Cage Match: Guarding Tess (1994)

Cage delivers everyman charm in “Guarding Tess” — a delightful comedic drama anchored by two compelling leads and their unexpected chemistry.

This week’s Cage Match (as chosen by the random number generator from Cage’s entire filmography) was 1994’s sweetly feel-good romcom It Could Happen to You. For the People’s Pick, we put two other 1994 Cage up for a vote: Guarding Tess and Trapped in Paradise. It was a close race, but subdued, absurdly likable Cage makes a return appearance in Guarding Tess.

IN THIS CORNER: KELLY MINTZER

The Lowdown 

Despite my best effort to enter every viewing experience in genuine good faith, I confess that I approached Guarding Tess with more than a touch of cynicism. My grandmother liked that movie, and she didn’t like much. Please don’t mistake that for discerning taste; her list of beloved movies included Fried Green Tomatoes, Driving Miss Daisy, and All Dogs Go to Heaven. So her thumbs-up didn’t and doesn’t mean too much.

And at first, I felt really justified; a genre I am not terribly fond of is “old ladies behaving badly,” both because I don’t particularly enjoy jerks of any age and because I feel like it circles around to being infantilizing; another genre that treats bad behavior as comedy is children being assholes.

Guarding Tess very much starts out in this vein; the great and undeniable Shirley MacLaine plays Tess, a cantankerous former first lady under the care of Nicolas Cage’s beleaguered secret service agent. Cage would like a more challenging assignment, but Tess ruins his chances at every turn.

Does this sound somewhat tedious? Good, because it is.

However, to my shock and delight, the movie doesn’t overplay that angle (I could have done without it all together; I don’t think it really adds anything to the narrative, but it is what it is). Relatively quickly, the film allows MacLaine to cook, as the children might say, and do what she does so goddamn well-create a character with pathos and inner life.

And to his credit, Cage gives a subdued, kind performance as a man with grander ambitions but also a deep and abiding well of compassion for a woman he has no sexual attraction to.

That may seem like an odd thing to pinpoint, but consider how rare it is to see a movie where there is absolutely no romantic subplot. Multiply that by about 25 when you factor in the Nic Cage of it all—particularly at his heart-throbbing prime.

There are maudlin moments; if you don’t see the Tess cancer reveal coming a mile away, I can’t help you. And the plot is largely just a vehicle to allow the two stars to bounce off each other. But honestly? That’s fine. They’re charming and likable and have fun, easy chemistry.

This isn’t a movie that was ever destined to win awards or change lives. But as a light, pleasant way to pass an evening? Hell, yes, I’ll spend it with Tess.

The Cage Factor:

I could not, with any degree of honesty or integrity, pretend this is essential viewing. Weighed against some of the movies we’ve already seen — Mandy, Leaving Las Vegas, and even Valley Girl — this is a trifle.

But I also couldn’t call such a sweet, harmless little movie a Rat in a Cage; there’s nothing about this that is offensive or even bad. It’s just not necessarily memorable, which lands us firmly in Cautious Cage land. This is Nicolas Cage channeling his most relatable, everyman charm. And Shirley MacLaine is a legend for a reason. That reason? She’s fucking incredible.

So yeah. Give it a watch, maybe while you’re doing some work or, as the holiday season approaches, stuffing candy bags for tricky-treaters. You won’t regret it.

AND IN THIS CORNER: STEPHANIE MALONE

The Lowdown 

In the annals of 90s cinema, nestled between explosive blockbusters and angsty indie flicks, lies a gem as unassuming as its protagonist’s suit. Hugh Wilson’s Guarding Tess is the cinematic equivalent of a warm cup of tea with a shot of bourbon—comforting, with just enough kick to keep you on your toes. It offers a nuanced exploration of an unlikely relationship bolstered by strong performances from its lead actors.

Nicolas Cage, fresh off his wild ride in Wild at Heart and just before his Academy Award-winning tour de force in Leaving Las Vegas, plays Doug Chesnic, a Secret Service agent, so straight-laced you could use him as a ruler. His mission? Guard the indomitable Tess Carlisle (Shirley MacLaine), a former First Lady with a penchant for driving her protectors to the brink of insanity.

It’s a premise ripe for comedy, and while the film delivers laughs, it’s the unexpected depth that truly surprises.

Cage, known for his more animated performances, shows remarkable restraint here. His Doug is a study in simmering frustration, a pressure cooker of a man trying desperately not to blow his top at his illustrious charge. MacLaine, as always, is a force of nature. Her Tess is part iron lady, part mischievous grandma, all wrapped up in a package of undeniable charm.

The chemistry between Cage and MacLaine is the film’s secret weapon, a delightful cocktail of exasperation and grudging affection that evolves into something genuinely touching.

Beneath its comedic veneer, Guarding Tess explores themes of duty, aging, and the nature of service. The film subtly comments on the public’s relationship with political figures and the personal cost of a life in the spotlight. These deeper elements add substance to what could have been a simple odd-couple comedy.

I remember being quite charmed by the film when I watched it ages ago, and I was delighted that it still held up years later upon a rewatch prompted by a shoutout in the brilliant (can’t wait until we get to this one!) The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. I admit to shedding a few tears, but I’m a total sap, so take that for what it’s worth.

Guarding Tess may not set the world on fire, but it’ll certainly warm your heart. For those willing to embrace its leisurely pace and subtle humor, it’s a rewarding watch.

The Cage Factor:

Cage’s portrayal of the straight-laced agent Doug is a key highlight. Known for his more eccentric roles, he takes a different turn here, with a more restrained and measured performance that conveys frustration, irritation, and protectiveness with subtlety.

For an actor whose brand is defined by unhinged, over-the-top, unforgettably eccentric performances, it’s easy to forget just how much he excels at playing the charming everyman. Here, as in our latest Cage Match, It Could Happen to You, he’s earnest and professional while exuding a likable charm that makes his character easy to root for. His grounded portrayal contrasts well with his co-star’s larger-than-life personality.

This performance is a demonstration of Cage’s range, proving he can carry a role based more on interpersonal dynamics than on action or spectacle. It highlights his ability to handle comedic timing and emotional restraint. Fans who appreciate his versatility will find much to enjoy here, as Cage demonstrates his capacity to balance humor with deeper character work.

It’s certainly not the flashiest film in Cage’s repertoire, but it’s a testament to his versatility and charm.