User reviews

For some, the promise of Nicolas Cage playing a psychopathic, red-haired Bostonian is simply irresistible. The actor has delivered many entertaining performances as mad characters in the past, from his turn as the chaotic yuppie Peter Loew in 'Vampire's Kiss,' to the criminally insane Castor Troy in 'Face/Off'. Cage has made his bread and butter- and garnered legions of fans- delving into the mind of crazed characters, as he does yet again in Yuval Adler's 'Sympathy for the Devil.'

The film follows David Chamberlain, a married man living in Las Vegas whose wife is in the hospital, having just gone into labour. As he arrives, a scarlet-haired menace with a gun climbs into the back of his car, demanding that he is driven to Boulder City. With a gun to his head, Chamberlain is taken on a journey into fear through the Nevada nightscape; a journey that can only end in violence.

Adler's 'Sympathy for the Devil' is a fairly predictable, though entertaining, thriller that will please Cage fans considerably. Essentially a two-hander, the narrative is slim on originality or surprise, though still keeps one engaged. It is a tense affair, the passenger's unpredictability making for some effectively thrilling moments. Screenwriter Luke Paradise seems to have tailored the dialogue for Cage, giving him some marvellously madcap monologues, which he spouts with his typical nouveau shamanic, Western Kabuki brilliance (nouveau shamanic and Western Kabuki, for those who may not know, being Cage's self-titled acting styles).

However, Joel Kinnaman- as Chamberlain- gets considerably less to do. His character is the grounded parallel to Cage's deranged villain, a stoic man lacking personality or charisma. A wet blanket, he is hard to root for in the face of Cage's magnetic mania. Though Kinnaman performs admirably, and shares a good chemistry with Cage; he does not deliver a memorable performance. Moreover, the cliches that abound throughout the film become quite tiring, leading to an ending as forgettable as it is underwhelming.

Conversely, Steven Holleran's cinematography is a neon-soaked feast for the eyes. Atmospheric and striking, his work compounds the narrative tension. He captures the seedy unease of the Las Vegas night astutely, lending proceedings a Lynchian mood of sleazy agitation. This is complemented by the production design from Burns Burns, as well as Ermelinda Manos's costume design and Anthony Fitzgerald's art direction and set decoration.

Furthermore, Ishai Adar's score contributes to the sordid, mysterious tone, as does the eclectic and evocative soundtrack, making great use of songs from the like of Scott Walker, Alicia Bridges and Jimmy Radcliffe. It is also a well-edited picture, with a good pace from the beginning. At just over an hour and a half, it is relatively short, although Adler and editor Alan Canant's work ensures it doesn't feel in any way rushed.

As alluded to above, despite its faults- predictability chiefly among them- it's a film Cage fans will love. As the erratic gun-toting passenger, he is terrific, clearly having a ball with the material. It's a classic Cage performance- full of unexpected vocalisations, shouting, creepy facial expressions and a little bit of song and dance. He is electrifying to watch and works well with Kinnaman, who- as previously mentioned- is perfectly adequate, though his role doesn't demand much of him.

In short, Yuval Adler's 'Sympathy for the Devil' is one that Nicolas Cage fans will enjoy, though may leave those who do not appreciate his work, unmoved. While Steven Holleran's cinematography is striking, and the soundtrack- as well as Ishai Adar's score- complements the atmosphere, the narrative is unfortunately cliched. Joel Kinnaman's character is also dull and the ending disappoints. In conclusion, while Nicolas Cage is great, the film around him doesn't live up to his talents.

Let's get one thing straight: "Sympathy for the Devil" isn't a good movie. In no universe would I ever recommend this to anyone unless they were huge Nicolas Cage fans (such as myself). Why? Because, besides Cage's performance, there is really nothing here that is worthy of any real entertainment value. The violence is oddly shot and unfortunately neutered; the story is a predictable rehash of plotlines done - and done better - in a countless number of other films; and the movie (though it does look good, what with its neon-drenched cinematography) is clearly low budget, with 85% of it taking place inside of a vehicle. All of that said, Nicolas Cage's performance is so out-there, so extreme, and so colorful, that it makes "Sympathy for the Devil" a must watch for Cage fans.

