The Wicker Man (2006)

Director: Neil LaBute
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, Leelee Sobieski

Synopsis:
A policeman investigates the disappearance of a girl on the island of a neo-pagan commune.

Impressions:
This remake of The Wicker Man has quite the reputation on the Internet. I will say that if you've seen the highlights reel on Youtube, the full movie doesn't have much more to offer you. What's meant to be a slow, methodical buildup of tension instead feels like a dull plodding mess. One of the key interesting aspects of the original was the clash between the rigidly doctrinaire Christian Sergeant Howie and the airy-fairy heathen islanders. This clash of beliefs is replaced with some pretty blatant misogyny (and that's not an accusation I toss out lightly) and in the absence of any real depth, the only redeeming quality is Nicolas Cage's performance, which starts with some amusing snark and ultimately descends (or ascends, depending on your perspective) to full-bore Cage hamminess. Rather than being horrific, the finale is hilarious. I recommend the unrated version so you can at least get the infamous "NOT THE BEES!" scene. If you want to laugh at Nic Cage overacting and Neil LaBute's really obvious problems with women, you may want to give this a watch. Otherwise, you won't have a fun time. The original brings much more to the table.

Rating:
50/50 (It was tempting to use the "Burn It" rating for thematic purposes, but then I'd have Nic Cage accosting me with "How'd it get burned? How'd it get burned!? Howditgetburned!?" ^o^ )