Nicolas Cage is an actor who just doesn’t slow down. With recent genre-favorite films such as Mom and Dad, Mandy, and Color Out of Space, his newest release pits him against demonic animatronics. Directed by Kevin Lewis and written by G.O. Parsons, Nic Cage fans are in for a treat with Willy’s Wonderland.
Cage plays a man offered an overnight janitorial job at the now closed Willy’s Wonderland restaurant in exchange for maintenance work on his car. Challenged with cleaning the condemned place up, he’s faced with animatronics looking to murder him in a variety of ways. Throw in a handful of teens who unexpectedly drop in, and its a battle to see who, or what, makes it out alive.
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It is, of course, difficult not to think of the popular game franchise Five Nights at Freddy’s or even the recent horror adaptation of The Banana Splits. It is fair to put Willy’s Wonderland in that same category, while also acknowledging that this film brings its own unique characters and off-the-wall shenanigans. The music and catchy song lyrics are delightfully creepy and although the set budget may not have been extravagant, it often felt like walking through a frightful funhouse.
Cage’s performance can be classified as both strange and enjoyable, which is what his character demands. He does not have a single line of dialogue, other than grunts and other noises one would make while getting beat by animatronics. While that sounds odd, there is so much going on visually, and Cage is downright fun to watch, that you may not even notice he hasn’t spoken until halfway through the film.
Some of the animatronics themselves weren’t that memorable as far as standout characters, but a few get their spotlight. They also get a backstory, as does the entire situation we’re watching play out. The story is supported by townsfolk, played by Emily Tosta (TV’s Party of Five), Ric Reitz (Finding Steve McQueen), Chris Warner (Writer’s Block), and the always wonderful Beth Grant (Donnie Darko, TV’s A Series of Unfortunate Events).
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There may not be a lot of depth to be found here, but this is not the type of film one dives into for a deep narrative. Willy’s Wonderland delivers creepy, murderous animatronics, zany kills, and plenty of whimsy. When you combine those elements with a memorable and entertaining performance by Nicolas Cage, how can you not have a good time?
Willy’s Wonderland is now available to rent on Amazon.
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