Nicolas Cage’s diverse career includes roles that range from highly praised to deeply criticized, making it difficult to predict the reception of each new project. His latest film, Arsenal, directed by Steven C. Miller, has surprisingly climbed into the top 10 most-streamed movies on Starz in the United States, despite receiving overwhelmingly negative feedback from critics and audiences alike. This latest ranking has reignited conversations about the film’s quality and Cage’s enduring appeal.
Arsenal, which stars Cage reprising his role as Eddie from the 1993 crime drama Deadfall, holds a dismal 3% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while audience scores remain slightly higher but still low at 17%. The critics’ consensus harshly states,
“Aside from an opportunity to watch a mustachioed Nicolas Cage acting from under a wig and behind a prosthetic nose, Arsenal has depressingly little to offer.”
Despite such critiques, the film’s presence on streaming charts demonstrates Cage’s continual draw for viewers, regardless of critical opinion.
Plot Overview and Main Characters in Arsenal
The film follows the Lindel brothers, Mikey and JP, who relied solely on each other during their upbringing. As adults, JP runs a successful construction company, while Mikey has fallen into the life of a small-time mobster. When Mikey is abducted and held for ransom by the ruthless crime boss Eddie, JP seeks help from their old friend Sal, a plainclothes detective. JP must then confront an army of gangsters led by King in a desperate effort to save his brother’s life.
“The Lindel brothers, Mikey and JP, only had each other to rely on growing up. As adults, JP finds success as the owner of a construction company, and Mikey becomes a small-time mobster. When Mikey is kidnapped and held for a ransom by ruthless crime boss Eddie, JP turns to the brothers’ old pal Sal, who is a plain clothes detective, for help. JP must risk everything and unleash his vengeance against King’s relentless army of gangsters to rescue his brother.”
The Film’s Box Office Performance Compared to Cage’s Hits
Unlike Cage’s major theatrical releases, Arsenal went direct-to-video and did not generate box office revenue. Had it been shown widely in theaters, experts suggest it would not have been commercially successful. Comparatively, Cage’s highest-grossing film remains the 2013 animated hit The Croods, which earned $573 million globally. In recent years, only the horror film Longlegs surpassed the $100 million mark among Cage’s projects, highlighting Arsenal’s limited commercial impact despite its streaming popularity.
The Ensemble Behind Arsenal’s Cast
Alongside Nicolas Cage, Arsenal features a supporting cast that includes John Cusack, Johnathon Schaech, Tyler Jon Olson, and Heather Johansen. Each actor contributes to the dynamic between the Lindel brothers, their allies, and the antagonistic forces they face. The film’s cast helps build a tense atmosphere as JP battles against King’s relentless gangsters in a violent struggle for family loyalty.
Why Arsenal’s Streaming Success Matters
Arsenal’s strong streaming numbers on Starz demonstrate that even critically panned projects can find an audience, particularly when featuring a well-known figure like Nicolas Cage. This dynamic underscores the complex nature of modern film consumption, where critical reception does not always align with viewership. The film’s availability on Starz ensures accessibility for curious viewers, keeping Cage’s unique presence in the spotlight, regardless of reviews.
As Nicolas Cage continues to diversify his filmography, the streaming success of Arsenal underscores his unusual ability to captivate audiences, even in less-celebrated roles. How this trend will influence his upcoming projects remains uncertain, but Cage’s name alone guarantees attention across platforms.
