DVD Review: The Weather Man - Page 2

While he also gets good supporting performances from Hope Davis as his frustrated ex-wife, and Gemmenne de la Pena and Nicholas Hoult as his sullen, yet likable children, the majority of the film rests on Cage’s shoulders. Cage has shown the ability to carry pictures playing characters that are difficult to like, such as his Oscar-winning turn in Leaving Las Vegas. His portrayal as Dave captures some of that same vibe, as he carries a sad hangdog look through much of the film. Moments where he seems happy come across almost as a force of will, such as his smile as he gets ready for work at the movie’s start. The smile he gives for the mirror simply can’t last for long, before his more natural propensity for sadness overtakes him.

Having such a character as the movie’s center provides a challenge for director Gore Verbinski, as audiences are asked to spend time with a man that few in the movie itself even seem to like or respect. There are certainly moments when you might feel like chucking some food at him yourself, or glove slapping him, as he embarrassingly does to a character in one scene.

But for those who can hang with the movie through some of its more turbulent moments and tonal shifts might just find a man discovering the warm sunshine lies just behind those storm clouds in the sky.
Grade: B
(Rated R for for strong language and sexual content.)

Article Author: Mike Cullinan

Mike Cullinan is a journalist who clearly would have majored in film studies, had his college offered the program. Instead, he settled for a B.A. degree in communications, and just admires film in his free time. …

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