The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) - SPOILER-FREE Review
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© Karen Ballard/Lionsgate
Directed by: Tom Gormican
Written by: Tom Gormican, Kevin Etten
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Jacob Scipio, Neil Patrick Harris, Tiffany Haddish
Runtime: 107 min
Synopsis: Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Nicolas Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and forced to live up to his own legend, channeling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters in order to save himself and his loved ones. With a career built for this very moment, the seminal award-winning actor must take on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage.
© Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Firstshowing. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is an admirable tribute to one of the most iconic actors of his generation: Nicolas Cage. A hilariously insane, absurd journey through a career filled with unforgettable gems, equally ridiculous and without any creative constraints. From the hundreds of delicious references to past works and characters to the phenomenal chemistry between Pedro Pascal and Cage, it will be more complicated for viewers unfamiliar with the latter's life and filmography to get carried away by the chaotic, naturally exaggerated atmosphere. Regardless, witnessing Cage play himself is worth any ticket. Endless entertainment for fans of a pure talent that deserves much, much more acclaim.
