The Wicker Man (2006)

User Rating:

3.5/10   

Director:

Neil LaBute

Writers:

Neil LaBute (screenplay)
Anthony Shaffer (1973 screenplay)

Release Date:

1 September 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Some Sacrifices Must Be Made

Plot:

A sheriff investigating the disappearance of a young girl from a small island discovers there's a larger mystery to solve among the island's secretive, neo-pagan community.

Plot Keywords:

Bear Suit | Remake | Broken Leg | Burned Alive | Sacrifice

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Nicolas Cage	...	Edward Malus
Ellen Burstyn	...	Sister Summersisle
Kate Beahan	...	Sister Willow
Frances Conroy	...	Dr. Moss
Molly Parker	...	Sister Rose / Sister Thorn
Leelee Sobieski	...	Sister Honey
Diane Delano	...	Sister Beech
Michael Wiseman	...	Pete
Erika-Shaye Gair	...	Rowan
Christa Campbell	...	Truck Stop Waitress
Emily Holmes	...	Station Wagon Mom
Zemphira Gosling	...	Station Wagon Girl
Matthew Walker	...	Sea Plane Pilot
Mary Black	...	Sister Oak
Christine Willes	...	Sister Violet

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for disturbing images and violence, language and thematic issues.

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA | Germany | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | SDDS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | UK:12A | Ireland:15A | Netherlands:12 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Germany:16 | UK:15 (director's cut) | Australia:M | Singapore:PG | Argentina:13 | Portugal:M/16 | Finland:K-15 | South Korea:15 | Malaysia:U

Filming Locations:

Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Millennium Films

Trivia:

The movie was originally rated R for extreme violence, disturbing images, language, and thematic elements, but director 'Neil LeBute' wanted a broader audience, so they cut most of the scenes out, some of which have been included in the unrated version of the DVD, to deem it PG-13. However, there are about four minutes of additional cut footage that are not shown in the unrated DVD.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Edward is attempting to rescue Rowan, he is wearing the bear suit. He first unveils a mesh cover below the bears nose to reveal himself to Willow then replaces the mesh to protect his identity. At the point where he goes to rescue Rowan, he is clearly seen wearing make up instead of the mesh. Then, after removing the bear suit... there is no make up.

Quotes:

Edward Malus: [holding Rowan's doll] Is this hers? How'd it get burned? How'd it get burned? HOW'D IT GET BURNED, HOW'D IT GET BURNED?
Sister Willow: I-DON'T-KNOW!

Movie Connections:

References Inferno (1980)

Time that you will never get back.

Unfortunately, this movie does no credit whatsoever to the original. Nicholas Cage, fairly wooden as far as actors go, imbues the screen with a range of skill from, non-plussed to over the top. The supporting cast is no better.

The plot stays much the same as the original in terms of scene progression but is far worse. Not enough detail is given to allow the audience to by into what is being sold. It turns out it's just a bill of poor goods. Disbelief cannot be suspended, nor can a befit of a doubt be given. The only saving aspect of this film is that it is highly visual, as the medium requires, and whomever scouted the location should be commended.

There was much laughter in the audience and multiple boos, literally, at the end.

Disappointed! Wait for the original to come on television, pour a whiskey and enjoy.