Jay Kelly

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.

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.

This film was written for George Clooney, by George Clooney. I understand the basic premise of it: a 35 year illustrious career in which you are highly esteemed by the public and pedestaled as a hero, but all your personal relationships have disintegrated as a result.

The result, however, was a very slow-paced film with poor dialogue (one-liners that were intended as gut punches but fell flat due to lack of conviction) and a LOT of close-ups of Clooney's face.

Clooney acts as he always does -- he plays himself. The film read as extremely self-obsessed, this meta tribute to his own career while lamenting on what he's lost along the way. While there were some heartfelt moments nearing the end of the film, they were lost in the extremely drawn-out plot and self-pity.

Honorable mention goes to Adam Sandler, who I hadn't seen in a serious role such as this before. He nailed the role of a star actor's manager -- you could feel the sheer exhaustion and lack of agency that he felt responding to every beck and call of someone who didn't acknowledge his humanity.

If an introspective single character film is what you're in the market for, this may fit the bill. If you're looking for an actual plot, genuine introspection, or actually utilizing Laura Dern's talent, look elsewhere.

I saw this film at the AFI Film Festival in Hollywood. It is a pleasant enough comedy-drama which follows George Clooney as a somewhat nastier version of himself. Adam Sandler as his manager, Laura Dern as his publicist, and Riley Keogh as Clooney eldest daughter provide support and act as Clooney's character's "keepers". The film is light on substance - sort of like the meringue on a lemon pie. Easily digestible but also easily forgettable too - worth a look but not worth going out of your way for it.

George Clooney. What can I say? A brilliant actor who really understands his craft. The story is poignant and moving, the humor is well placed, and the scenery is beautiful. As an older man I feel many of the story's elements personally. I appreciated the creativity of the film's methods.

Still, I regret that the film was tedious and slow at times. It feels like it was edited by the director, and not a storyteller.

Mostly great.