129 reviews
Nicolas Cage has recently been on a bad streak of movies such as Season of The Witch, Trespass, and recently Ghost Rider 2. I watched this with no expectations and to my surprise thought it was actually pretty decent suspense thriller. No, it's not a great movie, but it's a perfect Rental that will keep you entertained. The acting is actually pretty good. Cage and Jones do an alright job, but Pearce really did a good job as the villain in the film. I thought a movie like this would be predictable, but the film actually goes in a bit of a different direction than you would expect it to. However, the movie fell flat in it's third act when it substituted all of it's suspense for action and a somewhat disappointing ending. Still, even though it's not a great movie and has it's flaws, Seeking Justice is still a decent thriller perfect for a rental that is better than you would probably expect. Even if you don't care for it, you still can easily admit that it's better than any of Cage's other recent films.
- DoctorRabbit
- Feb 24, 2012
- Permalink
- claudio_carvalho
- Mar 9, 2012
- Permalink
Nicholas Cage has participated in ambivalent movies, but this one is definitely among the better ones. And he is pleasantly complemented by Guy Pearce whose character is controversial to the end. Development of events and characters is logical, and viewers have - similar to various characters - constant dilemmas what kind of standpoint to take up with, as the background issue is serious, and good intentions get out of control quite fast. I felt that it must be horrible if you can trust nobody during peacetime.
Recommended to all desiring to spend a thrilling time in front of TV or at the cinema.
Recommended to all desiring to spend a thrilling time in front of TV or at the cinema.
Although a number of reviews play down this film, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I quite like Nicholas Cage, ever since Con Air - he seems to play the laid back, slightly relaxed good guy to whom it all just gets a bit too much. You are quickly engaged with the theme of the film although I have to say I find it difficult to imagine Mr. Cage as a High School English lecturer. No massive brain power needed to follow the story line which moves at a satisfying pace.
In this, at times, quite plausible film he again enjoys the hard done by guy but you find yourself drawn along with him almost feeling for him.
A very nice way to spend 105 minutes and well worth your viewing time. a definite 7.
In this, at times, quite plausible film he again enjoys the hard done by guy but you find yourself drawn along with him almost feeling for him.
A very nice way to spend 105 minutes and well worth your viewing time. a definite 7.
- tony-288-52010
- Feb 9, 2012
- Permalink
I have never been Nic Cage's biggest fan. In fact he is to acting , as i am to Ballet Dancing , most of the time but Seeking Justice ( or Justice as it is named in the UK) is definitely one of his less disastrous movies.
Nic Cage plays a husband who's wife is beaten and raped by a stranger while walking to her car. While in the Hospital he gets a visit from a suited man ( Guy Pierce) who offers to eliminate the man who raped his wife but if he accepts , at some stage will have to repay the favour..
The critics panned this film when it came out late last year but i think they have been a little unfair. I found this film highly watch able and the concept a really interesting one. Guy Pierce is really good as Simon and his demeanour is perfect for the bad guy role. Cage doesn't stink up the screen either although i wasn't too happy with seeing the irritating Jennifer Carpenter ( of Dexter fame) in the film but thankfully it was just a cameo role.
Justice has some great action scenes and some interesting ( if a little unbelievable) plot twists and i enjoyed it for what it was - a good action thriller.
Nic Cage plays a husband who's wife is beaten and raped by a stranger while walking to her car. While in the Hospital he gets a visit from a suited man ( Guy Pierce) who offers to eliminate the man who raped his wife but if he accepts , at some stage will have to repay the favour..
The critics panned this film when it came out late last year but i think they have been a little unfair. I found this film highly watch able and the concept a really interesting one. Guy Pierce is really good as Simon and his demeanour is perfect for the bad guy role. Cage doesn't stink up the screen either although i wasn't too happy with seeing the irritating Jennifer Carpenter ( of Dexter fame) in the film but thankfully it was just a cameo role.
Justice has some great action scenes and some interesting ( if a little unbelievable) plot twists and i enjoyed it for what it was - a good action thriller.
