Travis Simpkins

Outcast (2014): Hayden Christensen and Nicolas Cage as Crusaders in China

Directed by Nick Powell, and written by James Dormer, Outcast (2014) was met with negative reviews upon it's release. The story, set in Medieval times, finds the daughter and son of a deposed Chinese emperor enlisting the help of two war-weary Crusaders to defeat their sadistic older brother. The plot does have some interesting moments, including the Knights Templar battle scene at the opening. Shaky camera work and bad acting prove a distraction, though. The cast is hit or miss, including Hayden Christensen, Nicolas Cage, Liu Yifei, Ji Ke Jun Yi and Andy On.

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage and Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage and Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage and Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage

Outcast. 2014

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage

Outcast. 2014: Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014: Nicolas Cage and Hayden Christensen

Outcast. 2014

10,000 BC (2008): Primitive Captives in Ancient Egypt

Co-written , produced and directed by Roland Emmerich, 10,000 BC offers an interesting take on an obscure chapter in human pre-history. The story focuses on a group of primitive hunter-gatherers who are captured and enslaved by an advanced civilization… and a young mammoth hunter's journey to rescue them and secure the future of his tribe. Depicting the construction of the Great Pyramids offers an interesting historical context about the true age and origin of Ancient Egypt. The film portrays the giant stone blocks of the pyramids being dragged into place by giant beasts of burden (mammoths), which were still existent at the time. It is also interesting to note that the Sphinx is portrayed as having a lion's head (a controversial, but possible theory). Far-fetched but entertaining, the filmmakers present a unique picture in dazing CGI effects. The cast does a good job, including Steven Strait and Camilla Belle. Omar Sharif provides the narration.

10,000 BC (2008): Primitive Captives in Ancient Egypt

Treasure Island (1934): Map to Buried Pirate Gold (Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper)

Directed by Victor Fleming, based on the classic 1883 novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island (1934) is perhaps the best film treatment of the book yet produced. The story follows young Jim Hawkins, who faces a struggle of loyalty while on a quest to recover buried pirate treasure from a remote island. The 18th Century story plays out well, with decent costuming and seafaring atmosphere. The cast is great, including Jackie Cooper as Jim Hawkins, Wallace Beery as Long John Silver, Lionel Barrymore as Billy Bones, Lewis Stone and Nigel Bruce.