I know I said I’d be posting about my Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) viewing experience this week (and I still intend to). However, I watched a film last night that I’ve wanted to watch since seeing the trailer last year and I felt compelled to share my thoughts about it with you.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
It’s always sad when a formally great/well loved/commercially successful actor falls from grace.
Very few stars manage to stay on top throughout their entire career and it’s inevitable that at some point every actor’s time comes. Whether it’s some kind of scandal, drugs, they’re black listed by Hollywood for some reason, or worse, they become culturally irrelevant and start making direct-to-dvd movies that end up in the bargain bin at your local supermarket.
Few actors who fall off the super star success ladder manage a successful comeback, but it can be, and has been done more than a few times. Nicolas Cage is the latest movie star to seemingly climb out of that bargain bin and get a second chance, and this film is definitely a step in the right direction for him.
If you haven’t seen it, it’s an action/comedy/crime/thriller starring (you guessed it) Nicolas Cage (The Rock), Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Sharon Horgan (Game Night), Tiffany Haddish (The Kitchen) and Neil Patrick Harris (The Matrix Resurrections) among many others.
This is what it’s about according to the internet:
“Unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, actor Nick Cage accepts a $1 million offer to attend a wealthy fan's birthday party. Things take a wildly unexpected turn when a CIA operative recruits Cage for an unusual mission. Taking on the role of a lifetime, he soon finds himself channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to save himself and his loved ones.”
I really enjoyed this movie!
When I saw the trailer to a film where Nicolas Cage plays himself and pokes fun at the idea that he’ll basically do anything for money, I was sold! Especially considering some of the questionable films he’s made in recent years. It didn’t disappoint.
Seeing him play a fictionalised version of himself but with all the “Nicolas Cage” we’ve come to know and love is a hugely enjoyable and often hilarious experience. Throw in Pedro Pascal who’s excellent as the loveable Nicolas Cage super-fan millionaire, Javi, and the idea that Cage is working for the CIA and you’ve got the recipe for one of the most absurdly funny movies you’ve seen in a while.
Cage and Pascal are absolutely brilliant together! They have such great chemistry and you totally buy into their bromance early on (the LSD scene is hilarious!)
The story is mad and if it was anyone other than Nicolas Cage it might not have worked, but it does and you just go along for the ride.
I especially liked how Cage’s younger self (with the help of de-ageing technology) shows up from time to time, presumably representing his ego. It’s cleverly done and the idea of Nic Cage arguing with an imaginary younger version of himself who doesn’t approve of where his older self’s career has ended up is funny in itself.
I love it when stars don’t take themselves seriously. I think it tends to happen in later life when they’ve had time to reflect on their careers and look back on their glory days with the knowledge that it’ll never be that good again. It’s endearing and goes a long way with me.
The fact that Cage is embracing his situation and making fun of himself, I think says a lot about him. Either that or just like in the movie he’ll do pretty much anything as long as he’s getting paid.
If you like Nicolas Cage (and/or Pedro Pascal) and like the idea of him taking on a drug cartel for the CIA I highly recommend giving this a watch.
It’s available to rent on Amazon Prime for the princely sum of £15.99.
Seen it? Let me know in the comments.