I tend to not like movies like this.
There are way too many action comedies coming out of the studio system nowadays that are uncreative, tame, poorly made and boring, but audiences give them a pass simply because ‘it’s not meant to be taken seriously’, which is why we keep getting variations of that same movie over and over again (the latest iterations being _The Lost City_, _Red Notice_, and _Uncharted_).
Moreover, this is directed by the same guy who made _That Awkward Moment_, which was the worst film of 2014, in my humble opinion.
So, having not seen any trailers, my expectations were low to say the least.

And yet, against all odds, this thing is consistently funny, clever, creative and occasionally batshit.
The concept is a real stroke of genius, whoever conceived it needs a raise.
I love how it plays with our perception of Nick Cage, and it wouldn’t be nearly as good if they’d used a different actor.
It’s still a little predictable because of its studio film trappings, but it’s also filled with great ideas, good characters, funny moments and lots of meta references that all add to the story.
It maintains some real heart as well, a lot like how these movies used to be in the 80s and 90s.
Also, they find great ways to twist the tropes of movies like this.
You’ve seen the concept of an incapable person being recruited by the CIA before (_Chuck_ made an entire tv show out of it), but this movie knows that and plays around with it.
Technically, it’s fine. The cinematography is decent, with the locations helping out a lot.
It’s a nice reminder of the power of shooting on locations instead of soundstages, but don’t expect another _The Batman_ or _The Northman_ here.

It’s just a nice, very likable film.
I don’t even think you need to be into Nick Cage’s back catalogue in order to enjoy it (though you’ll get a lot more out of it if you are).
Not a masterpiece by any stretch, but I’ll say this: if you’re considering to go to the latest blockbuster with mediocre reviews this summer, just know that this is probably the better and more fun alternative on streaming.
To be honest though, you should really just grab a few beers and see this with a group of friends in theaters.
It’s the perfect film for that type of experience.

7.5/10