Hes like so cool you know?

When you fall in love with someone you do so whole heartedly – all their quirks, mannerisms, the way they speak. And then one day you wake up and everything’s different. All the things you loved about that person suddenly make you want to slap them in the face before walking away (in slow motion of course).

That’s how I feel about Nicholas Cage.

I've been inundated with good reviews for his new film The Weatherman which I had decided long ago not to see. Why would I? I can’t suffer through another ego driven nutty performance by Mr. Cage.

It just isn’t worth it anymore.

And then this week something happened. Like discovering an old high school yearbook I stumbled on a rare screening of classic eighties romantic teen film ‘Valley Girl’ (1983). And there was a very young Nicolas in all his splendor. A wonderful new wave haircut, a dopey lovesick look in his eye and that very particular way he dips his language up and down. And I remembered something I had long since forgotten:

I love Nicholas Cage.

I know what you’re thinking. What about Con Air, The Rock, Gone in Sixty Seconds? These are all bad (but fun!) movies where he is the very worst thing in them. What about Face Off, National Treasure, City of Angels? Yes these are all truly awful and yes a big part is Mr. Cages fault. If he’s not directed properly his performances can become so forced it can set your teeth on edge. He seems to be screaming ‘Look at Me’ with every twitch and snap of his fingers.

But when he is good, man he is really good. Try and put those others aside for a moment and remember

Moonstruck (for the romantics and opera fans)

Raising Arizona (for the parents and Coen Bros Fans)

Birdy (delicate, heartbreaking, Alan Parkers second best film after Fame)

Vampires Kiss (because it’s sexy and funny and joyous)

Wild at Heart (it's David Lynch, so I'll defend it to my death)

Matchstick Men (If anyone can play obsessive compulsive it's Cage)

Adaptation (no better portrayal of writers block ever)

Bringing Out The Dead (underrated Scorsese, hang on isn't everythings Scorsese's done underrated?)

And if none of those get you… and let’s face it you may need more convincing after Captain Corellis Mandolin, I want you all to trek down to your Blockbusters and rent Leaving Las Vegas. Maybe you’ll too learn to love what has almost become unlovable in his finest performace to date as the alcoholic screenwriter who decides to literally drink himself to death.

See he is good isn't he? You'd forgotten because the foul stench of Snake Eyes, The Family Man and Windtalkers still hang in the air.

But I find myself after an afternoon in the Valley remembering the good times. I won't be running out to see National Treasure 2, but the Weatherman may be vintage Cage, and therefore well worth it.

PS I haven’t mention Rumblefish. It’s too important too me, I’m saving it for a while.