While Nicolas Cage's stock rose sharply with the success of both National Treasure films, he has yet to prove his diversity, rarely finding success outside the realm of family films. With that said, I must say that Bangkok Dangerous is not your usual Cage film. Centered on an assassin for hire, the film contains a heavy load of violence and mature elements "“ a far cry from National Treasure. However, with the exception of the new haircut, Cage pulls off the role and film quite well, using his acting skills to amuse audiences, and rarely giving them reason to doubt his ability to entertain and enthrall.
Set amid the backdrop of Bangkok, Thailand, the film follows Joe, a prestigious assassin for hire. Wanting to change the way in which he lives, Joe has decided that Bangkok's four hits will be his last in the business. To complete his last mission, Joe hires a street punk names Kong to run errands and serve as a language translator. Sadly, Joe knows the importance of removing all trails, therefore planning to kill Kong at the end of the job. However, as time passes, Joe forms a bond with the youth, becoming his mentor instead of his boss. Additionally, Joe has begun a small romance with a local shop girl, causing the usually precise assassin to let his guard down, though only for a second. As the job nears completion, Joe's boss Surat has grown nervous, deciding that it is about time to clean up his own affairs.
While the story is extremely predictable and over-the-top, I will admit that it was fun to see Cage play against stereotype. Having not seen the actor in a hard R-rated action/adventure film since 1997's Con-Air, it was a pleasant surprise to see the change of pace. Thankfully, Cage was able to perform adequately for the film, not really blowing the audience away, but entertaining all the same.
But it wasn't just Cage who performed well. At his side were relative unknown actors, Chakrit Yamnarm and Charlie Young. Though lacking a lot of experience on-screen, both stars took their roles and ran with them, never looking back as they created Joe's two missteps, helping to give the film reason and direction. Their interactions with Cage were flawless as they sold their respective relationships, providing a pleasant diversion within the film's premise and helping to create a story of depth and maturity.
But like so many other action films these days, Bangkok Dangerous doesn't really rely on its actors or their performances. Instead, the film puts all its focus into the script and special effects, both of which were unexpectedly strong here. While there were few bombs or explosions within the film's story, the exciting shoot-outs and timely assassinations were as intense as they were entertaining. And as for the story, it honestly never showed signs of slowing down as it entertained and enthralled with each new action sequence and kill. And though the film contained very little creative material, it was still strong in its own right "“ making it a generic film that somehow still entertains and engages its audience.
