Just a couple of days ago, January 7th to be precise, was Nicolas Cage’s birthday. Apparently this Oscar winning Best Actor just turned 45. Happy B-day Nicky-boy.
Today’s post will focus on this star of the silver screen.
For some reason people just want to love his movies, I hear the topic discussed so often it amazes me. Frankly I don’t know why people care so much.
Gone in 60 seconds was terrible but entertaining. The Rock was terrible but entertaining. Face Off was entertaining because it was so terrible. Same is true for Con Air. Seeing the pattern here?
I will give you that Leaving Las Vegas was a pretty good movie, but of course it was also a total downer.
Now I know that the mere mention of this actor’s name is going to turn my blog into a back and forth about the merit of various movies of his, but the great thing is I have already made my ruling on this matter and that’s what counts.
So, my point? Well after doing a little research I discovered something about Mr. Cage that I never knew before… apparently the toys of characters played by him suck just about as much as the movies he has been in.
Check these out.
Here he is as Chain Attack Ghost Rider. A 6″ figure that could easily fit in the once mega-popular Marvel Legends line. This looks more like Nick trying to convince his friends that he can indeed pull of the Mad Max: Thunderdome costume for Halloween. I thinks maybe not, and the expression on his face shows that he doesn’t really either. Fortunately the figure did come with interchangeable heads so at least he could be turned into Ghost Rider.
Next up is a toy that has me at a complete loss. Not just because they made it, but because it was actually part of an entire series of toys! Everyone’s thoughts on this?
As I expected.
Really people, who had the bright idea to make figures to accompany the 2002 stinker of a film, Windtalkers? Made by Dragon who are well known for their high detail 12″ military figures. Fortunately they had the good sense to limit the production number to a hefty 200… you know… just in case 
To be fair, this figure in and of itself is actually not a bad military piece. I mean I am no expert on the accuracy of the uniforms or weapons of the period, but Dragon are so I am willing to go with the fact that these are probably quite legit. No the stumbling block is really just that this is a figure of Sgt. Joe Enders. We mustn’t overlook the fact that the 200 people who shelled out money for this did think it was a good idea… no accounting for taste I guess. I have a feeling that history will be on my side for this debate.
Just as an aside though, as much as we can give a pass to Dragon for the quality of the clothing and accessories can we really do the same for the face sculpt?
I would have to give a big N-O there. By most people’s reckoning Nick Cage is not the world’s most handsome or sexy guy… but this is just way too cruel. Clearly they were in the right ballpark as it is definitely Nick, but overall it is just a bit too simian for my tastes.
Last up we have these…
Charlie and Donald Kaufman from the 2002 movie Adaptation.
These vinyl figures come packaged as a pair and were designed by artist Archer Prewitt (who also created the Sof’ Boy character).
I actually like these, I mean they are just soooo quirky I kind of sympathize with them for some bizarre reason. At $50 for the pair, a typical price for vinyl figures, I can’t imagine too many people wanting to shell out their hard-earned to get these. What am I talking about? I just finished telling you about the sold out Windtalker figures! Anyway even though these look kinda cool they barely do a thing other than just sit there. The arms rotate as does the head… that’s a whopping three points of super fun articulation people… lame!
Well there you have it. Nick’s relatively lousy filmography has an equally lousy figure-ography.
Happy birthday Nick.
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He’s actually done a few movies that I’ve enjoyed: Raising Arizona and National Treasure. Also don’t forget Valley Girl and Wild at Heart. I think they could have made some decent figures out of at least one of those movies.
Nope, I pretty much agree. I’ve seen many of his movies, I don’t think I own one that his is in. Also, yeah, Windtalkers was freaking awful. I know he loves comics and all, but he’s not helping these comic movies by being involved. Did you ever see the test pictures of him as Superman? They are nightmare inducing terrible. Seriously.
Why do you show up in my Google Reader like 12 hours after you post? Weird. Anyway, Gary, I’m sorry, his movies are terrible. Raising Arizona is ok but one good movie doesn’t make up for a career of sadness.
I probably like more of his films than any of you. I like: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (granted, he was almost an extra in that), Valley Girl, Rumble Fish, Raising Arizona, Leaving Las Vegas, Gone in Sixty Seconds, National Treasure, The Weather Man, & National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The Rock, Con Air, & Face/Off are popcorn action movies that are fun to laugh at.
I think that I’ll like Kick-Ass where he plays Big Daddy (basically Batman) based on the various trailers I’ve seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LUfFTvrWB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrKHu2UX1vA
I’m sure there will be action figures based on the Kick-Ass movie since it’s a superhero movie based on a comic and they know fanboys will buy them up. Then Dave can add another bad Nic Cage figure to his list.