Season of the Witch (2011)

Nicolas Cage's name on a film poster is no guarantee of anything these days. Season of the Witch is another film to add to the list of films that has you thinking, 'did Cage really win an Oscar?' Well, yes, yes he did folks. This film is another Cage disappointment with only his biggest fans been able to put up with this rubbish. But after looking at it's box office taking, even die hard fans of Cage are slowly starting to disappear.

In the 14th Century, a group of knights transport a suspected Witch to a monastery, where the monks have reason to believe she could be behind the black plague that is sweeping the country.

It's a wonder why Cage signed up to star in this film in the first place. Maybe it was a favour for the director Dominic Sena, who directed Cage in the average Gone in 60 Seconds (2000). It's also questionable as to why Stephen Graham and Ron Perlman also deciding that this was the film for them.  Even the legendary actor Christopher Lee turns up for a 10 minute cameo as the leader of the church who has been cursed with the plague. Someone should really have a chat with their agents. The film suffers from poor direction from Sena, has lousy special effects, but worst of all, it has no drama, suspense or horror what so ever.

It's not surprise Season of the Witch was released just after the awards season. Hollywood studios have been known to release films they know won't achieve much income or buzz from the press and this film is a perfect example. It's somewhat of a shame for people like Pearlman, who is direct and almost charming as the thuggish sidekick despite having some truly awful lines. The same could be said for Robert Sheenan (Misfits) who is convincingly nervy as squire and wannabe Knight Kay. Claire Foy also does a pretty decent job in her first feature length role as the witch.

Unfortunately Cage and Sena take themselves far too seriously, robbing the film any chance of salvation. At best, Season of the Witch could of been enjoyably stupid if it was allowed to laugh at it's self and realise that it's nothing but a cheesy b-movie type film with cheap lines. Unfortunately it doesn't, and just becomes embarrassing to all involved.

Season of the Witch is another film to add to the category of 'what were you thinking Cagey my boy'. Avoid like the plague.