He’s played vampires, face-lifted gangsters and truffle hunters. But now, Nicolas Cage finally gets to play the role he was born for. This year, Nicolas Cage plays Hollywood actor Nick Cage in The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent.
As a fictionalised version of himself, the struggling actor becomes embroiled in a CIA mission to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of a politician. Sure, this plot may sound ludicrously on-brand for the performer who has become the self-aware cinematic butt of the joke over the years, but despite the gimmicky meta premise, it works wonders.
It’s a hilarious caper that doubles as a sly industry satire, benefitting from Cage injecting some vulnerability to his full gonzo act and Pedro Pascal’s scene stealing antics.
Finally, a word to those with impeccable taste: make a Cage-a-thon out of this one. Revisit Wild At Heart, follow it up with The Rock, and chase it down with Con Air. Then head to the kino to witness this goofy action comedy that celebrates one of the most misunderstood and batshit brilliant actors of his generation. ★ ★ ★ ★
- Starts Jun 23 D: Tom Gormican (US, 2022), with Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan.
