It all starts with an existential mise-en-abîme where Nicolas Cage, in his own role as an ultra-famous comedian on his comeback, is an indebted and has-been actor who covets the big role that will finally relaunch his career.
The role of his life
Soon to be rejected by a production and in debt up to his neck, he finally accepts for 1 million dollars to go to the birthday party of his biggest billionaire fan, who also turns out to be a dangerous criminal. The CIA then contacts Cage to investigate his host's criminal activities. Nicolas Cage is going to have to play the part of his life and prove he lives up to his own legend.
And then, what does it give?
Barely a few minutes of film are enough to rediscover Nicolas Cage's incredible range of acting, endowed here with a sense of self-mockery that honors him. And he doesn't do it sparingly, far from it, playing all the scores that Tom Gormican's screenplay, clever, inventive and ultra-referenced, offers him on a solid gold platter.
Certain scenes are pure burlesque delight, such as the one where the actor plays opposite his rejuvenated double, made up and wigged like Sailor & Lula (David Lynch, 1991). Nicolas Cage delivers an imperial number and his tandem with Pedro Pascal works wonderfully. The film is also reminiscent of Aline by Valérie Lemercier as its approach is sincere. The little extra is of course the screen presence of the real Nicolas Cage.
UK pre-order open
In the end, no fan of the actor will see in the company the slightest desire to make fun of him. On the contrary, the film demonstrates that the Nicolas Cage has lost none of his solid gold talent and that it would be nice if Hollywood remembered him a little more often…
The film is already available for pre-order (without a specific release date) at LionsGate in England on Amazon or Zavii.