Mark Hobin (hobster1)

Actor Nicolas Cage's loopy performance highlights this interesting portrait of a New Orleans Police officer investigating the murder of a family of African immigrants. Not a sequel to director Abel Ferrara's 1992 film, but rather a variation on the same theme with different characters. Certainly director Werner Herzog's most mainstream picture, it starts out as a rather scattered crime story, jumping from one vignette to another. As it progresses however it develops into an enjoyable caricature of the genre, a portrait of a renegade cop without a moral compass. No one one plays crazy like Nicolas Cage, and when he does, it can either entertain or irritate. Luckily, this time, his offbeat behavior enlivens the action considerably.

Ambitiously titled sequel to Twilight (it's a saga now?) follows the continuing adventures of Bella and Edward, with a third key character, Jacob, thrown in for good measure. Stale soap opera plot is just like every love triangle story you've ever seen. I kept thinking I was watching an episode of Days of Our Lives except with vampires and werewolves, of course. On a positive note, the cinematography is stunning as the whole film has the look of quality. However, as in the first story, there are several unintentionally funny parts. Apparently Jacob and his crew seem to be allergic to wearing clothing. Fans of the series will probably be interested in these characters, but all others will be bored

Jack at his best.

A testament to the human spirit.