Nicolas Cage stars as… Nick Cage in the action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and forced to live up to his own legend, channeling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters in order to save himself and his loved ones. With a career built for this very moment, the seminal award-winning actor must take on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW

Nicolas Cage is somewhat of a cult hero, having appearing in great roles in films that might not have done well at the box office, but are still well-known years after their release (Wild At Heart, Moonstruck). There are also his earliest feature films like, Fast Times and Ridgemont High, and Valley Girl, that are underground classics often quoted still today.

In this latest feature, his character is as quirky as ever, or should I say characters, as there are both a Nicolas and a Nick Cage, who looking eerily similar. The movie plays out as either a parody of Hollywood and the film industry, or a swan song for Mr. Cage’s retirement from the business. Neither of these opinions have been verified. As for the film itself, it comes across as more cheesy than classic. There are many scenes where I’m assuming the viewer should be laughing at the jokes, but I found it hard to even crack a smile at any of them. The acting is subpar, and the script uneventful. It’s not something I’d rush out to see, unless you’re a die hard Cage fan, then I’d say go for it.

Available from Lionsgate.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.