Black Boy Cinematic Universe
Black Boy Cinematic Universe Podcast
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage playing himself, what could go wrong?

Hi there, I’ve decided to make all my newsletters accessible via audio as well as text. If you click play above you can listen to the following newsletter instead of reading.

Happy evening cinephiles, casual film enjoyers and anyone that’s just here for the friendship.

Last week, I saw The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, here’s the trailer:

It’s a film where Nicolas Cage plays himself and his life is oh so miserable, because he hasn’t had a well renowned film out in a very very long time. He’s a struggling actor, and wants to get back to the likes of his past hits like National Treasure, but he just can’t seem to land a role that will give him his life back.

What will it take?

Alongside him, is the effortless Pedro Pascal as (Javi Gutierrez) who arguably (i think i’m right on this one) has at least three stan accounts for the beloved Nicolas Cage in this cinematic universe. He is a superfan like no other, honestly Directioners would be scared. (i pray you know that means One Direction fans, but if not i’ll throw you a bone)

Lucky for Cage, Javi has a screenplay with a lot of potential that just might save him from needing to retire from acting forever, at risk of losing his family. Because don’t we know all too well how struggling actor dads can be with their kids.

Not only is Massive Talent charming in its divine comedic timing, it’s quite warm in its character building. Pascal and Cage deliver a hilariously dazzling bromance that stretches far and wide past just dudes being dudes. Pascal is the Best Supporting Actor of your dreams. Admittedly, I’ve not seen a ton of Pascal’s movies, but God I didn’t know he could be so fucking funny.

He is commanding and sure of himself as Javi, and as convincing as ever.

It’s absolute satirical euphoria. Self described, ironically, as a beautiful character driven adult drama.

What makes it fun is its self awareness and strong basis in reality, while still in a fictional cinematic universe. Massive Talent turns all the movie cliches you hate into delectable and desirable movie magic.

Not a lot of films can make you fall hopelessly in love with predictability.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a film you should see if you love Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal and Tiffany Haddish obviously. But it’s also a film you should see if you are a little too obsessed with movies (me). It’s deliciously crafted not only for the casual enjoyer, but especially for all the losers that Letterboxd a movie nearly before it ends (me).

Most importantly, see it for its absurd comedic brilliance. It’s worth the expensive movie ticket. Personally, I’ll be seeing this again… and again.

My ★★★★½ review of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on Letterboxd.

Similar recommended watching:

The Nice Guys | Film Vault Wiki | Fandom

Until next time.

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