Review of The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) by Kj P — 12 Oct 2017

I have been a fan of director Noah Baumbach ever since his work on films like Greenberg and Frances Ha. Continuing his talented ways, I found myself really enjoying his work when I came across the film While We're Young back in 2014, but I must admit that his newest mark on the industry may just be my favourite film that I've seen of his. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) isn't wide enough of a release to score any big awards this year, but if that wasn't such a factor, I feel as though this movie deserves a few nods. Now streaming on Netflix, here is why I'll be giving this film a glowing recommendation.

There's just something special about a movie that mirrors reality, in that it takes itself very seriously, while still giving many laughs to its audience in order to provide levity. Following a family that reunites due to an illness of a relative, this really is a tale about sibling rivalry and the fact that it really shouldn't be a thing. I found myself entranced throughout this entire film, feeling as though I was watching someone provide insight into real events, and for all I know Noah Baumbach could've written this about his own experiences, but I just have to give him props for his terrific screenplay here.

It's not very often that a fantastic film stars Adam Sandler, but I'll admit it when I see it. He knew how to choose a good project here and he clearly cares about the material at hand, because he is 100% devoted to this character. He and Ben Stiller both deliver wonderful performance as step brothers and throughout certain portions of this movie, I felt as though they were growing a bond in real life. Movies like this don't come around very often, and I feel are unappreciated when they finally do. A story about family is very hard to accomplish, especially when you're trying to make it feel as real as possible, but I feel The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) nails it.

Not to compare the two in any way, but I love Aaron Sorkin's screenwriting and when it comes to his dialogue, I honestly don't think it can be topped in today's day in age, but Noah Baumbach definitely gives him a run for his money here. Never once did I find myself bored, and when a movie is just a series of sequences with people talking, that can be hard to keep audiences engaged, but I feel this movie accomplishes that nearly impossible feat. From the way a character reacts, to a memory that's being explained from their past, to a revelation they have, opening up to a crowd standing in front of them, this screenplay really goes for it.

In the end, with a screenplay as terrific as this one, having a cast as talented as it does, with addition of applause-worthy direction, and a satisfying conclusion, I really can't complain about this movie all that much. Aside from a few awkward moments in editing that will definitely take certain viewers out, I found them to be oddly fascinating, so I have nothing but praise for The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) from my end. This movie is now on Netflix for the world to see and I can't recommend it enough.