The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

By Jonah Naplan

April 22, 2022

In “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Nick Cage plays Nick Cage. In fact, director Tom Gormican could just as easily have titled the film “Nicholas Cage: The Movie,” and all would still be well in the world. That’s right. In a high-wire act, Nicholas Cage, yes, he still makes movies, portrays himself in an action film about his action films. It’s all the same bag of tricks. Cage is charming, funny, and has excellent comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Pedro Pascal. It’s remarkable how Cage was born to play himself.

I’ve been following the news pertaining to this film ever since I first saw the trailer. The concept and gimmick surrounding the movie intrigued me and made darn sure that I would be in that theater opening night. I missed the movie at the Phoenix Film Festival, so I became determined to see it the next chance I got. Fortunately for me, the film gave me pretty much everything I wanted, while still having a few minor pacing issues in the middle few scenes.

The first act of “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” is peak comedic entertainment. It’s funny, it’s dynamic, and it acted as the hook that kept me invested for the rest of the movie. “Massive Talent” is no doubt an adult film, intended for people who grew up in the 90s, watching such classics as “The Rock,” “Face/Off” and “Con Air.” The way the film makes clever nods to these films and others, is a clear example of its willingness to take risks. In today’s world, not everyone enjoys a good wink at the camera, and “Massive Talent” has many of them. For this reviewer, that category of humor hits all the right notes, so I was cracking up at the absurdness of our hero’s adventures throughout, although I recognize that not everyone will have the same experience. Much of Cage’s charm comes from his ability to be himself in a role, that literally is himself. His consistent charm keeps the film moving at a fast pace, that rarely lets up until the end. For some, the concept may come off as pretentious. Premises like these aren’t often seen in Hollywood after all. But the mixture of Cage’s verbal and physical humor kept my theater laughing from the film’s first scene. The movie understands the connection that many audience members have with this actor, and incorporates important characters indicative of said audience members.

“Massive Talent”’s quirkiness works towards it’s advantage, from the artsy nature of the cinematography, to the young Nick Cage that appears every so often. It’s a gimmick I’ve never seen in film before, and never will again. Movies like these really are made once in a blue moon. That’s why it was so important for this movie to be good; we might never get another one of these gems again. My favorite scene in the movie takes place in a car. I won’t spoil what takes place, or the events leading up to it, but you’ll know the scene. Believe me, you’ll know the scene…

Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz are exemplary as the two CIA agents monitoring Nick Cage throughout the movie and their dynamic was pitch perfect. The way they played off of Cage, while still in awe of his celebrity greatness was amusing to behold. Since Nick Cage is Nick Cage, there are many moments when the movie stops to reflect on his famous films, and other films for that matter. It turns out that just about everyone in Spain knows who Nicholas Cage is, and are fans of his movies. We learn something new every day don’t we? The way the film incorporates real life and pop culture with the silliness and slapstick nature of many scenes was something I found to be impressive. Even when Nick Cage and Javi Gutierrez are put on acid, and mistake random strangers to be stalking them, the film somehow, in some way, manages to stay grounded. It makes me wonder what cinematic witchcraft must be brewing over at Lionsgate.

The persona that Nick Cage creates in each scene feels so precious, it’s impossible not to grin. He is aware of his successful career, although he isn’t blindsided by it. As we find out in the film, his family and those closest to him end up being more affected by his career than he does himself. It’s fascinating to see an actor in that sort of light.

What made “Massive Talent” stand out from the crowd of the never-ending web of conventional Hollywood blockbusters, was the variable usually hidden in your average action movie. It seemed new and fresh, like a journey I’ve been on a thousand times before, but flipped on its head, with new additions, and endless fun to be had. 

The clever mix of comedy and action permeates the film, creating an experience worth watching for the ironic element alone. But “Massive Talent” is so much more than its premise. It’s a funny, charming, and surprisingly heartfelt movie that brings depth to the character of Nicholas Cage. I fully intend to rewatch it on multiple occasions, along with "Paddington 2" as a double feature. Maybe I’ll even rewatch "The Croods: A New Age." Maybe. Just maybe.

Pedro Pascal is a Nicholas Cage fan, and I sure am too. I might even want to look into purchasing one of those Nick Cage pillows that Javi proudly displays. He’s one of the gems of the industry, and a man of many talents, so many, in fact, that it has apparently become unbearable. He indulges in different genres, scenes, and German films galore. He should make movies more often. And I would watch each one of them. Why? Cause he’s Nicholas FRICKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN Cage after all.