The Weather Man

Ein melancholisches, "lebensnahes" Drama über einen Kerl, der sich mit seinen Schwächen abfindet und auf diese Art und Weise sich selbst findet. Nicht so sentimental und episodisch wie Das Streben nach Glück und nicht so theatralisch und oberflächlich wie American Beauty. Der talentierte Handwerker Gore Verbinski zeigt, dass er Sinn für eine beeindruckende visuelle Seite und eine originelle Auffassung eines konventionellen Themas hat. Manchmal verliert der Film die eindeutige Richtung. Das treffende und intelligente Aussprechen des Abschlussgedankens macht aus ihm aber ein gut funktionierendes Ganzes. Wenn man sich diesen Film zum richtigen Zeitpunkt anschaut, kann er unvergesslich werden. (17.02.2007)

Verbinski drifted away from blockbuster waters to a strange picture about another “loser" suffering a middle-age crisis. It isn’t at all original; mainly it lacks any common theme to make the separate scenes, which are good in themselves, make sense when put together. Although this is no American Beauty, it has a pleasantly melancholic air to it and thanks to Cage and Cane it is certainly worth watching. Primarily for Cage, this and Lord of War signals a return to quality acting performances. Too bad that its potential is exploited very little; it should have cut much deeper... (08.04.2006)

A sequence of episodes that don't hold together and lack a point. A strange mess that unsuccessfully plays at being art and a clever film full of life wisdom, but it is neither. Verbinski should not be attempting a new American Beauty and should stick to what he does best: seasonal blockbusters. However, the reborn Cage was great, and the fact that he doesn't get out of the picture the whole time makes this film even more watchable. 2 1/2 *. (16.03.2006)

A film for all those who have come home at least once, sat down in a chair, and for some unknown reason, felt sad. Although I was slightly disappointed right after watching it, a few days later, I sat down just like that and suddenly I saw Cage and Cain in the car, joking about a funeral speech, and I understood that Verbinski conveyed what he wanted to say in the most stylish way possible. (30.08.2006)

The Weather Man is a good film. Quite good enough to find itself with good reviews. However, for a person to truly enjoy it - well, let's say, to be able to absorb it - they need a certain life experience that comes with age. It is indeed a film about the midlife crisis and the crisis of values of the main protagonist. Nicolas Cage, in the leading role, sees his marriage falling apart, his children remind him of assholes, without fully realizing that they are the result of his genes, inconsistent upbringing, and the imprint of his surroundings that he helped create. He also has a father who has achieved maximum respect in his profession and has proven to be a much better father and husband than his discontented offspring. Dave would like to live differently, but his cowardice, laziness, and sometimes just plain bad luck prevent him from doing so. What is unpleasant is that, despite the different overseas culture and different social environment, the film moves in a realistic position that will, I think, be dangerously familiar to many middle-aged men, including myself, and unfortunately, it can be recognized in many aspects. Several moments can hit close to home and evoke strong, not particularly pleasant, emotions. The only thing that separates The Weather Man from being a maximum emotional experience is the cowardice of the creators, which did not allow them to let their protagonist fall completely, and so the marasmus of Dave's personal life is compensated by his professional success, crowned by a prestigious job position with a two-million-dollar annual income. I know many people from my surroundings who would exchange their family for those two million dollars plus bonuses without a guilty conscience. Overall impression: 90%. Nicolas Cage performs effortlessly in the leading role and certainly does not harm the film. (20.04.2010)