The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a pleasant diversion with several fine moments and references to other films, but it also has barren moments and numerous clichés – including the most hackneyed ones from Hollywood family movies. Nic Cage enjoys himself (as he should!) and Pedro Pascal’s acting is even more interesting here. (05/06/2022)

Nick Fuckin’ Cage is back! The 90's star actor hasn't made anything decent in years, he's found himself in B horror films a bit, which suits him better than the C actioners made by Willis, Gibson and other former stars. But this is a very enjoyable film where Cage plays himself, makes fun of himself and alludes to the shit he's bee making over the years. The film itself is nothing special. The story is simple, the action is mediocre and the humor is fine at times, but not as much as the premise calls for. But the feel good vibes, the joy of making movies, all the movie references to Cage's works (they're top notch) and starring again after a long time in a movie that isn't cheap crap is the best part of it all. I enjoyed Cage's relationship with Pedro Pascal, who also has a very interesting role; both of them give decent performances and bring out the best in each other. I enjoyed the allusion to the Agent Nicolas Cage sketch, those who have seen it will understand and that's what the film builds on. I should probably catch up with Paddington 2 in the near future ! Anyone who likes Nicolas should pay attention to this. 7/10. (06/29/2022)

All in all, a pretty traditional action buddy comedy; I’m actually a bit surprised at how ordinary it is. Based on the title, the familiarity with Nicolas Cage's choice of roles over the last decade, and the fact that it was supposed to be an action film starring Nicolas Cage, one would have expected a different kind of romp. The movie does have a meta level, but what movie doesn’t these days? Seven out of ten. It was fun, but I probably won’t remember it. (06/09/2022)

Or when your better half wants to watch a film because of a Facebook menu. Excellent meta silliness, finally a role tailor-made for Nicolas Cage and incredible fun on top of that. The genre progression from human drama to action comedy is quite unexpected, but it works – the film has a bit of everything. Pedro Pascal is excellent and, as Cage's number one fan, totally believable even in the most absurd situations. The line with the daughter hits the right nerve. Will the little one like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari as much as I do? (04/02/2023)

Tolerable lightness of wasted potential... It’s a meta that reaches for higher levels of genre clichés but only glances at the fun and cleverness. Rather than a reflection of a faded Hollywood diva, it feels more like a subtle glimpse of her through a fan’s lens. Nicolas Cage, for years facing creative death, tries to prove that the wildness in his heart hasn’t disappeared. I don’t deny him that, but it seems to me that his average decision time on whether to take a role is around 60 seconds. (10/09/2023)