Wow, wow, and wow. Where to start with "Sympathy for the Devil?" A certified Cage classic, if you're watching this movie, you're only watching it for one Nic Cage..... and one that front, it delivers. Cage is so, so entertaining here - he butchers a Brooklyn accent, he screams throughout 90% of his performance, and - for some reason - his hair is dyed red. What more could you ask for? Cage goes wild here, playing a character that will resort to violence at the drop of a hat - he's unpredictable, he's semi-menacing, and he's a whole lot of fun to watch on screen. If you want to watch this for Cage, you owe it to yourself to give it a go.

If you want to watch this for any other reason besides Nic Cage? You probably won't have that good of a time. Because, truth be told, there isn't really a lot of substance here. The majority of the movie consists of two people talking while pretending to drive a vehicle, and it's about as interesting as you'd expect, elevated only by Cage's wacky performance. I do have an affinity for Joel Kinnaman, and he is good here, but he really doesn't have that much to do. Like I said, the majority of the movie consists of Cage and Kinnaman speaking to each other, and while Cage's character adds entertainment value, there really isn't much depth to the performances or the conversations - in fact, the lack of depth was so noticeable that I found myself immediately forgetting the contents of the conversations as soon as they were over.

"Forgettable" is also an apt word to describe this movie; not much happens, and when it does, it doesn't leave any real type of impact on viewers. Simply put, this is a watchable, fast food-esque movie that you can put on, enjoy, and immediately never think about again as soon as the credits roll. And this isn't to say that I think this movie is horrible, because I don't - I just think that it's a movie strictly made for fans of Nicolas Cage. Not a Cage fan? Then you probably won't find much to enjoy here.

Nicolas Cage gives his expected over-the-top charismatic performance, and is the only reason you may finish watching this poorly paced 90 min predictable slog with nothing really new to offer.

This film has some intense moments, but ultimately, the story is too tired, cliched, predictable, and goes no where - as though the filmmakers are making it up as they go along. You'll find yourself just sitting around until Cage can go wild, wondering if the Mucous Man was really sprinkling boogers in the writer's creative juices as this screenplay was being written.

There was no devil in the details of this script, and the only sympathy the devil deserves should be given to anyone viewing this mess. It's a very generous 5/10 all going to the two leads who gave it their best shot with what little they had to work with.

I liked it better than the reviews would have me believe. If you are a fan of Cage's overacting style, you will love this movie. Cage plays the part very well as you would expect from him, but Joel Kinnaman was a really good lead too. The soundtrack is really, really good. It fits the tone and atmosphere of the movie very well. With a running time of about one and a half hour you won't get bored, the main story unfolds fast, and although the plot is quite predictable the journey towards it remains intriguing enough. All in all a very entertaining movie, and a must-see if you are a Cage fan like me! 7/10.

The movie title and Nick cage's outfit seems to make you think he's satan terrorizing a random man from his visit to the hospital as his wife is giving birth and as the movie starts out you get that impression, however even though cage is dressed like a pseudo satan character and is quite the evil person and vicious to boot, it's not what it seems. There is a major twist going on that doesn't appear till the very end. Other than the graphic violence and blatant murder, it's an interesting story and plot. Very imaginative idea in its execution, no nudity, sex or questionable parts, not for the kiddos and only mature adults should see this. Quite a wild ride.

This movie answers the question that nobody asked: "What if we did Collateral in the desert, with Nicolas Cage and a boring script?".

I know the comparison may not be fair, I mean, the only common threads are a guy with a gun enters a stranger's car, threatens him with a gun and asks him to drive, leaving a chaotic path behind him.

The makers of this movie try to hold the audience captive, by making us think why the bad guy is doing what he's doing, but honestly, the lines are so bad and the twist is so weak, that not even Nic and Joel can save the story.

By the end of the movie, you are left with two unlikable characters and an unsatisfactory conclusion.

Honestly, this feels like a short story, stretched out to a full length feature.

Having said that, if you just want to see Nic Cage's "Caginess" being let out once in a while, you do get to see it, I just don't know if it's worth wasting 1h30 of your life for that.

The more I see Cage, the more I get impressed by his ability to pull off multi-layered characters. The cage must be one of those rarest species of actors who have always been underappreciated, no matter what kind of work or how difficult of a project they involved themselves in.

I see people more often than not underestimating him as a performer, and it's a shame that they don't realise or recognise the kind of capacity and range this man owns. Yes, he's been part of multiple duds, he may not have the filmography to rave about, but he has always given his very best, irrespective of the quality of the movies he chose to be part of!

