FILM REVIEW: THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT (15) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

The most ‘Nicolas Cagey’ Nicolas Cage film you’ll ever see.

Nic Cage has become quite the meme during recent years. His over-the-top acting style and quirky role choices – from Mandy and Mom and Dad to Colour Out of Space and Willy’s Wonderland – make him an easy target for a little online tomfoolery.

Credit where credit is due though, the actor appears to at least be self-aware of his eccentric ways – and that’s certainly how it comes across in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

This action/comedy sees the Oscar-winner (Leaving Las Vegas) playing a fictionally exaggerated and neurotic version of himself. In debt, now missing out on major A-list film roles, and struggling to connect with his daughter, Cage accepts a $1 million offer to attend a billionaire superfan’s birthday party – before planning to call it ‘quits’ with Hollywood.

But 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’ by channelling 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: Nicolas Cage.

The actor is mostly a good sport with tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation, as the movie boasts some stand out set-pieces where he really truly owns it – but sadly it could have done with more of these moments to really take it to the next level.

But overall, it was an enjoyable experience with plenty of Nic nostalgia. The film memorably opens up with a scene from his classic actioner Con Air – and even references Cage’s cringeworthy moment ‘Not the bees!’ from Wicker Man to boot. So, you’re under no illusion what you’re getting from this film.

It literally comes down to this. If you’re not a fan of Nic Cage then this niche cinematic meta comedy probably won’t be for you.

But if you’re a fan of this new relevant meme-worthy version of the actor – then book your tickets now and unlock your inner Cage.

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Mikey Clarke

Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Neil Patrick Harris, Jacob Scipio & Demi Moore

Running Time: 1 Hr 47 Mins

Director: Tom Gormican

Go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux