THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

There’s no denying that Nicolas Cage is one of the most famous stars in Hollywood. Over an impressive acting career spanning just over forty years, he has appeared in a wide range of films, including wacky comedies such as Raising Arizona and Kick-Ass, and exhilarating action films, The Rock, Con Air and Face/Off. He even impressed the Academy with his deeply moving performance in the drama, Leaving Las Vegas, and won his first Oscar in 1996. Despite providing audiences with a wide range of entertaining films, Cage has recently become known for making films that have been negatively received by critics. However, last year, he starred in Pig, which was a profound drama with Cage being lauded for his serious performance. The actor himself has said that it’s one of his favourite films he’s ever done. However, his latest film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, sees Cage delivering his best performance… as himself.

Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalised version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan, Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative, Vivian (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: Nicolas Cage. 

Since its premiere at the South by Southwest Festival earlier this year, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has quickly become one of Cage’s best reviewed films, with critics praising the comedy and describing the actor as in “peak gonzo form”. I couldn’t agree more as, with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, director Tom Gormican, who co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten, has created a wildly entertaining film that will, most likely, be enjoyed by Cage’s fans. However, those who find him unbearable (pun intended), won’t find him any more bearable as Cage is essentially playing an exaggerated version of himself. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent also expects the viewer to have seen most of his films as there are references throughout. Because I’ve recently been watching some of Cage’s films to prepare myself for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, I understood most of the references.

Getting the balance between two different genres can be difficult, however, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent succeeds at balancing the thrilling action with amusing comedy. Most of the latter comes from the bromance that quickly forms between Nick and Javi, with Cage and Pedro clearly sharing a lot of chemistry. Because it never takes itself too seriously, it’s rarely anything less than entertaining for the majority of its 107 minute runtime. As it’s a tongue in cheek comedy, the action sequences could easily seem out of place, however, that’s not the case as they’re fast paced and exciting. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent sees Cage delivering one of his most entertaining performances recently and proves why he’s known as one of the most famous stars in Hollywood. It also proves that he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself and his well known roles and best remembered films, from H.I. in Raising Arizona to the revenge seeking Red in the violent thriller, Mandy. With his latest role, Cage plays an over exaggerated version of himself so those who do find him irritating will probably find The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent difficult to watch. In a few scenes, Cage is also seen having a conversation with an imagined version of himself who keeps reminding him that he’s “Nick freaking Cage!”. Cage is clearly having a lot of fun making this film and, as a result, I enjoyed watching him. Pascal is perfectly cast as Cage’s number one fan, Javi, who invites him to his birthday party in Majorca. The film is at its best when it’s focusing on their friendship. Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz are amusing as the CIA agents, Vivian and Ray, who suspect Javi of being a dangerous criminal and want Nick to work for them and find information about him. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent isn’t without its flaws, including a predictable story. The subplot involving Nick’s problematic relationship with his ex-wife and daughter felt unnecessary as there are already two main narratives, including the developing friendship between Nick and Javi and the former working for the CIA. Because the real life Cage is known for being previously married to famous celebrities such as the Oscar winning actress, Patricia Arquette, and Lisa Marie Presley, who is obviously Elvis Presley’s daughter, I had difficulty believing that he would be married to Sharon Horgan who is a talented comedic actress but her role felt out of place. However, these flaws are only minor and don’t prevent The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent from being a thoroughly entertaining film that is packed full of action and comedy.

8/10