Like in this case...

The film in itself is nothing exceptional, not at all. One could even argue that this is a cheap knockoff of Michael Mann's "Collateral", a subpar imitation of Mann's iconic creation minus the thrill. But it's Cage who made things a whole lot better, intensifying it through his spirited performance.

Had he not been a part of it, this was on its way to being an utter failure, but it did not end up like one because of Nick Cage and Nick Cage only! He was the saving grace.

This isn't really a fleshed out movie whatsoever. It's 2 actors mostly in a car and a diner. Nearly every scene is dialogue and it's done to show the intensity of Cage's character.

This was probably a shoe string budget with cash for the 2 leads and that's pretty much it (and a few action scenes). The narrative is loose at best, but that's not the point nor a reason to watch this.

Overall, Cage has a handful of good scenes that made me chuckle, because they're so over the top. Also some funny dialogue as well. It's not for everyone or anyone expecting some fleshed out "film". This is an actor showcase for Cage. 4.4/10.

I honestly can not see how anyone can give this any ranking above a 6 out of 10, and that is pushing it in my opinion. I love Nick Cage, I really do but he made his comeback already so why is it that he is still doing these paycheck gigs?!? Nick, if you're reading this please know that you are far, far, far above having to make boring, low budget pretending to be indie films just to make a dollar. They throw you in them because you'll bring people in but then people get mad at you and not the producers or director or script writing. Yeah, this film is forgettable and not worth a second of your time. Nick, please stop doing this to us.

I know what you're thinking. Another week, another Nic Cage film. Another trailer that seems to promise the lunacy of the Cage that we so deeply crave in our bones but will probably fail to deliver right? We have been burned so many times before.

Well, I don't know what type of Cage watcher you are - do you tune in ironically, celebratory or casually? - but, personally, I am more intrigued and pleased by the man's choices and the man's commitment to picking, performing in and producing a truly eclectic slew of films on a mad variety of topics than I am, necessarily, by all the eye rolling, odd, wailing pronunciations and bizarre noggin follicle (hair) decisions... although I am here for that too.

At first when Cage slipped out of the blockbusters and mainstream comedy dramas, that he made his name in, for the world of relatively straight to streaming/video, lower budget fair, I assumed - probably like most of you did - that he was just going the way of the Cusack or Willis. Keeping his hand in, pumping out a movie occasionally to pay the bills and keep the brand alive but his heart was no longer in it.

Well, boy could I have been any wronger?!

Cage's choices have seen him work across genres, with some of the most interesting directors and writers out there - trying to give each one of them a break as he does so (I'm sure) and while many will have written him off as someone people just enjoy ironically - and there are probably just as many who embrace this about his work - it is this mid-tier world - hovering somewhere between true low budget, homemade stuff and the bloated, computer generated, unsustainable, ludicrously budgeted world of Hollywood - that has given us the character driven, unusual idea driven, genre driven, script driven, weird cinematography driven and even taboo subject driven films that people rave about from the 70s, 80s and/or 90s (pick your recent "Golden Age" of choice) - you know, the ones that people claim loudly on Twitter that they don't make anymore.

Being a website that is more likely going to review these kinds of films over a studio movie (because big corporations would rather spend millions on old fashioned, manual advertising than, hopefully, interesting, home grown word of mouth) I have been privileged to see and review a ton of these movies and while I certainly, often, approach them hesitantly, I have to say, I have been impressed more than I have been disappointed, over all.

So, to Sympathy For The Devil, what's it all about then and is it any good?

Well, actually, I'll save you any further waiting or suspense, I enjoyed the hell out of it.

It plays out almost entirely as a two hander and so if you're looking for that film where Cage gets to give goofy line readings while, basically, spewing forth tasty monologue after monologue, with an appropriately ludicrous hair do and all the rolling, goggly eyes he can muster, then this is the film for you.

But this is far from just a ton of enjoyable Cage grandstanding and not much else. The performances, the well written script and the superb, Americana, neon hued, cinematography help to make this taught, compelling, slowly unraveling thriller - with what, initially, may seem like an obvious conceit - rise above its slightly 90s straight to video style, Tarantino rip-off trappings.

