The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected): Movie Review
Noah Baumbach is a hit or miss director (mostly miss). He's a self pretentious, indie movie director always trying to be unique or different. From "Frances Ha" to "Greenberg" his characters are often annoying and unfunny, giving little to take away from the film once finished. But Baumbach has a knack (I must say) of developing, realistic family dynamics. "The Squid and the Whale" released in 2005 also directed by Baumbach was excellent, but it seems Baumbach has finally topped it with one of the best movies of the year in "The Meyerowitz Stories".
Taking place mostly in New York, the film is centered around an event where three children, Danny( Adam Sandler), Jean (Elizabeth Marvel), and Matthew (Ben Stiller) celebrate their neurotic and often headache inducing father's (Dustin Hoffman) artistic work.
The acting is off the charts, especially Hoffman and Sandler, who's chemistry is laugh out loud hilarious. Baumbach's script finds the heart and soul of family dysfunction so realistically it's sometimes a punch in the gut. But bravo to Sandler, as it's one of the best acting performances this year. His relationship with his daughter (Grace Van Patten) going off to college is bitter sweet, and heartwarming. The writing is so well done, and perfectly executed that other than the film being a bit too over the top in moments, it never lets go of your heart.
Also, the filming here is subtly done, and comedically so. If it's Sandler and Hoffman showing up in tuxedos to a casual event or the day to day activities of the family, it's all shot with such quickness and wit, making it easily by far the best shot Baumbach film to date.
There's no other way to put it other than I loved this movie. It's acted with perfection and precision, the writing is quick witted like a Woody Allen film, and the realistic dialogue held throughout are captivating to say the least. It's just a great film all around and I implore you to see it.
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