- valleyjohn
- Feb 17, 2012
- Permalink
After his wife (January Jones) is assaulted, a husband (Nic Cage) enlists the services of a vigilante group to help him settle the score. Then he discovers they want a "favor" from him in return.
This is neither Cage's best film or his worst. It is also not his best hair, or his worst. In fact, I may have to give Cage some credit... his acting was far better than this film ended up calling for.
Not that the movie is all bad. Had it been a novel, it would have been a best-selling thriller. But it sort of crumbles as a film for one reason: plot holes. Simon and his cronies are just too powerful, know too much, too soon. It is not adequately explained, and the logical answers that the audience might dream up without evidence only leads to an even wilder conspiracy... in short, try not to think too much while watching this.
The action is good, the humor is decent, and the suspense is top notch -- it is the most tension you will ever feel while watching a man buy a candy bar. But it just does not add up. Good acting, good action and suspense do not make a movie if the story itself is not complete. In short, this film's biggest problem is the lack of a script doctor. A few tweaks, a tightening of events, this could have been a blockbuster and demanded a franchise or sequel.
This is neither Cage's best film or his worst. It is also not his best hair, or his worst. In fact, I may have to give Cage some credit... his acting was far better than this film ended up calling for.
Not that the movie is all bad. Had it been a novel, it would have been a best-selling thriller. But it sort of crumbles as a film for one reason: plot holes. Simon and his cronies are just too powerful, know too much, too soon. It is not adequately explained, and the logical answers that the audience might dream up without evidence only leads to an even wilder conspiracy... in short, try not to think too much while watching this.
The action is good, the humor is decent, and the suspense is top notch -- it is the most tension you will ever feel while watching a man buy a candy bar. But it just does not add up. Good acting, good action and suspense do not make a movie if the story itself is not complete. In short, this film's biggest problem is the lack of a script doctor. A few tweaks, a tightening of events, this could have been a blockbuster and demanded a franchise or sequel.
Nicolas Cage and Guy Pearce aren't exactly my favourite actors, I can't put my finger on why but they both just really annoy me. So I didn't have very high expectations going into this film, thinking that I would be rolling my eyes at every word they uttered. The fact that I enjoyed the film, is either a nod to my ability of being able to withstand irritating people or that it was actually a really good film.
The untimely incident with Will's (Cage) wife (January Jones), was made even more disturbing by the juxtaposition of him playing chess. Such an ugly event opposed to a tranquil game, it worked really well. I did have a little pernickety moment, when Will went to visit his wife in hospital. His character just didn't seem believable, he didn't even ask what had happened to her or how she was. Most normal people would (ok, moment over).
The snakeskin shoes worn by the villain is a great reiteration of the phrase several characters use, "This place (New Orleans) is going to hell," and judging by the choice of the initial villain's footwear, he's going to be the one to take them there.
January Jones shows how to fight back, with her major "girl power" moments and as a teensy feminist, I loved it. Alongside a thrilling plot, I was pleasantly surprised.
The untimely incident with Will's (Cage) wife (January Jones), was made even more disturbing by the juxtaposition of him playing chess. Such an ugly event opposed to a tranquil game, it worked really well. I did have a little pernickety moment, when Will went to visit his wife in hospital. His character just didn't seem believable, he didn't even ask what had happened to her or how she was. Most normal people would (ok, moment over).
The snakeskin shoes worn by the villain is a great reiteration of the phrase several characters use, "This place (New Orleans) is going to hell," and judging by the choice of the initial villain's footwear, he's going to be the one to take them there.
January Jones shows how to fight back, with her major "girl power" moments and as a teensy feminist, I loved it. Alongside a thrilling plot, I was pleasantly surprised.
