The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Netflix | Release Date: October 13, 2017

7.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 128 Ratings

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McGillotineOct 14, 2017

It's not particularly special, nor heartwarming, however Noah Baumbach creates a competent narrative dealing with the complexities of dysfunctional familial relations. Shot in a way that replicates indie film-making, yet certainly not lackingIt's not particularly special, nor heartwarming, however Noah Baumbach creates a competent narrative dealing with the complexities of dysfunctional familial relations. Shot in a way that replicates indie film-making, yet certainly not lacking the budget with actors such as Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Emma Thompson leading the show, audiences will not find much difficultly watching films 112 minutes within one sitting. The film opens with Adam Sandler's Danny driving though the crowded streets of Brooklyn, tailgated and furious over the recent separation with his wife, Danny, screams insults to tailgating motorists who interrupt his ability to park his car. All the while Danny's daughter, Eliza suggests that her father instead favor the expensive yet secure garage parking. Within the films first 5 minutes Baumbach has already defined the element of familial dysfunction in this film, which grows increasing more complex as characters such as the prideful Harold Meyerowitz (played by Dustin Hoffman), a fourth time married, undiscovered sculptor and father of Danny, Matthew and Jean enters the scene bringing dysfunction to the next level.

Performances in the film are fine with standouts notably being Sandler, Hoffman, and Stiller the later of whom pulling a surprising performance in the standout moment of the film. Odd yet otherwise interesting prefromances from Elizabeth Marvel, Emma Thompson and a cameo from Adam Diver are also enjoyable to watch onscreen. I was conflicted however on the performance of Grace Van Patten who plays Eliza, Danny's daughter, who plays an amateur self-starring, arthouse porn director which is quite jarring considering that her family is her primary audience.

To quickly critique the other aspects of the film i will now otherwise sum up the rest of my thoughts for this film. The shots in this film are so-so and are otherwise forgettable. Tunes created by Sandler's character have a show tune quality and complimented the soundtrack and dysfunction perfectly. The films unusual choice of sequencing was strange, almost like chapters in a book which can be expected considering the films title, personally i found this didn't feel necessary. Parts of the film feel as though they are missing with distance between 'chapters' leaving audiences to constantly fill in the blanks. Eliza's arc i didn't quite get, felt half-baked and found the film couldn't done without.

Overall The Meyerowitz stories (new and selected) is a good film to pass the time but i take with a grain of salt in critics determining the film an artistic masterpiece.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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TheQuietGamerNov 24, 2017

Dry comedy and dysfunctional family drama come together in a very familiar tale that's sadly lacking in soul. I can deal with embittered characters and no real sense of conclusion, especially when the former is brought to life by anDry comedy and dysfunctional family drama come together in a very familiar tale that's sadly lacking in soul. I can deal with embittered characters and no real sense of conclusion, especially when the former is brought to life by an incredibly talented cast, but where's the heart? The movie is missing the element that makes me both empathize with and actually like the people onscreen. Without that we're just left watching these characters talk over each other. It gets kind of obnoxious, which I guess is kind of the point as it makes for a believable dynamic. The realism alone though does not for a compelling drama make. It must also be emotionally effective.

The movie is not without some merits though. It is a remarkably well made film and the performances of it's cast are nothing short of stellar. Adam Sandler once again shows that he can actually act when he steps away from Happy Madison. His work here might just be the best of his career. As good as he is though, it's Ben Stiller who steals the show. His emotional performance manages to stand out amongst the like of Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, as well as the rare change of pace for Sandler. The movie also has several humorous moments. It's things like this that make it respectable in face of it's flaws. One of which is the inclusion of the bizarre and pornographic bits of what I can only assume is shock humor that comes in the form of films made by the daughter of Sandler's character. If they're meant as some sort of sub-message hidden within, then the point is lost because of how out of place and, well, stupid they feel.

It's always nice to see Sandler outside of his comfort zone. When he does viewers are shown that there's more to the actor than meets the eye. He also walks away with a critically acclaimed film under his belt, which is a rarity for him. It's just a shame that The Meyerowitz stories doesn't deliver the same level of quality as Punch-Drunk Love or Reign Over Me. Unfortunately, Noah Baumbach's film, like it's characters, is sadly missing a crucial element of it's being that keeps it from achieving true functionality. As a result I was ultimately unable to fully engage with it, but there are still things about it that I found respectable. So there's a chance it might do something for others that it did not do for me.

6.8/10… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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KaptenVideoDec 28, 2017

Noah Baumbach, one of America’s indie films’ most acclaimed auteurs, is back to tell us yet another story of defective family and relationships.

His latest was snapped up by Netflix and boasts an impressive cast including Dustin Hoffman,Noah Baumbach, one of America’s indie films’ most acclaimed auteurs, is back to tell us yet another story of defective family and relationships.

His latest was snapped up by Netflix and boasts an impressive cast including Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, Sigourney Weaver, Adam Driver, Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson.

It’s about elderly father and his three adult children still competing for his affection, and the result is typical Baumbach joint, meaning slow tempo, not much happening, a whole lot of talking, and emotionally distant style.

You may not “get” it at all - and feel that there’s a curious vacuum of interesting stuff happening - or slowly learn to embrace the world he has created, which usually happens when one watches a Baumbach movie.

Critics seem to love it - indeed, “Meyerowitz” seems to be among his most acclaimed works yet - and I have liked most of Baumbach’s movies. But this time, I just couldn’t take it.

For most of its 112 minute length, it felt like a limp and soulless exercise in doing something in Baumbach style, not something that he really did.

The story comprises of three chapters, of which the middle one is close to something that could be called intriguing.

The first chapter lasting 30 minutes feels just empty, and the last is so and so, partly interesting, often just pretentious in a bad way (brothers fighting and public speaking). Yes, the movie has its own distinctive atmosphere but it wasn’t enough for me this time.

When Larry David started creating „comedies about nothing“, and managed to create a whole new modern movement of screen stories not clinging to certain genre, he always found ways to captivate and entertain us. “Meyerowitz” could be called drama about nothing, and it feels just boring.

The movie has brought a lot of acclaim to Adam Sandler in one of the leading roles, proving once again that he’s an able enough actor and can do serious stuff if he wants to.

Funny thing is, every time I watch another typical Adam Sandler comedy, I think: he can do this kind of thing forever and still be liked but doesn’t he want to do something more original, more serious… something more?

And then again, the only serious movie starring Sandler I really have dug was the first, 2002’s „Punch Drunk Love“. All the next ones are just… underwhelming. Not bad in any significant way, just not that interesting either. It’s not his fault, of course, but still… funny.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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