This year saw a phoenix-like rebirth of the elemental spirit we call Nicolas Cage, with the actor rising from the ashes of Z-grade Redbox fare into the gonzo genre freakout of Panos Cosmatos’ Mandy. A few months before his much heralded return, however, us Cage disciples witnessed his second coming early, with his performance in writer-director Brian Taylor’s Mom and Dad. The film is basically The Crazies (1973) meets an inverted Cooties (2014) with a dash of The Signal (2007), where a mysterious white noise transmission causes parents around the world to be compelled to brutally murder their offspring (but only their own offspring, as the film makes abundantly clear). It’s a great setup, and Taylor, Cage, and Selma Blair milk it for nearly all it’s worth. The film deals with the horrors of aging, as well as the constant struggle between parents and their kids for dominance. It does this in the most insane ways possible, of course, with Taylor and his star careening over the top numerous times (and Blair following right along with them). Sure, this film may not feature a Cheddar Goblin, but it does contain an all-time great Cage monologue, and while it may not have an instant classic original score, it uses a cue from the Pretty Woman soundtrack to an unforgettable effect. So give Mom and Dad a try for your next Cage fix. Just make sure not to watch it with your kids.
Bill Bria Says Don’t Forget: Mom and Dad
Bill Bria is a writer, actor, songwriter, and comedian. "Sam & Bill Are Huge," his 2017 comedy music album with partner Sam Haft, reached #1 on an Amazon Best Sellers list, and the duo maintains an active YouTube channel and plays regularly all across the country. Bill's acting credits include an episode of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and a featured part in Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He lives in New York City, which hopefully will be the setting for a major motion picture someday.