- hippy_hazy
- Nov 26, 2011
- Permalink
Will Gerard (Nicolas Cage) is an unassuming high school teacher in New Orleans. One night, his wife Laura (January Jones) is brutally raped. At the hospital, Simon (Guy Pearce) claims to represent a few citizen seeking justice. He's willing to seek justice for Will in exchange for some favors. The cryptic favors get serious when Simon asks Will to kill a pedophile. Will tries to talk to the man but he struggles and accidentally kills himself. The man turns out to be respected investigative journalist Alan Marsh and the police are zeroing in on Will.
It tries to be stylized thriller. The basic concept is fine but nothing special. The first problem comes with the candy bar. It's a stupid manufactured story device. It's of no use and only shine a light on how overly written this story is. A simple YES could have been so much more powerful. Instead the audience is forced to wait for the scene to finish. Time and time again, the movie tries too hard. I am glad that Will finally asked for a lawyer at the police station. The writing could have been worst but it's not good. Nick Cage needs to get work with better directors and stop taking these second rate offerings.
It tries to be stylized thriller. The basic concept is fine but nothing special. The first problem comes with the candy bar. It's a stupid manufactured story device. It's of no use and only shine a light on how overly written this story is. A simple YES could have been so much more powerful. Instead the audience is forced to wait for the scene to finish. Time and time again, the movie tries too hard. I am glad that Will finally asked for a lawyer at the police station. The writing could have been worst but it's not good. Nick Cage needs to get work with better directors and stop taking these second rate offerings.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jun 17, 2015
- Permalink
- tugce-tunalilar
- Dec 9, 2011
- Permalink
This movie surprised me, since many people claim that Cage only has "bad" films. This one is actually quite good. In fact, I was about to give it an 8, but due a few bad actors I couldn't.
I think Cage acted good in this film. The story is easy to follow, so no brain cracking mysteries that make you think by the end of the film "what the hell happened." I really can't stand complex endings.
In easy words, it's an enjoyable thriller about a guy who's wife gets raped. In the hospital, this strange guy in a suit does this proposal to kill the rapist for him. As he agrees with doubts, it soon turns out he needs to kill other people for him to repay this civic organization who "seek justice". Of course, he doesn't want to kill people and asks the same guy to get out of his life. If only it was that simple...
I recommend to see it! Enough action, thrilling scenes, mostly well-chosen actors. It's a 7 alright!
I think Cage acted good in this film. The story is easy to follow, so no brain cracking mysteries that make you think by the end of the film "what the hell happened." I really can't stand complex endings.
In easy words, it's an enjoyable thriller about a guy who's wife gets raped. In the hospital, this strange guy in a suit does this proposal to kill the rapist for him. As he agrees with doubts, it soon turns out he needs to kill other people for him to repay this civic organization who "seek justice". Of course, he doesn't want to kill people and asks the same guy to get out of his life. If only it was that simple...
I recommend to see it! Enough action, thrilling scenes, mostly well-chosen actors. It's a 7 alright!
What did the rabbit do? You'll know if you watch(ed) the movie. But this movie does not have answers for everything. There are plot holes and real inconsistencies all over the place. Plus Nicolas Cage is not really ideal for the main role. He's too normal. I should say his character is too normal.
Jennifer Carpenter is credited but not really that much in the movie. There are subplots that come and go, plus there is one thing that I think remains unresolved. The "inciting incident" (let's call it that), that kick starts all the rest. But again, if you start questioning things, you might as well not watch the movie at all, because you won't like it. Try to enjoy the action, the suspense even if you have seen this formula a dozen (or more) times!
Jennifer Carpenter is credited but not really that much in the movie. There are subplots that come and go, plus there is one thing that I think remains unresolved. The "inciting incident" (let's call it that), that kick starts all the rest. But again, if you start questioning things, you might as well not watch the movie at all, because you won't like it. Try to enjoy the action, the suspense even if you have seen this formula a dozen (or more) times!
id give it a 6 at best. kinda reminds me of Taken..but its a Nicholas cage movie, fans of him will like the movie no doubt. the movie has gaping plot holes and more than a couple of moments doesn't make sense in that i feel that important events were cut out. the film really cuts corners where it shouldn't, the sequences are really awfully put together. but the camera action was OK, it has this realistic vibe you remember from Taken, but do not be mistaken, the story itself is far from realistic. Also i have to mention that the end was also unsatisfying in the sense that made you curious but not in a good way because the movie itself didn't deserve that kind of ending it should have kept going. instead it amplifies its story where there is too little to amplify in the first place.
