seeing big time leading roles from now on for both Fichtner and Heard as a result of their work here, and that’s definitely a good thing for moviegoers.

Billy Burke does a fine job as Jonah King, shedding his likable qualities from the TWILIGHT movies, and channeling evil in its purest form.  There’s great supporting performances from beloved faces like David Morse, playing an old friend of Milton’s, and the terrific Tom Atkins, who even has a screamed line that practically mirrors one of his memorable bits of dialogue in MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D.  And NYPD BLUE fans will enjoy seeing more than they ever imagined of Charlotte Ross, who becomes an important part in one of the film’s most memorable moments.  I also think it’s safe to say ol’ Todd Farmer is turning into quite the actor, essentially playing the same “Frank” role he did in VALENTINE, only utilized more effectively here.  His character in the film is an amusing one, and performed well… and no, Todd didn’t pay me to say that.

Lussier uses the 3D to entertain and wow us, but knows when to take things down a notch as well.  Some of the in-your-face effects are wildly fun, and remind us just how cool 3D can be when done right.  With this kind of movie, adding in that sort of gimmick actually isn’t a bad thing, as it enhances the overall experience.  Kudos also go to Michael Wandmacher’s intense and effective score, which compliments the action very nicely.  Most importantly, DRIVE ANGRY 3D is a film that never takes itself too seriously, or pretends to be anything other than what it is.  This is the kind of flick you can sit back and laugh along with, or sit forward and cheer for, but either way you’ll have a good time.  If you like fast cars, beautiful women, and no holds barred violence, buckle up for one of the most insanely fun movies you’ll ever see.  DRIVE ANGRY in the theater, go home happy afterward.

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