In a dystopian future America, Nic Cage helps a woman and her son escape across the American West to Canada. It’s a well-worn idea that seems to have upset a number of over-critical reviewers, but a no-nonsense plot acted and directed with conviction gives it impetus. Basically it’s a road trip through the desert landscapes of the scenic West (filmed in British Columbia in summer and winter). Nic even underplays for once and actually manages to make his character engaging.
According to the DVD’s Behind the Scenes footage, the director was aiming to make a ‘rip-roaring adventure’. It’s too one-paced for that, but it does have a consistently ominous vibe helped by a nicely brooding score. Major downsides are the lack of any exciting set-pieces and baddies that can’t land a bullet on Nic even when they pepper him with sub-machine guns in plain sight. Also annoying is a calculated anti-Trump subtext (the film was released in 2017). As for the ending… make up your own mind.
The film is not what it could have been, but if scenery, atmosphere and a plot that keeps you invested are enough, this is a road trip that will keep you watching. Film buffs will also find the technical innovations discussed in the DVD Xtras especially interesting.
This is the worst Nicolas Cage film I have ever seen. I don't know how it made it to Blu-ray. I woukd call this a B-movie its so cheap and terrible acting.
I’ve always thought Nicolas cage movies to be watchable in the past but this is a real low for the actor, I wouldn’t recommend this movie to anyone it’s terrible. Avoid like the plague.