Directed by Tom Gormican
Starring Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan, Lily Mo Sheen, and Tiffany Haddish

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is Nicolas Cage’s 105th film! Of those 105 movies, I’ve personally watched about a quarter of them. Admittedly, I can barely remember most the ones I have seen and am unforgivably yet to watch Nicolas Cage in some of his most iconic roles, including his Oscar-winning performance in Leaving Las Vegas, Con Air and Raising Arizona. 

I also wouldn’t label myself a Nicolas Cage fan. To clarify, I don’t dislike or avoid the actor, but seeing Cage’s name appear among a list of cast members doesn’t result in that film instantly being added to my must-watch list. 

 Speaking of must-watch, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent ought to be just that for those of you who have seen more of Cage’s work and consider yourself a legitimate fan. Appealingly playing a fictionalised version of himself, this film isn’t just Cage’s most interesting role and comically unhinged and diverse performance in at least a decade (Pig was over-rated), it also quite craftily lends him the chance to channel his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters.

Beginning in Los Angeles, Nick Cage is a down-on-his-luck actor who is (a little too desperately) trying to be cast in a particular role, much to the chagrin of his frustrated wife, Olivia (Sharon Horgan) and daughter, Addy (Lily Mo Sheen). Ready to call it a day on his acting career after again being overlooked, Nick is offered $1 million to make an appearance at a lavish birthday party in Spain at the residence of a major fan named Javi (Pedro Pascal). Quite unexpectedly, the two men hit it off, bonding over a mutual love of some of the same movies. But nothing, no previous acting experience or any rehearsals, can prepare Nick Cage for his next role – to play spy on behalf of the U.S government who advise that Nick’s newfound buddy is in fact a dangerous arms dealer.

For a myriad of reasons, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent rarely soars to the exhilarating heights it promises in writing. While this can be partially attributed to what is missed as a result of unseen Nicolas Cage movies of the past, it isn’t entirely to blame. By the time it ends, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent can feel more like The Unbearable Weight of Massive Potential! Nevertheless, there is and remains a heck of a lot to enjoy and appreciate in this crime-comedy. The expectation level just needs to be tempered.

The first two-thirds (or so) of the film are really well-scripted and directed. Earlier scenes where Nick Cage is a struggling actor and a worse family man convincingly set-up the movie’s next move to Mallorca where it begins to build some serious momentum. Adequate and necessary time is taken to form and evolve the camaraderie between the two men, which is often joyous to watch courtesy of the on-screen chemistry the two actors share. I especially enjoyed how straight Pedro Pascal plays his character. A kidnapping of a young female to commence the film adds intrigue and anticipation to the irresistible remaining final trajectory of the film. Surprisingly, once the plot involving Nick Cage as a spy has completely infiltrated the story, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent underwhelms. 

Suddenly, the film appears to be in a rush to conclude its proceedings. The screenplay becomes careless in its attention to important details and the execution of certain scenes fall flat. While the quality in writing and directing do undoubtedly drop off, they don’t completely fall away. For instance, a car chase sequence during the finale is expertly handled and injects a dose of much-needed excitement to the film. I feel there is a sorely missed opportunity for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent to simply be more daring. It definitely has the cast, plot and tone to take its story into more original, edgy and even comically darker territory. Heck, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is screaming cult status!

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is showing in cinemas across Australia from April 21st.

Moviedoc thanks Studiocanal for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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