Rated R for drug use and language throughout, some violence and sexuality.
Directed by Grant Heslov (Rescue Dawn, Invincible)
Starring Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes and Val Kilmer
A rogue detective is as devoted to his job as he is at scoring drugs — while playing fast and loose with the law. He wields his badge as often as he wields his gun in order to get his way. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he becomes a high-functioning addict who is a deeply intuitive, fearless detective reigning over the beautiful ruins of New Orleans with authority and abandon. Complicating his tumultuous life is the prostitute he loves. Together they descend into their own world marked by desire, compulsion, and conscience.
There are plenty of reasons Jonathan and/or I would rate a film a Coaster. Sometimes it’s because the story is weak or because the director failed to stay focused or because the cast didn’t deliver. And then there are the films that get our lowest rating because they are just plain trash. Well Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is just plain trash.
Nicolas Cage is the anti-hero cop with a cocaine addiction and a hooker for a girlfriend. Not exactly role model material. During the opening scene he and Val Kilmer reluctantly release a prisoner from a holding cell before the flood waters of hurricane Katina drown him. He jumps into the dirty water and injures his back. That injury gives him a really annoying limp and restricted movement that clearly comes and goes…well unless Nick Cage forgot to stay in character – which is very possible.
Seriously, I know Cage has had some financial problems but can anyone tell me why and when Val Kilmer became the king of B-movies.
I actually only lasted for about 30 minutes, but I saw enough to know I didn’t need to see any more. It’s a Coaster.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This movie easily earns the R-rating with plenty of F-bombs, violence, drugs and sex. Do them a favor and keep this one away from teenagers.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
