Most can agree, Nicolas Cage is an icon like no other. He has worked non-stop for the past forty years, starring in over a hundred projects, including lead roles in outstanding films such as Face/Off, Leaving Las Vegas, Mandy, and Pig, to name a few. He has also taken part in many subpar direct-to-video movies in order to pay off financial debts, but he has remained unabashed in his pride for every role he’s ever done. So it’s no shock he brings that passion to playing a neurotic version of himself in the meta action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The film is a tribute to his career and a treat for fans as well as audience members who might not be as familiar with all of his previous works. 

Cage plays Nicolas Cage, an over the top version of himself, who’s life is falling apart. He is looking to make a big screen comeback - even though he never left, pay off his debts, and try to build a better relationship with his daughter. Billionaire superfan Javi 

(Pedro Pascal, The Mandalorian) offers Cage a million dollars to make a guest appearance at his birthday party. After arriving in Mallorca, he is kidnapped and is forced to be an informant for the CIA.

Insane, right? Does it work? Absolutely. 

Director Tom Gormican pitched the idea of the film to friend Kevin Etten and they co-wrote the script together. Cage turned down the role repeatedly, stating he would never play a version of himself on screen. That was until Gormican sent him the script with a heartfelt letter attached, promising it would be a love letter to his previous work and not an exploitative screwball comedy. Thankfully, Cage changed his mind and audiences are treated to an 1 hour and 45 minutes of Cage cutting loose, taking LSD, crying over Paddington 2, and making out with a younger version of himself. 

The film was crafted to showcase Cage’s talent. He plays up these insanely erratic narcissistic qualities, but also surprises audiences when sharing his vulnerability. It’s also fun to see him play his inner alter ego, Nicky, a younger, spunkier version of himself that acts as devil and angel, calling him out on his crap but also feeds into his boastful nature. The manic character differs heavily from the actor, who is reportedly a shy, cat loving, homebody. Gormican has said on multiple occasions that neurotic Nick Cage is the best Nick Cage, which is in fact more fun for the audience. 

The chemistry Cage and Pascal share is unmatched, as if they are kindred spirits. At one point, Cage even wanted to trade rolls because he believed Javi was one the best parts of the movie. Pascal depicts this adorably awkward superfan who may in fact be a Spanish crime boss. He plays with the absurdity of it all and it works phenomenally. In the beginning, it is nearly impossible to believe Javi could be such a villain, but as the film goes on, his playful madness turns frightful. Pascal stated falling into the role was quite easy due to the fact Cage was his biggest influence growing up. 

Another stand out of the film is Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) as CIA Agent Vivian. She was apparently handpicked by Cage to appear in the film based on a recommendation by his friend writer/director Paul Schrader. Haddish delivers a more grounded performance than some of her previous roles, but stays true to her bombastic comedy style. Vivian feeds into Cage’s fantasies and acts more like an agent at times to push her agenda. She knows Cage will act as a better spy if he sees this as more of a role and not a life threatening mission. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a nearly picture perfect film. It goes slightly over the top in the third act with its heavy action sequences, but that is something so usually expected from a Nicholas Cage movie. It’s a wild ride packed to the brim with funny gags, ample laugh out loud jokes, commentary on the film industry, and the importance of family. It’s a film audience members like Javi will love.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference -2 | What does this mean?