As a long-time admirer of Kevin Bacon’s versatile acting prowess, I must say that his recent foray into villainous roles has been nothing short of exhilarating. Having followed his career since the days of “Animal House,” it’s fascinating to witness the evolution of his on-screen persona from the lovable troublemaker to the sinister antagonist he portrays so convincingly today.
As a devoted horror movie enthusiast who has followed the evolution of the genre for decades, I must say that this summer marked a significant turning point in my personal horror journey. The release of “MaXXXine” was a chilling finale to what could be the birth of a new horror legend. Mia Goth and Ti West delivered a vision that was as sexy as it was bloody, leaving me on the edge of my seat.
Why Kevin Bacon’s MaXXXine Role Is So Much Fun
In the movie “MaXXXine” by Ti West, Kevin Bacon’s character exhibits a particularly oily form of villainy. Contrasting his endearing persona from earlier in his career, John Labat, portrayed by Bacon, is far from likable as he works with shady elements to locate Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) for an unspecified reason. This man is deeply invested in his job and seems indifferent to who’s hiring him for it.
As a gamer, it’s just mind-blowing to watch Bacon bring his A-game in MaXXXine, especially because he’s like an Easter egg hidden in plain sight. He nods to Jack Nicholson’s character from Chinatown through his costume choices, and that conspicuous injury of his adds an extra layer of authenticity. His Southern boy charm, tinged with menace, could make this role one for the history books as one of Kevin Bacon’s best performances.
As a longtime fan of Kevin Bacon and the iconic “Beverly Hills Cop” series, I can confidently say that 2024 is shaping up to be the summer of Kevin Bacon’s villainous reign. With his current streak of menacing performances, it seems that the actor has truly embraced the dark side.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Lets Kevin Bacon Play A Cold Hearted Baddie
It’s unlikely that revealing Captain Cade Grant from the movie “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a spoiler because his character seems obviously two-faced and bureaucratic from the start. However, despite Kevin Bacon’s skilled performance making you question him, he eventually transforms into an impressive, greasy villain. This development in Captain Grant’s character adds a significant twist to the storyline.
When the truth is exposed and the intensity of “Beverly Hills Cop 4” becomes evident, Kevin Bacon’s character, Cade Grant, becomes notably menacing in the climactic third act gunfight. Diving deeply into the complexities of his character’s malevolent intentions, Cade Grant is so chilling that you can’t help but anticipate the consequences. Simultaneously, it’s hard not to feel a pang of regret as he departs, as Bacon seemed to be relishing his role.
How These Two Roles Capitalize On A Movie Kevin Bacon Made Almost 30 Years Ago
From being the timid Chip Diller in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” a role that certainly got people talking, to dominating the screen with intense dramas like “Diner” and blockbuster hits like “Footloose,” where I shone as the hero, my pre-1996 career was all about making an impact. Just like Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord described me in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, I was a star whose early days left everyone with a similar impression.
It’s beneficial that Peter Quill was absent during the late ’90s, as our leading actor took on two roles that expanded his career portfolio. In my investigation, I discovered that Kevin Bacon assumed his first post-breakout villain role in 1996’s “Sleepers,” which was later followed by a similarly sinister portrayal in 1997’s “Wild Things.” Although he played an unscrupulous character in “A Few Good Men,” it was these subsequent films, specifically “Sleepers” and “Wild Things,” that allowed Bacon to explore the darker aspects of his acting range.
Few actors might struggle to maintain a career by consistently portraying villains after initially gaining fame through heroic roles, but Kevin Bacon’s transition has proven exceptionally fruitful. As he occasionally revisits the darker aspects of his characters, the outcomes have been just as captivating as what you observe now; this success could not have been achieved without his performances in films like “Sleepers” and “Wild Things”.
The Reason Kevin Bacon Should Be In Even More Villain Roles
Kevin Bacon’s recent role harkens back to his character from National Lampoon’s Animal House, almost like he’s come home again. Though he’s explored various paths over the past few decades, both good and bad, if you observe closely, you’ll notice that Bacon has consistently played unscrupulous characters through diverse villainous roles.
Indeed, he displayed heroic moments, notably serving as the lead investigator on the TV series “The Following.” Additionally, Kevin Bacon showcased his charm by playing himself in the “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” offering a delightful opportunity for him to exercise his acting skills in an amusing manner.
Over the last few decades, it appears Kevin Bacon has been taking on more villainous roles. For example, we’ve recently seen him in movies like MaXXXine and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Although I still think of him as a heroic figure, having two great films featuring his signature grin on the screen in one summer is something to be excited about. This is even more true if you enjoy seeing that grin used for evil rather than good.
Further Viewing For Members Of The Kevin Bacon Villain Fan Club
If you’ve reached this point in my line of thought, you might as well consider yourself inducted into the Kevin Bacon Villain Appreciation Society. Whether you decide to upgrade your membership based on your fondness for films like MaXXXine or Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, is up to you. However, if you’re eager to delve deeper into his talent for portraying villainous roles, I have a select list of performances that will surely expand your appreciation for Kevin Bacon’s skill in playing the antagonist.
Among the films featuring Kevin Bacon, “Hollow Man” and “X-Men: First Class” stand out because his characters in these movies are quite ruthless and cruel. Interestingly enough, both characters share the name Sebastian. For those who prefer a more complex villain, I’d recommend “Frost/Nixon,” directed by Ron Howard, where Bacon plays Jack Brennan, Nixon’s former chief of staff. Throughout cinematic history, Bacon has portrayed many unscrupulous characters, and this is evident even without mentioning his chilling performance in “Cop Car.” When Jon Watts was first announced as a Marvel Cinematic Universe director, I hoped he would cast Bacon as the new J. Jonah Jameson.
I’m content that Kevin Bacon won’t reprise his role in “Footloose” again, but I’d be thrilled if he continues to play villainous characters like those in “MaXXXine” and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” He can certainly switch back to heroic roles whenever he pleases as well, because no matter the character, Bacon is always captivating on screen.
1. “Hey there fellow gamers! If you’ve got some time to spare and fancy a change from the virtual world, I highly recommend checking out ‘MaXXXine’ that’s still running in cinemas.
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2024-08-01 00:37