A movie that pokes at Nicolas Cage’s s acting career and is done by the actor himself hits theaters this Friday. Is it worth a watch?

In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, fictionalized Nick Cages has hit a breaking point. He is not booking any acting gigs and his relationship with his wife and daughter is awful. In desperation, Cage accepts one million dollars to attend Javi Guiterrez’s (Pedro Pascal) birthday party in Mallorca, Spain. There, two CIA agents inform Cage that Javi is behind the kidnap of the Mallorca president’s daughter. Javi and Nick built a strong bond as friends. Cage is in a tough dilemma and must choose what’s right for him, his new friendship, and his family.

Massive Talent is truly a unique work of art. Director Tom Gormican who is also responsible for the script with Kevin Etten create an unapologetic love letter to Cage. The film is not only original but it offers good comedic timing and jaw-dropping action pack sequences that are exhilarating. Fans of Nicolas Cage will find themselves reliving moments of his career as Gormican and Etten poke at Cage’s past roles as references to make the film have credibility. The humor is nonsense but works! At one point, the film feels so raw that it feels like Cage is really playing himself. Also, Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal’s bromance chemistry is remarkable. There are moments where their chemistry is humanized and viewers will be able to relate. Pedro Pascal is funny and enjoyable. Let’s hope this opens the door for him to be seen more on a mainstream level.

Massive Talent opens the doors for a new film genre. Imagine more films based on real actors who are playing themselves but of course include some fictional elements. Yes! Hollywood should learn from Gormican and Etten and start creating stories like Massive Talent as it brings something fresh and new to the table. Massive Talent is fun and engaging. It is an example that there are still good popcorn flicks that don’t require afterthoughts. You will leave the theater asking for more and a smile.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent hits theaters on April 22.