This film is just a delight from beginning to end, funny and goofy in a knowing way and, in retrospect, even deep. If you love one Mr Nicolas Cage and you love cinema – this is the movie for you.
Nicolas Cage here plays well a fictional version of Nicolas Cage, albeit with his complete filmography intact, on the downward slope of his career. Needing a quick cash injection, he accepts an invitation to attend the birthday party of a billionaire super fan Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal) for one million dollars.
This is a great meta parody of the business of Hollywood, the film literally shifts genres after characters debate introducing a new plot point into a screenplay they’re working on. Yet, it is also a winning bromance and a moral tale about the importance of family over career.
Nicolas Cage proves more than a good sport, not only poking fun at his known excesses ranging from his personal finance history to his elevated performance style but he creates something new and fresh. Rather than coasting on past glories, he creates a whole new look here with his oddly modern manicured beard, and some of the lines will prove instant classics. Not only does he go over the top at moments in ways that audiences have come to expect, but he’s wonderfully understated as a wounded father trying to make right with a family he’s lost. There is a moment where ‘Guarding Tess’ is referenced, and his facial expressions immediately recall his character from that movie in a subtle way he doesn’t often get credit for.
As good as Nicolas is, and he is wonderful in this, it is undeniable that Pedro Pascal is the other essential ingredient to the film's success. Having become known for action predominantly, Pedro is so effortlessly likeable and funny here that it should open up a whole new career for him in comedies. The chemistry between the two is so palpable it demands further collaborations.
Director and co-writer Tom Gormican switches gears throughout, aping stoner comedies and Michael Bay with equal aplomb. The more you love cinema and its conventions, the more you will love this picture. Yet, despite its tongue being firmly in its cheek, it plays remarkably well as just two guys hanging out and making each other better through friendship.
Sharon Horgan deserves credit here too for playing Olivia Henson, an ex-wife as a human being who can care about someone even if she disproves of their faults. There is a lot of that kind of nuance in this film that may reward repeated viewings.
If that makes it sound too deep, never fear, ‘The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent’ is a comedy that remembers comedies are supposed to make you laugh, and laugh you will. . . Often. This is just a joy of a movie.
‘The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent’ is in cinemas from 21 April.
