WILLY’S WONDERLAND is a new horror movie starring Nicolas Cage. It’s crazy and completely over-the-top in a 1980s kind of way. Also, it does have a damn solid backstory which we learn along the way, so you won’t have to wait until the end to understand how it all works.
Do be warned though, during some scenes, there are a lot of flashing lights. Not all the time, but for a few minutes along the way. I’m not usually that bothered by flashing lights in any way, but it did get to me a bit while watching this movie.
Nicolas Cage doing his thing
I’ve always liked watching Nicolas Cage, whenever he’s doing what he does best. For me, that’s either hardcore acting where he’s tearing himself apart on screen in an emotional way or it’s exactly what we get in this new movie; The kitsch, campy, over-the-top guy who loves doing genre film for fans of genre productions. yes, please!
In Willy’s Wonderland, Nicolas Cage never says a word. Not one! He grunts and fights, but not one actual word is spoken. Instead, he works his facial expressions for all they’re worth. It’s deliciously campy and absolutely awesome! I love it.
Also, I’ll be the first to admit that as much as I do love Nicolas Cage, I am not a fan when he’s cast as the “tough-guy-loverboy-hero” in all seriousness. Especially when he’s acting across from someone who’s half his age as his love interest. Fortunately, we’ve been seeing a lot of movies where Cage works his magic in an over-the-top way instead, and that I love!
Super Happy Fun Room
During the runtime of Willy’s Wonderland, you’ll be introduced to many interesting concepts. For one, you’ll see how much duct tape can do – if you didn’t already know this from other movies and survival shows on various TV channels. Also, you’ll see just how creepy animatronics can get.
Even if many of the animatronics in this movie come across more like “Furries”.
And then there’s the “Super Happy Fun Room” which is both a “super happy” and “fun” room to a few people. To everyone else, it’s pure horror and seems like it belongs in Hostel. In other words, it’s perfect for this over-the-top horror movie.
I should also mention that aside from Nicolas Cage, Willy’s Wonderland features several other wonderful performances. We have the iconic genre film actor Beth Grant who you’ll recognize from many iconic movies. She’s been in everything from Speed (1994) to Donnie Darko (2001) and so many guest roles on TV series.
While Beth Grant plays the Sheriff in the small town that has the Willy’s Wonderland animatronics place, Emily Tosta portrays the young Liv, who is a real badass. Perfect across from – not in a romantic way! – Nicolas Cage’s silent character “The Janitor”. You may recognize Emily Tosta from her character Leticia on Mayans M.C.
Watch Willy’s Wonderland in theaters and On-Demand now!
Willy’s Wonderland is directed by Kevin Lewis who has directed seven movies prior to this one. His previous movies were The Third Nail from 2007 and The Drop from 2006, so he’s been away from filmmaking for more than a decade. Neither have impressive IMDb ratings and I feel no need to watch them.
However, the break definitely did him good because this most recent movie is pretty damn awesome! It could also be due to the fact that Kevin Lewis didn’t write the movie himself. Sometimes it’s just better that way. The screenplay for Willy’s Wonderland was written by G.O. Parsons and it’s his feature film debut, which shows really good promise!
Hopefully, we’ll see more movies written by G.O. Parsons soon. As far as Kevin Lewis is concerned, we (hopefully) won’t be waiting a decade for his next movie. He’s attached to a horror movie with the title Glutton which has a script by Kenny Yakkel (Dead Man Rising from 2016). Maybe we’ll see that one go into production if this new movie is a success. And it should be!
Willy’s Wonderland is perfect entertainment for genre fans on a Friday night. Do check it out and just enjoy!
Willy’s Wonderland is out in theaters, on digital, and on-demand on February 12, 2021.
