Jay Kelly

The Last Movie Star is the superior and more moving piece of cinema.

While Jay Kelly is thoughtful and elegant, The Last Movie Star is superior due to its visceral, human core and emotional authenticity. Where Jay Kelly offers a polished, modern reflection, The Last Movie Star provides the gut-wrenching counterpoint-a story about mortality, acceptance, and the quiet dignity of a life well-lived, even one filled with mistakes. Burt Reynolds' raw, final performance gives The Last Movie Star a genuine, unforgettable impact that Jay Kelly's beautiful calculation struggles to match.

I've loved Noah Baumbach from the jump, however here we are in 2025 with a retrospective character study that grabs, dips, and meanders from a semi-relatable introspection to how-did-we-get-here slog. I liked it? Yes, mostly. I was never bored, and I did laugh out loud at quite a few parts, it's just - - - editing, I guess? Some things definitely could have taken up residence on the cutting room floor. Sandler does a fine job, as does the entirety of the cast. I cue Sandler though because Sandler. He isn't exactly known for his subtlety. The music is a nice stand out. Mortimer being co-writer, her character could've gotten more play. And Laura Dern? Love her. But if the film lost her character entirely, that might give the pace a little more? As it stands, it's the cacophonous surroundings of Jay Kelly's world that elevate the film as much as it bogs itself down. Less is more.

This film stretches a premise that could barely sustain a short into a full-length feature, and the padding shows. The characters exist in isolation from one another, creating zero chemistry or meaningful interaction that might draw viewers in.

The casting defaults to the tired formula of white male protagonists, while Europe is rendered through embarrassingly outdated stereotypes that feel decades out of touch. The performances across the board are wooden and unconvincing, suggesting either poor direction or miscast roles-likely both.

In two decades of watching films, this stands out as the most unnecessary addition to cinema I've encountered. Skip it.

I'm a sucker for introspective, slow-paced movies, and this one hits that sweet spot perfectly. It follows George Clooney's character as he reflects on his entire life - from his biggest achievements to his hardest regrets - ultimately coming face to face with some harsh truths and realizations. We also get glimpses of that same emotional journey through a few other characters, mainly Adam Sandler, who delivers his most serious role yet.

The film explores how the road to career success can come at the expense of your personal life, and how each person copes with that differently. It's also a movie about filmmaking itself, with Clooney playing an actor - another theme I absolutely love.

The cast is fantastic across the board, but with the story centered on Clooney and Sandler, they naturally stand out. Both give incredible performances, especially Sandler, who completely steps outside his usual lane and nails it. The cinematography, scenery, and production design are top-tier, but the script is the true standout. It blends drama and comedy so naturally, and honestly, I think we need more films like this - emotional, feel-good, and thought-provoking.

You guys sure are one eyed, and vicious, Did no one see this as some sort of a eulogy , god forbid George should drop dead soon, but if he did, you'll all realise this is george talkin about george, not that any of you were paying attention.

Congrats Sandler, this is your direction. Totally believable characterisation.