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The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

One of the year’s most original films and “Wait what? I HAVE to see that” concepts has come in the form of a tribute to one of cinema’s most noted thespians and film geek himself, Nicholas Cage. Playing himself in a movie about him caught up in a secret operation is a whirlwind of awesome that is one of the year’s best hooks. Said film was released to good reviews but didn’t quite hit like the internet demand may have hinted it would. Nonetheless, it exists and that’s all that really matters in this case. That film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, is now available on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray (released on June 21st). It comes with Dolby Atmos sound and nice little array of extras to keep the fun going after the credits have rolled. You can order yourself a copy of the film by using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.

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Film

Unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, actor Nick Cage accepts a $1 million offer to attend a wealthy fan’s birthday party. Things take a wildly unexpected turn when a CIA operative recruits Cage for an unusual mission. Taking on the role of a lifetime, he soon finds himself channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to save himself and his loved ones.

The legacy of Nicholas Cage is one that appears to be appreciated, but I’m not so sure its quite been understood or respected in the right way. Nonetheless, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent looks to lean into the more ridiculous side of things while attempting to reign those in toward a more center, hoping to garner a respect for what the man does rather than a snicker. Yes, its a bit ridiculous and silly, but its also, like the actor playing himself, fully committed to the part.

One of the best parts about the film is that it first and foremost really does love and respect Nicholas Cage. This movie never beats you over the head or makes you feel like “Okay already, I get it!” about anything going on. There’s a true sense to use its hook to feed the plot and character development going in the story. There’s benefits to it, funny homages and weird moments where there’s a reference to one his movies that’ll either leave you snickering or cherishing an endearing moment.

Filling out with the man himself, he shares some fiery chemistry with Pedro Pascal that really makes this movie tick most of all. If not for this bromance on screen, I’m not sure the film would work as well or be as successful as it is. Its not a joke to either of them at any time on screen. The two play it off with 100% authenticity. The ridiculousness of the movie is left to Tiffany Haddissh, Ike Barinholtz and a handful of others to point out throughout. There’s a good mixture of serious movie going on with sprinkles of overly silly comedy smattered in for some good measure.

While The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent might not always being exhilarating and doesn’t feel like some grand achievement, it is a bit of a blast to see unfold and just enjoy what’s going on for this ride. I’m not sure how many times you’re going to want to wait in line to get on it again, but for the one its a pretty solid time with some nice character work and solid enough plot turns and decent suspense to keep you thrilled for a nice escape.

Video

Disclaimer: Screen captures used in the review are taken from the standard Blu-ray disc, not the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 4K (2160p)

Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Layers: BD-66

Clarity/Detail:  The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent debuts on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray as a native 4K title having been shot and mastered in 4K. And its looks radiant, vibrant and is bursting with color. This razor sharp image comes with crisp, impeccable detailing as every textures looks overly clear to the touch. Being a tropical set film, it makes it much more flashy and easy to appear pretty on our 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray discs.

Depth: Solid depth of field here, really making this feel bigger in scale and also showcasing some good multi-dimensional spacing in the more intimate interiors. Movements are natural and smooth, no issues with motion distortions.

Black Levels: Blacks are deep and natural, providing ample shading and contrast to really bring out the colors in the picture. No crushing witnessed during this viewing.

Color Reproduction: Being as this is a more tropical film, colors are bursting at the seams. Lots of gold that features many tints and shades come across very lovely. Many of the more extravagant colors fabrics and clothing really have a nice pop here too.

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent from start to finish. Facial features and textures are clear as day and discernible to miniscule degrees in any distance in any given frame.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean.

Audio

Audio Format(s):English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish

Dynamics: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent features a rather kickin’ audio track here that delivers plenty of the goods in the action. It might be understated how good just the quieter moments work, too. This track is well balanced, features enhanced life-like qualities and rather gives you a balanced and impactful experience.

Height: From up top you get people and vehicles jumping over a camera, bullets, debris, birds and many more things that reflect what’s on the screen.

Low Frequency Extension: There is plenty of boom from engines rumbling, guns firing, glass shattering, water splashing and much more with some good boom also hitting from the music in the film be it the score or a song choice.

Surround Sound Presentation: The action and such sweeps around the room and back again. Speakers build up environments with good, well placed ambiance. Its always keeping track of what’s off screen and the rolling audio has good impact with bursting travel.

Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code.

Audio Comedy

• By Writer/Director Tom Gormican and Writer Kevin Etten

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Tom Gormican and Writer Kevin Etten (HD, 4:53)

The Mind (HD, 6:38) – Writer/Director Tom Gormican and Writer Kevin Etten talk about coming up with the film.

Glimmers of a Bygone Cage (HD, 4:48) – This featurette is a bit of a tribute to Nicholas Cage’s career and features him along with Gormican and Etten.

Everybody Needs a Javi (HD, 4:21) – This one is about Pedro Pascal and his character and being a #1 fan.

Nick, Nicky and Sergio (HD, 4:33) – A featurette that goes over the stages of Cages in the film; the young one with the de-aging, his current self, and the old man he goes undercover as in the 3rd act.

Second Act Action (HD, 6:41) – A piece that looks at the action sequences of the film that kick into gear in its second act.

Cages 5 and Up (HD, 2:08) – Kids quote Nick Cage lines.

SXSW Film Festival Q&A (HD, 15:48) – Nicholas Cage, Tom Gormican, Kevin Etten and other members of the cast do their full Q&A set from SXSW.

Summary

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a pretty fun little film serving as a nice homage to this “idea” of Nicholas Cage that the internet has held up in a high regard during the social media years. It comes to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray with a rather popping and flashy picture with a boom and active Atmos track. There’s plenty of little extras to keep the fun going. Definitely a pick up when it hits that inevitable discounted price down the line.

This is a paid Amazon Associates link