It's also one of those films that succeeds, with its conclusion, to impress you more than maybe it does while you're in the middle of it. Not that the twist is revolutionary or anything but it is neat, well played, and incredibly apt considering the title of the film and the way the narrative plays with the audiences shifting allegiances. What could have come off as just a clever but empty writing exercise, reveals itself to be storytelling as a fun, tight rope walk where either side of the rope it could fall into cliche or predictability.

Between this, Renfield, Mandy, Color out of Space, Willy's Wonderland, Pig and the criminally underrated The Trust, we are living in a golden age of Cage... Long may it continue.

Sympathy for the Devil is a 2023 neo-noir thriller film directed by Yuval Adler and starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman. The film follows a taxi driver (Kinnaman) who is forced to drive a mysterious passenger (Cage) around Las Vegas. As the night progresses, the passenger reveals himself to be a dangerous criminal, and the driver must use all of his skills to survive.

The film is a dark and suspenseful ride, with Cage and Kinnaman giving two of their best performances in recent years. Cage is particularly good as the unhinged passenger, and he brings a manic energy to the role. Kinnaman is also excellent as the driver, and he brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the role.

The film is well-directed by Adler, and he creates a sense of tension and dread throughout. The film is also beautifully shot, with Las Vegas being captured in all of its neon-lit glory.

Sympathy for the Devil is a must-see for fans of neo-noir thrillers. It is a dark and suspenseful film with two great performances from Cage and Kinnaman. The film is also well-directed and beautifully shot.

Here are some additional thoughts on the film:

The film's cat-and-mouse game between the driver and the passenger is tense and suspenseful.

The film's exploration of the dark side of human nature is thought-provoking and disturbing.

The film's ending is both satisfying and ambiguous.

Overall, Sympathy for the Devil is a great film. It is a dark and suspenseful thriller with two great performances from Cage and Kinnaman. The film is also well-directed and beautifully shot. I highly recommend it.

Sympathy For The Devil

There are very few actors who can carry a film with the weight of their acting talent alone, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson come to mind, however Nick Cage does it here.

The premise is quite simplistic the story quite idiotic, the story tissue thin and the dialogue bizarre, with that said I was gripped in parts.

However from about 50 mins in, as it got more and more anarchic I got bored, so much became ad-libbed and to invest in a movie you need to like someone and we did really care about the Joel Kinnamen character.

I'm giving this a 4 outta 10, Nicolas Cage fans will love this, everybody else, avoid it like the plague.

It comes from the less known Israeli filmmaker Yuval Adler, who has a few class B movies in his pocket, a mystery thriller.

Fright night (a great freaking night, as Nicholas Cage likes to say) under the lights of Las Vegas

Starring Joel Kinnaman and Nicholas Cage, who is also producing, we are grabbed from the opening shot music and scenes of a moody typical night in Las Vegas,but you know,what happens in Vegas? As the story follows David,a caring family man (Joel Kinnaman), as he is preparing for the big night of his second child birth,but then gets mysteriously caught in a rough game with an unhinged stranger (Nicholas Cage) with red dyed hair to match the suit that goes with it.

As the unknown passenger switches between the seats from the back one to shotgun, you get the feeling that it's about to come down tonight while the cards start facing up, slowly building up the tension and stress throughout its 90-minute running time.

With the least unnecessary scenes and a good soundtrack, you're treated to a solid performance from Joel while he anxiously struggles to unravel the past as the clock is ticking, and Nicholas Cage's outstanding acting and terrific facial expressions as he throws cheesy but catchy classic lines and shows off with his smooth-ish dance moves and singing, and an awesome Cage Rage moment with his roof-bursting temper. Both of them carry the film to an acceptable direct ending at the moment that the screen is burning with exploding molotovs.

Similar to Michael Mann's Collateral from 2004 in many ways, with a lower budget and vibes like in Ryan Gosling's Drive from 2011.

Sympathy for the Devil delivers a good watch to enjoy while making you wonder: what does the sound of screaming rabbits seem like?

First of all, I got to praise the actors, great performance. If it wouldn't be Cage, it probably wouldn't be nearly as good!

Then the neon, the music, the night road trip atmosphere, the initial mystery - this is all good stuff I enjoyed about the movie.

On the other hand, it gets a bit tedious still, as movie is non stop dialogue between two main characters and I was waiting for more mysterious twist, for a deeper hook, a better face off and a heavier outcome... As the eventual twist, it was good enough, I guess, ironical, lives up to the name of the movie. Yet I feel it could've been better, there was a room for better.

