The Weather Man Review, Trailer, Pic, Movie Poster

The Weather Man Review

Synopsis: Nicolas Cage's latest - though he was in Lord of War just a month ago - is called The Weather Man.

But you will not find anything akin to the splashy showmanship Al Roker displayed on NBC's Today show this week, when he took an on-air tumble while reporting outdoors on Hurricane Wilma.

This is one glum outing, with occasional pings of wry wit and hearty chuckles. As a comic hero, Cage's character is somewhat reminiscent of the late comic Jackie Vernon's "Dull Guy" public persona. Vernon used to talk about his idea of excitement: going to a department store and trying on loud ties. Cage's mopey character works in a Chicago where, in the few scenes in which we do see some sun, it's shining in the puddles and slush from the snow that fills the screen.

Don't be fooled by the The Weather Man's marketing approach. It appears to be a laugh-riot comedy fueled by flying fast food and Nicolas Cage meltdowns. But the film is really a thoughtfully assembled, terrifically acted existential journey of a man coming to grips with his own mediocrity.