Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.
Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans



What is it about Harvey Keitel that makes remakes of his films stupendous? After Jacques Audiard's The Beat That My Heart Skipped built upon James Toback's Fingers, Werner Herzog brings his own unique touch to Abel Ferrara's 1992 classic. But it's a mistake to think of this Nicolas Cage vehicle as a remake; it's more of a reinterpretation. The action has been moved from New York City to New Orleans and the guilt and search for redemption have been replaced by talking iguanas (yes!), narcissism and a search for Eva Mendes. The only similarity between the two films is that the principal detective is off his rocker. The Ferrara version is the better film. Nonetheless, Herzog has produced a more straightforward police genre flick containing fantastical side flourishes worthy of David Lynch as the German auteur proves once again that he is the best director in the world when it comes to telling a tale while winking at the audience. Thankfully, Herzog lets Cage run wild. After all, Cage is always at his best when playing slightly bemused and out-of-his depth (Raising Arizona, Wild at Heart and Face/Off) and with him as guide the plot was never going to be the movie's strong point. Other noteworthy turns include Val Kilmer as his corrupt partner, Mendes a love interest and Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner. The loony shenanigans are such an enjoyable riot that it doesn't matter that the narrative is a confused mess. Just watch out for the gators on the road.

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)