The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man is a remake of a 1973 film of the same title. The plot roughly follows the older film but has some differences. The original films director, Robin Hardy, had his lawyers have his name removed from the remakes promotional materials. The Wicker Man was released on September 1, 2006 and grossed $9,610,204 in the box office opening weekend. The Wicker Man received low reviews from the critics.

Plot

Edward Malus, played by Nicolas Cage, gets a letter from his old fiancee pleading for him to help her find her little girl. He goes to her home on the island of Summersisle to find her little girl. While searching for the little girl he discovers the island people have strange ways and even stranger secrets and Malus becomes drawn into their web of ancient traditions and murderous deceit.

Fast Facts

1. Released September 1, 2006
2. Rated PG-13
3. Run time: 1 hour 46 minutes
4. Directed by Neil LaBute
5. Starring Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, and Kate Beahan
6. Distributed by Warner Bros.
7. Production Budget: $40 million
8. Domestic Total Gross: $23,649,127

Quote

Much as I might like to stand up for Neil LaBute, he has left himself in an indefensible position with The Wicker Man. Audiences who have not seen the 1973 version will be surprised by the ending, but unimpressed by what leads up to it. Those familiar with the earlier movie will be horrified by the wrong turns taken in re-shaping it for 2006 consumption. As is always the case with an inferior remake, give the new version a pass. Instead, rent the original. It's in color. You get atmosphere and tension, plus Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, and a delightfully naked Britt Eckland. Why bother with LaBute's miscalculation? — ReelViews

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