- searchanddestroy-1
- Jan 10, 2012
- Permalink
At first time i was thinking a lot for seen these movie, because right now Nicolas wasn't doing good movies at all. Still, this one wasn't the greats neither the worst. Makes you wonder hows gonna end, some things a little weak of interpretation, story line was good, acting was very well got to admit, action quite impressive how this one can fit in the believable context. I was expecting to see more the other characters, Guy, January.
Despite all the little missing things was a good movie. But i still want to see more of Nicolas, he did great movies a years back, we deserve more from him as an actor.
Despite all the little missing things was a good movie. But i still want to see more of Nicolas, he did great movies a years back, we deserve more from him as an actor.
- GabrielaRod
- Mar 9, 2012
- Permalink
There are so many action thriller flicks that seem to pop up every week, each with basically the same purpose - to outdo the pyrotechnics and car chases of the others - and while Nicholas Cage has participated in a number of these, this particular film SEEKING JUSTCE, while not an entirely new idea, offers Cage a chance to once again impress the audience. The film is a tightly written one (Todd Hickey and Robert Tannen) and solidly directed by Roger Donaldson and is fortunately graced with a cast of actors who make the strange mixture of characters credible.
The setting is New Orleans where Will Gerard (Nicholas Cage) is an English teacher at Rampart High, the kind of teacher who cares about his rather unruly students and shares his love for teaching with his fellow teacher and friend Jimmy (Harold Perrineau). Will is happily married to Laura (January Jones), a cellist who rehearses frequently with her chamber music ensemble. One night, Laura leaves a rehearsal and is brutally assaulted and raped while Will is playing chess with Jimmy. When Will is visiting her in the hospital, out of the blue a stranger named Simon (Guy Pearce) tells him that he belongs to an organization of vigilantes and offers to eliminate the assailant. In return, the organization would want a favor from Will in the future. Will hesitantly agrees, and the criminal is murdered. Six months later, while Laura is still paranoid about leaving the house and lives in fear, Simon collects his debt with Will. He demands that Will kill Alan Marsh, a pedophile. Will accidentally kills Alan and soon he learns that the victim was an awarded journalist that was investigating the organization. Now he seeks evidences to prove his innocence but the network of the organization is powerful and is seeking out Will to eliminate him.
There is a strong supporting cast including Jennifer Carpenter and Xander Berkeley who help make the strange intertwining of characters morphing from good guys to bad guys and back again work smoothly. And while the film is a strong one in general, the pleasure is to finally see Nicholas Cage given a script in which he can excel.
Grady Harp,
The setting is New Orleans where Will Gerard (Nicholas Cage) is an English teacher at Rampart High, the kind of teacher who cares about his rather unruly students and shares his love for teaching with his fellow teacher and friend Jimmy (Harold Perrineau). Will is happily married to Laura (January Jones), a cellist who rehearses frequently with her chamber music ensemble. One night, Laura leaves a rehearsal and is brutally assaulted and raped while Will is playing chess with Jimmy. When Will is visiting her in the hospital, out of the blue a stranger named Simon (Guy Pearce) tells him that he belongs to an organization of vigilantes and offers to eliminate the assailant. In return, the organization would want a favor from Will in the future. Will hesitantly agrees, and the criminal is murdered. Six months later, while Laura is still paranoid about leaving the house and lives in fear, Simon collects his debt with Will. He demands that Will kill Alan Marsh, a pedophile. Will accidentally kills Alan and soon he learns that the victim was an awarded journalist that was investigating the organization. Now he seeks evidences to prove his innocence but the network of the organization is powerful and is seeking out Will to eliminate him.
