“Drive Angry 3D” is a supernatural revenge thriller with Nicolas Cage as John Milton (named after 17th century poet, John Milton). He’s a dead man walking; an escapee from Hades who breaks out to rescue his granddaughter on Earth. She’s been abducted by a demonic cult led by Jonah King (Billy Burke) who killed his daughter, and the baby’s about to be sacrificed when Earth will become a living hell. Satan’s sinister chief assistant/debt collector, the Accountant (a colorful William Fichtner), is sent to bring Milton back. The devil’s runaway hooks up with a no-nonsense, butt kicking, gun toting waitress named Piper (Amber Heard) driving a hi-powered turbo muscle car.
In co-screenwriter-director George Nolfi’s “Drive Angry 3D,” Nicolas Cage’s unique, inexplicable screen persona always comes through. He sleepwalks through this routine no-brainer making the visually impressive, stylish trash a campy fun ride. William Fichtner’s assistant devil is a show unto himself spouting quippy one-liners, and relishing the villainous role. Unfortunately, Amber Heard is no more than sexy window dressing, and David Morse is lost in a non-essential role as Milton’s best bud. The hokey potboiler depends on the technical enhancements of 3D, CGI, digital imagery, and driving stuntsmanship.
