Recommendation: 3/5 STREAM 

Plot: “In this action-packed comedy, Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage, channeling his iconic characters as he’s caught between a superfan (Pedro Pascal) and a CIA agent (Tiffany Haddish).” 

Review: Nicolas Cage has never been my favorite actor. His Elvis, everyman, explosive style of acting has never appealed to me much. Before last year’s Pig, 2007’s National Treasure: Book of Secrets may be the last time I watched a movie with him cast as the lead role. As a critic, I know I should be more open than this, which brings me to The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.  

The plot of this film is flimsy. Needing an injection of cash, Nicolas Cage (who is playing himself in this movie) heads to the Spanish coast for a superfan’s birthday party. After arriving, he comes to learn his host, Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal), is more than a devoted fan. Javi may be the center of an organized crime ring responsible for the kidnapping of a politician’s daughter. As the man on the inside, the CIA uses Cage to locate the girl and work to set her free.  

In my estimation, the plot of this film is secondary to the role of Nicolas Cage. Of all the actors in Hollywood, I cannot imagine another performer being brave enough to take on a role such as this. This film requires Cage to put his entire career in perspective (the hits and misses). It also forces him to wrestle with his famous spending habits, obsessive nature, and odd film choices. In a business where everyone takes themselves too seriously, Cage uses this movie as a vehicle and a mirror focused on a more honest accounting of who he really is. For this bravery and honesty, Cage deserves admiration and respect.  

If you can hold this thought in your mind while watching this comedy develop, I promise you will have a great time as Cage works to infiltrate a crime ring in search of a missing daughter. When the birthday party ends, Cage must create a reason to stick around a little longer. Luckily for him, Javi has screenwriting aspirations. With the promise of writing something together, Nicolas Cage stumbles across a reason to remain and continue his undercover work.  

With a wonderful little twist that reveals the truth about the crime family, and an ending building toward two worlds colliding together, I think this film is more than worth your time. For all its faults, it is funny, heartfelt, introspective, and filled with courage.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

This website exists because of readers and supporters. If what you just read made you smile, please consider supporting the website with a monthly gift. Your support means everything and proves to the world that original content still matters.