An overlooked Nicolas Cage movie called The Family Man is actually a very underrated Christmas movie. Nicolas Cage has been in dozens of movies throughout his career and has worked in just about every film genre there is, so it’s not surprising that he would also appear in a Christmas movie. Cage’s recent work includes a series of highly original independent films such as Pig (2021), The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), and the mind-bending Dream Scenario, which is currently in theaters nationwide.
While not as notable as other holiday favorites such as Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, and Home Alone, The Family Man offers a great switch-up for people who are looking for some more deep-cut Christmas movies. The Family Man is one of three movies that Cage starred in the year 2000, fresh off one of the best professional runs of his life with 1997’s Con Air and Face/Off as well as 1999’s Bringing Out the Dead. While Cage is not the typical Christmas protagonist, he brings his signature quirky charm in this holiday-themed romantic comedy.
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Nicolas Cage’s The Family Man Is An Underrated Christmas Movie
Although The Family Man never tops the charts of streaming films, rentals, or anything else during the holidays, it’s certainly still a great holiday watch and one of the most underrated Christmas films. Outside of being holiday-themed, it’s also a simply great movie with a good cast and impressive acting from Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni, who plays his love interest Kate Reynolds. The film also features appearances from Don Cheadle (House of Lies) and Jeremy Piven (Entourage) in its supporting cast.
The Family Man follows Cage as a hotshot investment broker named Jack Campbell. Jack seems to have it all living a luxurious lifestyle in New York City until a woman from his past, Kate Reynolds, reaches back out to him, which ends up changing his life forever. Jack goes to bed one night and realizes when he wakes up that he is living the life he would have had if he had married Kate. Cheadle plays a mythical characterization of “Fate” named Cash who helps guide Jack through the wild and unbelievable situation.
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The Theme & Message Of The Family Man Breaks The Mold From Other Christmas Movies
While The Family Man is not as entwined with the “holiday spirit” as some other Christmas movies are, its central themes end up aligning with even the best Holiday movies. At its core, The Family Man is about love and happiness and it approaches those themes in different ways that viewers may find more exciting and interesting than watching A Christmas Story for the hundredth time. The Family Man, which has humor, suspense, an intriguing premise, and a thoughtful story, is available to stream on Peacock.