There is a strong supporting cast including Jennifer Carpenter and Xander Berkeley who help make the strange intertwining of characters morphing from good guys to bad guys and back again work smoothly. And while the film is a strong one in general, the pleasure is to finally see Nicholas Cage given a script in which he can excel.
Grady Harp,
- bombersflyup
- Sep 14, 2018
- Permalink
I was a bit Surprised I didn't expected to be that solid. The Pacing of the movie is good, The Plot was very Interesting and there are some really suspenseful elements in this Movie and Guy Pearce was a great Villain.
I would recommend Seeking Justice for Thriller Fans.
My Rating : 7.
I would recommend Seeking Justice for Thriller Fans.
My Rating : 7.
- BloodyPredator2
- Dec 19, 2021
- Permalink
Certain film makers are constantly thrashed by some film critics. There is nothing personal, I'm sure, yet over time, certain actors and even directors, become the target of verbal assault by some critics. As a reviewer, I must say that I am growing very weary of Nicholas Cage and his pathetic choice of films to appear in. Not only is he going from bad to worse as an actor, his characters are becoming very annoying. Ever since "National Treasure", his characters are always on some wild goose chase or another and often with a bag of juvenile magic tricks. Why do I still watch his movies, you ask? Because not too long ago, Cage used to be one of Hollywood's top actors. Then again, so was Dennis Hopper and Cuba Gooding Jr. With Hopper, everything went downhill after his villainous role in "Speed". Nobody knows what has become of him and frankly, I couldn't care any less. Whereas, Gooding won an Oscar in "Jerry Maguire" and then saw an early career peak opposite Robert De Niro in "Men of Honor". As far as I'm concerned, both Hopper and Gooding are now B movie stars; a downgrade of their own doing. With Cage, and for some reason, I am still holding on to a last strand of hope that he will turn around and get back into his unique skill of method acting, while also choosing better movies instead of the tripe he chooses to work with currently.
In "Seeking Justice", Cage plays a spineless school teacher as Will Gerard. Will is at the hospital lobby the night his wife Laura (January Jones) is sexually assaulted, when he is offered the services of a vigilante group run by Simon (Guy Pearce). This secret society of punishers proposes to "take care" of perpetrators outside the law, in return for a "small" favor of sorts. Initially reluctant, Gerard finally gives in and the rapist is "taken care of". Six months later, the Gerards have moved on with their lives when Will is asked to return the favor. Sure enough, Will backs out and faces a life threatening situation where no one can be trusted, not even close friends and colleagues.
Where do I begin? The most obvious is the ridiculous story. Revenge flicks only work if the story ignites some sort of rage in the viewer. If it fails to do so, then the plot is lost, so to speak. And this is exactly what happens in this movie. Adding insult to injury is the most unbelievably pathetic performance from almost everyone in this movie. Right at the top is Cage, whose character doesn't appear to be the least bit bothered that his wife is the latest victim of a known sexual offender. His only emotion stems from a constipated look throughout the film. Then there is Jones' Laura, who gets dumber by the minute and actually trusts strangers within months of being brutalized in her own vehicle. On top of that, Cage and Jones are never convincing as a married couple with no evident affection for each other, before or after the incident. You would think that an incident like this would be a massive turning point in any relationship. But no sir, apparently, screenwriters Todd Hickey and Robert Tannen had other things in mind― like an unnecessary whodunit twist that results in mindless action. On the other hand, Pearce does a decent job as the increasingly intimidating antagonist. Good expressions and screen presence from Pearce, but sadly, his character is poorly penned.
Having worked with the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino and various other A-list stars, Roger Donaldson is an acclaimed director, so what the heck was he thinking with this movie? If the story is non-engaging, the acting one dimensional, and the plot with more holes than Swiss cheese, Donaldson has failed to put together what could have been a decent thriller.
Looks like its strike one for Donaldson, but not even Francis Ford Coppola can save Cage now.
