Noah Baumbach's 'The Meyerowtiz Stories: New and Expanded' is a suitably Baumbachian story of family disfunction. Family disfunction is what Baumbach does on screen, the treat is always in the shades he brings the story and the performances. 'Meyerwotiz' works, it managers its tonal shifts, has wry humor, and is of course observant. The film focus on the three adult children of an aging New York sculptor and teacher played by Dustin Hoffman, in what may be his last great role. There are numerous capable supporting parts, including by the young Grace Van Patten, who feels quite at home here but whose performance is probably a good reason not to watch this with children.
Speaking of which the three grown children of the piece are very much psychically still children, at least when it comes to their dealing with there aging dad. Elizabeth Marvel, Ben Stiller, and Adam Sandler give some of their best work, especially Sandler, this may just be his best performance. Not for all tastes, but for me it reminded just how great Baumbach is at doing what he does. ***1/2
No comments:
Post a Comment