The Ultimate Face Off

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2014)

Most people have this overall idea that action films involving shootouts and violence are generally for guys only; however, as a female, I do enjoy a good action film every now and then. Face/Off is an awesome example of a good action film that is sure to amaze. With the use of two dynamic Hollywood actors, intense shootout scenes, and visuals that appear to be realistic; it was sure to capture my attention. In the movie, John Travolta plays the well-loved, good FBI Agent, Sean Archer, that is bound-determined to put the evil, vindictive Nicholas Cage's character, Castor Troy, behind bars for the murder of his son. However, in order for him to accomplish this, Archer must find a way to get inside Troy's head and figure out what he can do to stop him. The only, what seemed to be reasonable solution at the time, was for him to trade physical features (more specifically faces) with Castor Troy. This gives Archer an open view into the deadly secrets of Troy; however, what would happen if Castor got a hold of Archer's face? Absolute chaos, and that's exactly what happens. Sean Archer with Troy's face, and Castor Troy with Archer's face. So what makes this movie so great? The John Travolta and Nicholas Cage character switch-up. Travolta as the evil, vindictive character, Troy, was humorously interesting. He gave the character a little bit of flare through his evil charm to take over good-cop Archer's family and gave the audience a laugh when he covered up his face-change to Archer's daughter by telling her "Papa's gotta a brand new bag. Ow!" as he left her room. In comparison, Nicholas Cage, the now defenseless Archer eager to get his life back, plays the character with a more exposure of emotion as he struggles to get his life back to the way it was.
As most people know this is an action film, but what they don't know is how intense and suspenseful the shoot-outs are. There are many parts of the movie that are pretty intense, like when Castor Troy (as John Travolta) is on one side of a mirror and Sean Archer (as Nicholas Cage) is on the other side. They're both aware of each other's being as they communicate back and forth. Then, when Troy states "Plan B, let's just kill each other". They both turn to look into the mirror and fire their guns; this penetrates to an extreme shootout that ends with someone falling through a ceiling window. Throughout the whole scene, and movie, you're on the end of your seat wondering what's going to happen next, which is very exciting!
Have you ever been in an operating room and witnessed a surgery? If not, here's your chance. The graphics and visuals of the face transfer scene when John Travolta's face is lasered off and put on Nicholas Cage's body seems so real that it's hard to believe that it's not. The use of taking the measurements of their faces and using computer software makes it work. Not to mention they even level out the hair length and color to make it look the same. Realistically you know it didn't happen; however, it's hard to not believe because of how legit it actually looks. All in all, this is a great movie that will leave you on the end of your seat. If you like intensity, realistic graphics and visuals, and a twist to the common good guy verse bad guy storyline; this is the movie for you!