The Weather Man (2005)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / June 15, 2007

“The Weather Man” is an excellent film; but most people, I suspect, will probably just think it’s just so-so. Some will think it’s more depressing than funny, and others, vice versa.

David Spritz (Nicolas Cage) is not a loser. He’s actually a remarkably patient person who’s just unlucky — consistently. But his patience is limited to family members. Outside his family, he’s a loose cannon.

Basically, this movie depicts the struggles of a weather man who’s trying to get back together with his wife and connect with his two unhappy children. He seeks the approval of his critical father. And Spritz is also aspiring to get a job on Bryant Gumbel’s national morning news show, “Hello America.” In short, he wants himself and those he loves to be happy.

The movie’s pace doesn’t hurry one bit, much like real life. Cage’s intermittent narration is excellent. He is a master at odd characters, and this weather man is perfect for him. I especially admired how Spritz’s newfound hobby (archery) becomes indicative of the aims of his life.

In addition to using the phrase “Spritz Nipper” successfully, “The Weather Man” incorporates Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock” song in a moving way.

Directed by Gore Verbinski
Nicolas Cage / Michael Caine / Hope Davis
101 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up

DVD release date: February 21, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0129 : 198