‘Willy’s Wonderland’ Review- Totally Bonkers, But Loads Of Fun
This film was released in 2021.
Co-produced by Nicolas Cage and directed by Kevin Lewis, Willy’s Wonderland is a psychological horror film released by Screen Media Films.
A drifter (Nic Cage) finds himself stranded in the small town of Hayesville, Nevada, after running over a spike strip. When he cannot pay the mechanic, Jed Love (Chris Warner), for repairs, the mechanic takes the drifter to Tex Macadoo (Ric Reitz) who tells him that if the drifter acts as a janitor for one night for his family entertainment restaurant Willy’s Wonderland, he will pay for the cars. The janitor agrees and sets off to work, unaware he has been locked in.
As he guzzles energy drinks, he soon becomes aware that the place might be haunted as the animatronic Willy the Weasel and his robotic friends appear to be more than they let on. Town Sheriff Eloise Lund’s (Beth Grant) adopted daughter Liv Hawthorne (Emily Tosta) rallies her friends to destroy Willy’s Wonderland and save the janitor, but she does not realize that he does not need saving from the haunted animatronics.
What can I say? Yes, the movie has several flaws, including some bizarre sequences. The main issue for me is that the janitor has no dialogue and just looks aggravated the whole time. I could not really connect with him as a character. Also, this being a horror flick, the characters make some incredibly stupid decisions.
With all of this in mind, I thought it was freaking awesome. Is it The Godfather or even The Shining? No, but I had a blast watching the movie. It is about as Nic Cage as you can possibly get. His nerves of steel as he navigates possessed animatronics while a bunch of annoying college kids get in the way which is both bonkers and fantastic.
I also liked the setting. The video game franchise “Five Nights At Freddy’s” made the “haunted Chuck E. Cheese” genre a popular item and this movie utilizes it to the best of its ability. The plot plays fast and loose, but I was there for it. I genuinely jumped at the jump scares, laughed at the strange fight sequences, and just had a good time.
Bottom line, Willy’s Wonderland is bonkers, but you have a good time. Every minute you are hooked by this film. It is the Nicolas Cage film no one asked for, but I am sure glad it is here.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong brutal violence, Sexual content, Strong foul language
FAVORITE QUOTE: He’s not trapped in there with them. They’re trapped in here with him.
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review.