The narrative that we paint each and every time Adam Sandler deems us worthy to experience a “serious” (re: not terrible) performance from him needs to die. When there are so many talented and versatile performers in the world who would love to hold the clout Sandler does in Hollywood, the idea that we clamor to enthusiastically support Sandler’s non-just for the paycheck/only ever for the paycheck roles is embarrassing. Not pushing out trash on a consistent basis (with seemingly the knowledge of what it is) isn’t anything commendable.
That being said, “The Meyerowitz Stories” has the benefit of a talented bunch on and off the screen who more than make up for the annoyances of that narrative trajectory. Noah Baumbach is re-teaming with Ben Stiller (following collaborations in “While We’re Young” and “Greenberg“) in this sad guy, comedic drama about families and the generational disconnect between parents and children. Baumbach is always worth watching and Stiller has made more interesting choices than not lately and with a film that involves Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson (bringing us those “Stranger Than Fiction” hints) the end product will at least be enjoyable to an extent.
Our critic however, was mixed on the end product, saying, “… the amiable and undemanding ‘Meyerowitz’ evokes so many other media — television, short story, theater — that it’s a little unclear as to quite why it’s a film.” Here’s the synopsis:
From writer/director Noah Baumbach, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) is the emotional and comic intergenerational tale of adult siblings (Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Elizabeth Marvel) contending with the long shadow their strong-willed father (Dustin Hoffman) has cast over their lives.
Co-starring Grace Van Patten, Adam Driver and Rebecca Miller the film, written by Baumbach, will be released through Netfix and in select theaters on October 13th, following its debut at Cannes Film Festival and its North American premiere at the upcoming New York Film Festival.
