MOVIE: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Lily Mo Sheen, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Sharon Horgan
RELEASE DATE: April 22nd, 2022
WHERE TO WATCH: In Theaters (as of May 1st, 2022)
By Justin Pomerville (2 Broke Geeks)
You never really know what to expect these days going into a new Nic Cage film. Gathering from his newer films, it feels like anything (and everything) could be on the table. Mandy, Prisoners of the Ghostland, Pig, and even Willy’s Wonderland clearly show (and can be argued) that Nic Cage will do anything that comes across his path. That makes The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent such a delight, or even more of a breath of fresh air for Cage. It also really cements the fact that he can do any kind of film, and pull out a great performance, even if some of his films are not up to par. After the last couple films I have reviewed, it was time for a more positive review of an insanely fun film.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a film where the plot starts out extremely simple, but then takes a weird turn that blends the realms of fiction and non-fiction. Nicolas Cage plays himself as he tries to land his next acting role. As his hope diminish, he gets an offer to get paid one million dollars to go to the birthday party for his biggest, wealthiest fan, Javi (played by Pedro Pascal). While at this party, Cage is approached by CIA operatives Vivian (played by Tiffany Haddish) & Martin (played by Ike Barinholtz). He is told that Javi is the leader of an international gun smuggling operation and has kidnapped the daughter of an anti-crime politician. They need his help to find her. Unsure about his feelings, Cage starts becoming friends with Javi and second-guesses if Javi truly is as evil as they say he is.
Nicolas Cage (as himself) with Javi (Pedro Pascal) in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
The movie is hilarious from start to finish. Both Javi and Cage look like they are having the best time making this film. You can really feel the budding friendship throughout. They have great comedic timing, amazing chemistry, and just make the most out of all their time. The script is really funny, being extremely self-aware about Cage’s acting history, including this film as well. It really hits the nail on the head about the current climate of film these days, while also winking to the audience about the insanity that is going to come forward.
My favorite part by far is Nic Cage interacting with a younger version of himself. His younger self is more erratic and more over the top than his current self and it makes me laugh every time. Current Cage does not let off the gas with his acting either, not going full insane Cage as we have seen, but having small gut-busting outbursts throughout the film.
As of right now, this is the best comedy film I have seen Cage in, and because of that reason, this film is in the high “Bloody Awesome” of the Nic Gauge.