In "Seeking Justice", Cage plays a spineless school teacher as Will Gerard. Will is at the hospital lobby the night his wife Laura (January Jones) is sexually assaulted, when he is offered the services of a vigilante group run by Simon (Guy Pearce). This secret society of punishers proposes to "take care" of perpetrators outside the law, in return for a "small" favor of sorts. Initially reluctant, Gerard finally gives in and the rapist is "taken care of". Six months later, the Gerards have moved on with their lives when Will is asked to return the favor. Sure enough, Will backs out and faces a life threatening situation where no one can be trusted, not even close friends and colleagues.
Where do I begin? The most obvious is the ridiculous story. Revenge flicks only work if the story ignites some sort of rage in the viewer. If it fails to do so, then the plot is lost, so to speak. And this is exactly what happens in this movie. Adding insult to injury is the most unbelievably pathetic performance from almost everyone in this movie. Right at the top is Cage, whose character doesn't appear to be the least bit bothered that his wife is the latest victim of a known sexual offender. His only emotion stems from a constipated look throughout the film. Then there is Jones' Laura, who gets dumber by the minute and actually trusts strangers within months of being brutalized in her own vehicle. On top of that, Cage and Jones are never convincing as a married couple with no evident affection for each other, before or after the incident. You would think that an incident like this would be a massive turning point in any relationship. But no sir, apparently, screenwriters Todd Hickey and Robert Tannen had other things in mind― like an unnecessary whodunit twist that results in mindless action. On the other hand, Pearce does a decent job as the increasingly intimidating antagonist. Good expressions and screen presence from Pearce, but sadly, his character is poorly penned.
Having worked with the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino and various other A-list stars, Roger Donaldson is an acclaimed director, so what the heck was he thinking with this movie? If the story is non-engaging, the acting one dimensional, and the plot with more holes than Swiss cheese, Donaldson has failed to put together what could have been a decent thriller.
Looks like its strike one for Donaldson, but not even Francis Ford Coppola can save Cage now.
- LloydBayer
- Feb 16, 2012
- Permalink
- seymourblack-1
- Aug 7, 2013
- Permalink
OK Nicolas Cage and i thought its gonna suck big time like all his Sci-Fi movies but i was wrong this movie was just too good.Though there were a few faults here and there but still the movie is really good and does manage to keep u on the edge of your seat and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next.There are a few things that i thought could have been explained better but still nevertheless a really enjoyable movie.
The actors have done their part really well and are quite upto the expectations.The story is decent enough with the great suspense going on throughout the movie.
I would recommend you to watch this movie and enjoy it.Its gonna be even better for you if your a fan of Nicolas Cage.So sit back and enjoy this flick.
The actors have done their part really well and are quite upto the expectations.The story is decent enough with the great suspense going on throughout the movie.
I would recommend you to watch this movie and enjoy it.Its gonna be even better for you if your a fan of Nicolas Cage.So sit back and enjoy this flick.
- chicagopoetry
- Jan 20, 2012
- Permalink
One of the dullest movies I've sat through in a long time. The plot has more holes than a sieve. Written by people who've seen too many movies and decided it was really easy to write a plot themselves... just pick a whole bunch of clichés from different movies and here we are. I was going WTF every 2 minutes, there's some serious suspension of disbelief required in order to sit through this whole turd. I was just forwarding my way through it in the second half when things got really preposterous.
The only reason people would be drawn to this movie is the fact that it has some genuinely charismatic actors like Guy Pearce and Jennifer Carpenter - both of them completely wasted on this POS. You'll get to see Jennifer Carpenter more in 5 minutes of Dexter than through this whole flick. Nick Cage, in a perfect world would be playing supporting roles in comedies. Instead, our fxxud up choices decided that he be an action star.
The only reason people would be drawn to this movie is the fact that it has some genuinely charismatic actors like Guy Pearce and Jennifer Carpenter - both of them completely wasted on this POS. You'll get to see Jennifer Carpenter more in 5 minutes of Dexter than through this whole flick. Nick Cage, in a perfect world would be playing supporting roles in comedies. Instead, our fxxud up choices decided that he be an action star.