What's next for the Cage?

If you aren't super-pumped to see Nic Cage in the theaters soon, I'm assuming it's because you don't know what's in store. Let's take a look at some of the gems coming our way.

FROZEN GROUND (2012)

15 years after Con Air, the Cage is once again teaming up with John Cusack--this time with a bit of a role reversal. Cusack will play serial killer Robert Hanson, while Cage will capture hearts and minds as the Alaskan State Trooper that pursues Hanson. The film is based on the true story of the "Butcher Baker," who picked up prostitutes and strippers, flew them into the Alaskan wilderness, raped and assaulted them before setting them loose in the woods so he could hunt them down and shoot them with a rifle. Yeesh. Also, I can't believe they haven't made this movie already! These kinds of senseless crimes are Hollywood gold! The film is currently in post-production and will also star 50-Cent as a pimp (very creative), and Vanessa Hudgens as an escaped victim (no comment).

Looking forward to: I think Cusack has real potential to be superbly creepy as an under-the-radar psycho, and you know I love Cage in the Righteous Pursuit of Truth in the Face of All Obstacles.

THE CROODS (2013)

Due to be released on March 22, 2013, The Croods may very well be the last movie we watch IN THE CAGE; our year ends just one week later. Cage plays a caveman living in the "previously undiscovered" Croodacious period with a conservative (dare we say "caveman") sensibility. He butts heads with a young, new hotshot who challenges his traditional ways with forward-thinking inventions like fire, and who wants to bone Cage's daughter. Will the two ever see eye to eye? Is there some valuable life lesson they can take from one another? Will they team up to save the whole family from a life-threatening situation/ turquoise tiger/ volcano? (For answer, see every other cartoon made, ever.) Other voice talents include Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Cloris Leachman.

Looking forward to: Cage's signature awesomeness, shining through... or a postponed release date.

FRANK OR FRANCIS (2013)

Frank or Francis is a Charlie Kaufman project still in the rumor mill stage (funding issues, rumor has it), but with a full--apparently wild--script and a number of stellar cast members signed on, including our own Mr. Cage. A musical comedy, Frank or Francis skewers contemporary film society... among other things. The discussions of the film so far are nearly as abstruse as Kaufman's films to date, but chances are, it will be something to see, if and when it is finally completed. Other big names include: Steve Carrell, Jack Black, Elizabeth Banks, and Kevin Kline. 

Looking forward to: Nicolas Cage in a musical number (hopefully)!

NATIONAL TREASURE 3 (N/A)

Need I say more? No.

Looking forward to: More sanctimonious speeches, querulous eyebrows, hilariously improbable secret messages on the backsides of historical artifacts, treasures hidden under monuments, etc.

WILD SIDE (N/A)

It was just announced yesterday that Nic Cage would star alongside Johnny Knoxville and newcomer Juno Temple (of the upcoming Dark Knight) in the upcoming film Wild Side. Cage's thief/murderer and "self-described wolf" Odel will pursue Temple's beauty-queen Lila Belle Clyde as she flees New Orleans in possession of Odel's stolen diamonds, while both avoid local law enforcement. This sounds like a role Cage can really sink his teeth into (pun intended). We'll see if "actor" Johnny Knoxville can hold his own in the Cage.

Looking forward to: As Scott Harris of NextMovie writes, "Let's hope director Jesse Baget has a great set director, because Cage is about to chew more scenery than a diplodocus."


Which movie are you looking forward to the most?