THE WICKER MAN (2006) - ♦

Directed by - Neil LaBute

Written by - Neil LaBute (based on an earlier screenplay by Anthony Shaffer)

Starring - Nicolas Cage

"A so called remake of the 1973 cult classic, with some considerable changes. Here, a cop investigates the disappearance of a young girl on an island that seems populated solely by women – and strange women at that.

Sure, one could easily take this as a romp of sorts, or a downright comedy, yet the ambiguity in the approach by LaBute hints that he might have been serious. This version of the Wicker Man is far too ridiculous and slips into tastelessness quite easily. If it wasn’t for the fact that it is all far too much over the top in an insignificant way, Nicolas Cage’s exaggerated performance might have been an highlight of sorts – instead it is a highlight for all the wrong reasons, instead of beinga Vampire’s Kiss like turn."

Horror, USA/Germany/Canada