Anyhow, overall, I did enjoy the movie.

Its another enjoyable modern Cage flick that has style.

Mr. Director... namely... Yuval Adler, please spare the world and do not make any kind of movies in the future. This was a complete horror you made the audience to watch.

Nicolas Cage, grew up watching his one great movie after another and till date i can watch many of his movies, simply on repeat. But down the line the actor lost his path, singing one crap movie after another, as if he only charge 1 dollar for a movie. Here is another movie in his crap list.

Useless, senseless, story less.... there is just nothing at all in the movie. It is a complete waste from the very first start to the end.

It's not very good, maybe it's not even good. But it was entertaining all the way until the end. Sure it helps if you lower your expectations. In any case, 5,5/10 and something like that at METASCORE, this is not a fair rating. It's interesting, Kinnaman is great, Cage is a bit too Cage-y and there are a few intense moments. If you are looking for a thriller movie taking place in one night, you will enjoy it. Of course this is not COLLATERAL, of course it's forgettable. But Nic Cage himself has done way worse movies the last 5 years. This is a fun ride, probably darker than it seems at first. I didn't love the ending, i didn't hate it either.

Another role that seams to be written for Mr Cage. Weather it was or not only Cage could pull it off with such ease.

From the red velvet jacket,to the violent gun totting psycho,to the quotes and unpredictability. This just oozes Cage.

I really didn't know where it was even going but could sit and watch this on form Cage all day.

Very low budget but excellently made even in the style of him.

There's a great anticipated twist that your obviously waiting for and stacks of crazy moments to satisfy the soul.

As you may have guessed it's a must for all Cage fans but won't be everyone's cup of tea.

Cage is my favorite actor of all time. I have not seen a movie of him that I didn't like as a leading man. He is amazing in every way. Can turn a shyt movie into gold but this is not one of those okay movies. This was great movie. Nic was amazing because he is always phenomenal in my eyes, he is just one of a kind but Joel was great too in this. It felt like Tom and Jamie Foxx in Colateral... Okay it was Colateral level but it's was fun to see Nic go nuts and just be himself. Much better movie than the ratings on IMBD. If you like Joel and Nic gots to watch it, if you don't care but into those weird movies with predictable twists and turns... than again every movie twist and turn is predictable if you have common sense. Just watch and you'll enjoy it.

I don't know how this movie got made, who wasn't bored to death reading that script, this is just bad lazy writing that can't be made into a good thriller even with the actors giving their best, the movie doesn't look cheap it's a decent looking movie at least the director and the staff weren't as lazy as the Writer I liked some of music choices but sometimes it felt the director had nothing to fill the movie with other than road shoots and a random song, I only continued watching for Cage and Joel I'm sure anyone who is not a fan of them like myself will turn off this movie 20 minutes in. I think Nic Cage and Joel Kinnaman deserved a better movie.

This is well written and directed thriller with superb acting from Nick Cage and Joel Kinnaman. The film has its own unique style, beautifully shot and with a fitting and great soundtrack.

A man (played by Kinnaman) is kidnapped by another (Nick Cage) and forced to drive away from the hospital where his wife is about to give birth and off into the night. As the helpless victim he understands neither why he's been taken or where they're going.

While there is a definitely a point to the film the main draw is that this is a well crafted and executed, taut thriller with great acting that holds the tension from start to finish. Both actors were great, although Nick Cage's portrayal of his powerful and disturbing character was particularly good.

All in all if you want to see a good thriller this is definitely a good one and has made me curious to see what else this director will do..

Sympathy for the Devil is a very apparent knock off of Collateral that would be completely fine in totally forgettable fashion if it wasn't for producer and star Nicolas Cage. He single handedly takes the film to much higher levels of entertainment and is essentially the only reason to watch it.

Joel Kinnaman has to have the boring character to balance out all the Cage craze but late stage reveals still give him something to work with. Nicolas Cage completely taps into his manic sensibilities here, he's not even restrained in the slightest with emotional beats delivered with the same deranged energy as everything else.

Yuval Adler's direction has some nice stylistic flourishes, using the red and blue of police sirens to light scenes in pretty striking fashion. However, his greatest strength is knowing never to reign his leading man in, especially during a sequence in a diner where it feels like the film is having to catch up to Cage's unpredictable performance.