[Review] The Retirement Plan (5.5/10)

 

Title - The Retirement Plan
Production - Productivity Media, Darius Films
Starring - Nicolas Cage, Thalia Campbell, Ashley Greene Khoury, Ron Perlman, Jackie Earle Haley, Ernie Hudson, Lynn Whitfield, Joel David Moore, Grace Byers, Rick Fox, Jordan Johnson-Hinds, Ronnie James Hughes
Writer - Tim Brown
Director - Tim Brown
Release - 15 September 2023

This was one of those small movies that in parts were very charming, in other parts so cheesy that it charmed as well.

The first act was bad. The setup was rushed (as it should have been, we just want to see Nicolas Cage), and that didn't help with the low-production tone of it all. But once Cage showed up, things started looking up.

Second act fared much better once the audience got into what this movie wanted to be. The jokes were bad but charming, the acting from most of the supporting cast were also bad, but you'd give them a pass because the acting was carried by Cage, Ashley Greene Khoury, Ron Perlman and Ernie Hudson; but also surprisingly young Thalia Campbell who built more rapport with Perlman than Cage - as it should have been. Rick Fox and Joel David Moore seemed more comfortable in front of the camera than the others. 

Unfortunately, you can see Jackie Earle Haley trying to deliver his character; and took me out of the movie every time.

Dialogue and direction were both bad, the action sequences were worse; especially the showdown at the boat. But, still charming. There were some scenes when events were actually funny, and those were really enjoyable within the tone.

The movie should have ended at the pier and on the boat. But Tim Brown as writer and director decided to drag on for another 20 minutes or so to bring the action to the mansion. By then I was completely out. It was unnecessary, the tone changed to being serious, and added nothing to the entertainment value.