The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Review #1832: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Cast: 

Nicolas Cage (Nick Cage / Nicky Cage), Pedro Pascal (Javi Gutierrez), Sharon Horgan (Olivia Henson), Tiffany Haddish (Vivian, a CIA agent), Ike Barinholtz (Martin, a CIA agent), Alessandra Mastronardi (Gabriela), Jacob Scipio (Carlos), Neil Patrick Harris (Richard Fink), Lily Sheen (Addy Cage), and Paco León (Lucas Gutierrez) Directed by Tom Gormican.

Review: 

Would you be surprised to know that Nicolas Cage did not sign up to do this movie on the first time he was asked? It makes sense if you hear a premise like the one the script (written by Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten) has, which only seemed to mildly offend him. It was a letter written by Gormican that swayed Cage, however, one that showed an interest in Cage's earlier work that also happens to feature a younger CG creation of himself that confronts him from time to time (the Wild at Heart version, specifically) without being tied to his actual family life. Of course, as Cage as stated about himself, "I never had a career, I only have work." Cage has worked for forty years in television and film, as you already might know, one that has seen a distinct variety of movies (good and bad), so you don't need me to say that his "mega-acting" is quite an appeal to folks interested in the art of stars for actors. Cage also decided to serve as a co-producer on the film, which meant that he served as a sort of mediator between studio and director in the filmmaking process. Gormican had one previous directing credit to his name in That Awkward Moment (2014) and one other credit with the television series Ghosted (2017-18) as creator/producer.

Look, do you want to see a movie that features a sequin pillow of Nicolas Cage or not? It isn't quite the first film featuring a funhouse mirror portrayal of an actor played by themselves, as evidenced by Being John Malkovich (1999), but these two films are fairly distinct enough anyway. Sure, there are quite a few references to Cage present in this film, but it really is a fun time to see play out without just being a "Greatest Hits" album. Call it what you will, meta, surreal, odd, but I cannot lie that I had a really interesting time with this movie, even as someone who is only mildly familiar with all of the things that make its starring actor so compelling. Of course, it isn't just a love letter to one particular star, because it is an action comedy, it just happens to be one that has a good deal of heart and knowing sense of engagement in weirdness that is lifted by its main stars for a rewarding good time. It doesn't exactly sell every action beat, but it does at least sell the rest well enough anyway. Cage is playing a heightened version of himself, but it is a version that folks can appreciate because it is Cage playing Cage, and it is captivating to see how he goes through a mirror-house version of himself that has self awareness without sniveling desperation; the double of himself is a bit odd to see opposite him (of course, this isn't his first rodeo when it comes to doubles, as evidenced by Adaptation twenty years prior), but it does at least serve some sort of purpose in the end. Interestingly enough, Pascal follows along with resounding success, one with plenty of energy and chemistry to share with Cage in a portrayal of a devoted fan/action man #2 that makes for a handful of humorous moments together. Horgan serves as the calm medium for a few diverting scenes with Cage, while Haddish and Barinholtz take up a few moments as the other part of the film: setting up the action plot that (meta or not) is tacked on from a few too many action plot-points, which goes okay. The other actors do just fine in small gasps, although my amusement worked out best for the climax when it comes to one last little joke. The run-time of 107 minutes generally works out to its advantage in delivering a fairly creative role for Cage to chew on that does not underplay or overstay its welcome, which is generally what one should expect. As a whole, whether one is a Cage connoisseur or not, you will likely get exactly what you think you expect from a movie like this, one that is pretty good in the right places to make a decent day at the movies.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

Review #1190: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

Cast:
Chris Pratt (Emmet Brickowski / Rex Dangervest), Elizabeth Banks (Lucy / Wyldstyle), Will Arnett (Batman), Tiffany Haddish (Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi), Stephanie Beatriz (General Sweet Mayhem), Charlie Day (Benny), Alison Brie (Princess Unikitty), Nick Offerman (MetalBeard), Jadon Sand (Finn), Brooklynn Prince (Bianca), Maya Rudolph (Mom), Will Ferrell (President Business), and Richard Ayoade (Ice Cream Cone) Directed by Mike Mitchell (#209 - Shrek Forever After, #890 - Surviving Christmas, and #1107 - Sky High)

Review:
The first film was an interesting film experience when it first came out five years ago. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (who return to co-write the screenplay and the story) managed to deliver something that had plenty of humor alongside a charming story and captivating look that certainly made for a clear winner that kids and adults could enjoy (particularly if one was into playing with their bricks). In the years that have passed since its release, two spin-offs have followed (The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie) alongside a sequel at last to the original. Most of the cast returns to portray their characters while playing off the last scene from the previous one (involving Duplo blocks). The easiest thing to say is that the film is interesting to look at, with Animal Logic (provider of the animation for the four Lego Movie films) continuing to make for something that has a fun pallate, where nothing seems to be out-of-step while helping to make for some big ideas try to come to life, such as a dystopian wasteland (appropriately named "Apocalypseberg") or the big birthday cake. When it wants to be colorful, it looks pretty good with doing so, and it never feels unnecessary to look at. For the most part, the cast do a solid job, with no real weak element. Pratt does well with playing dual roles, continuing to make the former one have plenty of charm and being as lively as ever while making the latter role (based on roles played by Pratt in recent years) rugged and amusing. Banks also does a fine job, generating a few laughs while playing well with Pratt at times. The group of returning actors from the first film (Arnett-Day-Brie-Offerman) don't have as much to do aside from a few choice scenes (namely involving a song or two), but they do their parts just fine. Haddish is alright, giving a few laughs when needed. The brief moments in the real world with Sand, Prince, and Rudolph are fine (having one neat joke involving feet on a brick), even if Farrell only appears as a voice.

The film aims for more singing than before (including a take on the "Everything is Awesome" song from before), such as about a character not being evil or one about a song that will get stuck in your head; while I can appreciate the time and effort done to orchestrate musical-style numbers for these songs (and the others), I feel that their attempt to out-do themselves in the music department goes a bit too overboard at times, where it almost feels like noise instead of something really pleasurable. The jokes and gags work adequately enough, even if it isn't as funny as before, being goofy as ever but not quite executing as consistently with the lines. Perhaps it is the fact that it is a sequel that harms it more than anything, where they are trying to capture the magic again. Since the previous one had a twist that as executed in a pretty clever way (to where the second film builds on that by changing it from father-son to brother-sister), this one attempts to have its own kind of narrative shift, although it comes off as one that is a little easier to figure out, not having as much depth. Both films are driven on imagination (as a good film usually is), but I feel that this one is a bit more shaky with its message, particularly during its final act. In going for some goofy fun alongside its message of playing together, the ultimate result is something that is fine and dandy for its target audience with a fine 107 minute run-time. Perhaps it isn't as interesting as the previous one, but it will serve just fine for someone looking for some entertainment alongside their toys.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.