Primal (2020)
Director: Nick Powell
Writer: Richard Leder
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, Michael Imperioli, LaMonica Garrett
When Frank Walsh (Nicolas Cage), a hunter and collector of rare and exotic animals, bags a priceless white jaguar for a zoo, he figures it’ll be smooth sailing to a big payday. But the ship bearing Frank’s precious cargo has two predators caged in its hold: the cat, and a mercenary political assassin Richard Loffler (Kevin Durand) who is being extradited to the U.S. After Richard breaks loose – and then frees the jaguar and a host of other exotic beasts – Frank feverishly stalks the ship’s cramped corridors in hot pursuit of his prey, as vicious monkeys, deadly snakes, and the elusive white jag cause chaos…
Primal is the latest feature from director Nick Powell, who teams up once again with Nicholas Cage whom he worked with previously on his directorial debut Outcast (2014). A throwback to the straight to video films of the 80’s/90’s, Primal is best watched with nostalgic tinted glasses – because what it lacks in budget, it makes up for with the non-stop action. It remains a far cry from some of the big budget action films cage has enjoyed over the years such as Face Off (1997), Con Air (1997) and The Rock (1996), but when compared to some of his more questionable choices in recent years it is definitely a return to form.
Nicolas Cage plays Frank Walsh a poacher who behind his lacklustre appearance is an expert in exotic animals, with a military background which proves useful in the hunt. Cage plays the character with arrogance and seems to embellish the opportunity to play the anti-hero. A lost character whose conscience regarding some of his more immoral actions are muted by the zeros on a paycheck and the bottom of an empty bottle. It may not be a stretch for Cage with his performance but he does bring plenty of humour to the film, especially when it concerns the safety of his White Jaguar which is let loose on the ship.
Cage is joined on screen by a strong supporting cast including Famke Janssen who is no stranger to the action genre having played Jean Grey in the X-Men film series. In Primal, however, Famke delivers a more grounded performance in her role as the medic brought onto the ship who is placed in charge of overseeing prisoner Richard Loffler during transportation. Whilst Famke delivers a strong performance in the role, it does feel at times that her character has incorporated as the films ‘female’ where she could have been utilised a lot more. Although it does seem to suit the MO regarding many of the 80’s action films which it is looking to replicate.
Kevin Durand also delivers a memorable performance as the detained mercenary and over eccentric villain, Richard Loffler. Balancing the character between a sense of revenge and pure insanity, with a sneering smile which would give the joker a run for his money. Highly skilled in combat, as he begins to take out the soldiers on board one by one the film begins to play out like Under Siege (1992) in reverse. Incorporating a more horror template where it is now the bad guy who is doing the killing until the inevitable final showdown.
Whilst it could have played out as just another action movie, the inclusion of the dangerous exotic animals released on the ship adds another element to the film, even if the budget with the CGI leaves it feeling less than perfect. The abnormality of having the animals roaming outside of their normal habitat onboard the ship and the execution of the CGI reminds me of the original Jumanji (1995). Once again, the bizarre situation with the animals is incorporated well into the story, but the execution with the CGI animals still look a little rough around the edges.
Like many of the recent films from Nicolas Cage, Primal is not made to be another Oscar contender for the actor and with the low budget action which is far from perfect. However, even with some of plot holes and more nonsensical moments in the film, it’s still more believable than some of the scenes in the Fast and Furious series and definitely entertaining. So, if you’re feeling nostalgic and willing to give a low budget action film a try, go in with an open mind, grab some popcorn, switch off and just enjoy the ride.
Primal is available now on Digital Download and DVD from Lionsgate UK
Grab some popcorn, switch off and just enjoy the ride
Movie title: Primal
Movie description: When Frank Walsh (Nicolas Cage), a hunter and collector of rare and exotic animals, bags a priceless white jaguar for a zoo, he figures it’ll be smooth sailing to a big payday. But the ship bearing Frank’s precious cargo has two predators caged in its hold: the cat, and a mercenary political assassin Richard Loffler (Kevin Durand) who is being extradited to the U.S. After Richard breaks loose – and then frees the jaguar and a host of other exotic beasts – Frank feverishly stalks the ship’s cramped corridors in hot pursuit of his prey, as vicious monkeys, deadly snakes, and the elusive white jag cause chaos...
Date published: February 17, 2020
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 37min
Director(s): Nick Powell
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, Michael Imperioli, LaMonica Garrett
Genre: Action
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
