Example #5
Adaptation
In Spike Jonze’s Adaptation Cage plays dual roles as brothers Charlie and Donald Kaufman so well that you almost forget it’s the same person playing both. This film takes Cage back to his quirky roots and reminds us that he can act, even if it’s been a while since he’s actually done it.



Example #6
Leaving Las Vegas
Easily the best reason on this list that Cage should be forgiven for such sins as Ghostrider. Director Mike Figgis reigns in Cage’s over the top tendencies and helps him give the performance of his career as Ben Sanderson the alcoholic screenwriter that is determined to drink himself to death over a weekend in Las Vegas. A depressing and emotionally draining masterpiece.



Example #7
The Rock
I’ll likely be crucified for putting a Michael Bay film on this list, but I don’t give a shit. I enjoyed the hell out of this movie. The Rock is a fun, over the top, quirky action flick that doesn’t exactly remind us what a great actor Cage can be, but he’s sure as hell fun to watch in this ridiculous film. “Winners go home and fuck the prom queen”



Example #8
Moonstruck
It was a tough sell to get MGM execs to cast the then 23 years young Cage as the headstrong and angry Ronny Cammareri. In fact it took Cher walking away from the production insisting that she wouldn’t do it without him. It’s a damn good thing they came to their senses. Cage is spot on as Cher’s love interest in the film. Co-stars Cher and Dukakis both walked away with Oscars for their performances and while Cage received a lot of critical acclaim for his performance but sadly wasn’t nominated.

There you have it. 8 reasons why Nic Cage shouldn’t be forced into early retirement. Sure he makes bad decisions, a lot of them, but he’s made a lot of good ones as well. Other than the 8 films I’ve listed here how about Race to the Moon, Peggy Sue Got Married,Face/Off, Birdy, Rumblefish, The Cotton Club, or even his small role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. There are also a few promising films on the horizon for Mr. Cage, he’s got Kick-Ass due out later this year as well as The Dance and a Bad Lieutenant remake with Werner Herzog in the directors chair. There was a time when Cage was considered one of the most exciting young actors in American cinema. He may have shit the bed for the last 10 years of his career, but there is still time for redemption.