'The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent' A Review

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent is a buddy action/comedy about a once prominent now struggling actor Nic Cage(Nicolas Cage) who is plagued by his former glory personified by a younger version of himself Nicky(also Cage). After not getting a prestigious part and alienating his daughter at her birthday party he takes a one-off appearance offer from an eccentric business man in Spain, Javi(Pedro Pascal), the two hit it off but there may be nefarious deeds behind the scenes.

Cage, as always, gives the role all of his focus, all of his commitment and fully embraces the meta weirdness of the conceit. This is especially delicious in the scenes with his younger self and for the most part really works, a lot of classic Cage movies are referenced and revered and overall there is a sense, not that he is being lampooned, but celebrated. Pascal is also wonderful and clearly having a ball, relishing the opportunity to share the screen with Cage and throw himself into comedy. The middle section where it is mostly the two of their characters becoming friends and working on a movie idea is really perfect, there's a delicious LSD sequence between the two which is really joyful. The supporting cast doesn't have as much to do and the set up and action/spy third act isn't as successful but overall its good, simple, fun.

Visually the movie is servicable if not particularly inventive, the soundtrack is solid, all around the production design works but doesn't really distinguish itself. There was, perhaps to its detriment, quite a bit of hype around this movie "Cage plays Cage!" the reality is the meta element is integral and provides the context for some of the humor and Cage's performance but isn't where the real meat is. The focus and interest is in the Cage/Pascal relationship, almost harkening back to a 90's style buddy comedy. With proper expectation it has a lot to offer.

Great lead performances, solid humor, and enough Cage mythology to satisfy the superfans but Being John Malkovich it is not.

Currently in theaters, coming soon to VOD.

Rent It.