Viewed in
1997, 1998, 2000, 2012
Formats
Movie theater, DVD, VHS, HDTV
Premise
John Travolta and Nicolas Cage star as rival cop/crook who swap faces in attempt to bring each other down. Directed by John Woo.
Loved
Over-the-top action and acting.
Thoughts
Watching it fifteen years later, it definitely has a charming campy feel to it now. Back when it just came out and I was much younger, I thought it was totally cool. Now I just giggle a lot.
Director Woo definitely made the most of a Hollywood budget, with slick slow-motion and ballet-life gunfights galore. Although every once in a while, you can see wires and obvious stunt-doubles.
The performances by the leads were outrageous and laughable, but frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way in a ridiculous premised flick like this. And who better to ham it up than two of the best, Travolta and Cage. Joan Allen acted with dignity in the madness, and Gina Gershon was sensuous as usual. As a fan of 24, it was cool to see the First Husband as the doctor. It was also interesting to see Margaret Cho in a serious, albeit minute role.
In addition to Cage and Travolta trying to out-crazy each other, a lot of unintentional comedy came from outdated technology, complete ignorance about plastic surgery, glaring plot holes, and illogical movie logic.
Overall, Face/Off has aged into one of those 1990's action flicks that would make a good drinking game. I don't think the movie makers intended to make it so back in the day. Nevertheless, it is still entertaining and re-watchable, just for different reasons.
