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Film reviews

Jay Kelly Review

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Noah Baumbach’s films always spark human emotions because his writing creates moments in which audiences experience sadness. When directing films about divorce like The Squid and the Whale and Marriage Story, he paints the portrait that shows everyone is impacted in these situations but still deserving of empathy. Baumbach has also directed films on dynamics like Margot at the Wedding and Kicking and Screaming in which he carefully establishes that there is a level of disconnect. In his newest feature Jay Kelly, there is disconnection from life due to fame. This film takes a more lighthearted approach with joyful scenes, while still being sad.

The film’s main character is Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney. He is a high-profile celebrity who feels like his reality keeps him from experiencing the real joys in life. His agent is Ron, played by Adam Sandler. Together, they go on a trip abroad to follow Jay’s daughter. On their adventure, much of Jay’s life opens doors that lead to surreal emotions not only for Jay, but also for Ron, and his other friends. Celebrity life does not only have difficult aspects for the celebrity, but also for the people around the celebrity. The story involves a series of moving obstacles where stress and life seek common ground and happiness is a struggle to be found.

I have watched Jay Kelly twice already and both times the insights into the life of celebrities were compelling. The notion of having a life split in two, personal and non-existent, is explored. The “non-existent” part caused by being high-profileis portrayed in the performance of Clooney and Sandler. They are a duo, tour-de-force fighting for a life of sacrifice and fame, while also dealing with reality on the other side. Jay Kelly is the epitome of success, with new doors opening to heartfelt revelations about what it means to be human.

I appreciate the audacity that Baumbach brings to the film’s writing, especially during the journey through places in Europe.There are times when Jay travels on a trait which is not an ideal setting for a celebrity. Ron finds this stressful, yet at the same time, he is trying to keep Jay’s fame alive by continuing to find him gigs. Is Jay truly happy? Does Jay think about his team’s happiness? The complicated life of a celebrity is filled with frustration in Jay Kelly. The dynamic between Clooney and Sandler highlights the unpleasant underbelly of success and accomplishments.

Baumbach always tackles topics that involve more than meets the eyes. I have always felt a sense of sorrow, followed by strength after seeing a project he has directed. With Jay Kelly, the lighter side crept in more for me since there was not a harsh melancholy or a trainwreck of damage to bring on the tears. There was a more subtle sense of understanding the subject matter this time around.

Within the depths of fame and glory, the disconnect of family hit deep for Ron. Sandler’s performance shines with humanistic value. He plays a hardworking father. His wife is Lois, played by Greta Gerwig. Ron puts a lot on the line for Jay. So much, in fact, that he misses out on his kid’s life. As Jay is trying to be there for his own kid, Ron is missing his own. Jay Kelly is a competition amongst priorities. Baumbach is not afraid to display the serious consequences of life’s choices. Baumbach uses a unique approach to help viewers appreciate the many people who are important in our own lives. Even someone who is famous and has loads money still needs to find happiness andwhat brings personal fulfillment beneath the surface.

This movie is stunning achievement of cinematic glory destined to be Hollywood hit. Baumbach challenges sadness and courage. Clooney delivers one of the most monumental and touching performances of 2025. This is also one of the best films that Sandler and Clooney have made for years. Baumbach pushes the boundaries to uncover the things that bring humans down. He also shows that even tough things can be dealt with. Overall, Baumbach hits a home run delving into the subject of fame in Jay Kelly. Four out of four stars for Jay Kelly.

 

Film reviews

Nouvelle Vague Review

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A fascination of my days at Cannes film festival came upon me with Nouvelle Vague. That is because I was a student intern at the prestigious film festival in 2016. Richard Linklaer brought me back to the historic days of Cannes and the early days of directors trying to make a name for themselves…all around the focus of Jean-Luc Godard. Nouvelle Vague is a classy gem of cinematics with a large body of centerpieces to keep the vibe of New Waves feeling present. Nouvelle Vague is so vibrant. With black-and-white lighting and cinematography, historic vibes and movie competition are at the heart and soul of the film itself. Linklater knows how to push boundaries among what makes a film a true and surreal masterpiece. Especially one aiming at the younger days of a director of our generation…Jean-Luc Godard.

Linklater puts all his efforts into directing a film to the wonders aimed at the French New Wave. The film is aimed at the early days of the film Breathless. Guillaume Marbeck is Jean-Luc Godard, and he plays the role authentically. It aims at the era of his struggles, but also his cinematic visions coming to life. He is one that pushes the limits of his filmmaking. He does this byfinding his own art and creating the meaning behind the movies he wants to create. The cinema as an art is seen through the deep lens of the artistic creations surrounding Nouvelle Vague. 

The politics of success are all on the table. Even the ones of tension. But the lighting creates a sense that illuminates the thought of tension. It helps to remind its audience that the hero is Godard. Linklater’s approach is subtle, vibrant, and on point. Especially with the dynamic of capturing how Godard directs Breathless. Expect lots of trial and error, and politics, but also expect Godard to not take no for an answer…that is what creates a pioneer of success that fuels a reel to burn with rapid colors of glory.

I do love how there is the key tone of the early days of the industry. The days of what it took to create movies to capture essence without computers. The days of creating prints and film reels by slicing—its was all about consistence and attention to detail—Godard was all about that—Linklater is as well with Nouvelle Vague. The many moving parts to create a film to grab audiences in this historic sense captures how the competition had tons of heat based upon what studios, directors, critics, or producers were looking for—Godard wanted to be his own craftsman.

The round up of actors is where the politics heat-up the film for wonders of success. That is because this is the era where names had a purpose. Zoey Deutch plays Jean Seberg and Aubry Dullin plays Jean-Paul Belmondo. The dynamics of Marbeck, Deutch and Dullin are a gem. Linklater knows how to create love and hate relationships that make audiences ask how do some tolerate each other? How do they do to that in an era that goes way back? How did they find success? Tons of leverage and more connections come around in Nouvelle Vague.

The film felt like a treat for me. I have worked in cinemas. I have seen transitions of movie projectors, I have seen many types of film reels, I have taken film history courses, and I still go out of my way to find prints of films that I cannot see anywhere else. I felt I was in the world of time machine of projection reels—because I was taken back to how the moving parts of studios and filmmakers went at it in a completely different era. Linklater brings in many thorough colors to the mix with such historic value. Four out of four stars for Nouvelle Vague.

 

Film reviews, Netflix

Train Dreams Review

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Based on the novel by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams is well-written masterpiece that weaves through changes due to unexpected life complications. Love and life are lost, yet there are also moments of restoration. At the same time, the inspiration to keep one’s head together keeps the momentum afloat. Directed by Clint Bentley, this is his second-best installment since Sing Sing. However, there are more real-life tracks exploring changing times in this film. The 20th century is dramatized in a cinematic dome of complexity in Train Dreams.

The film’s main characters are Robert and Gladys Grainer (Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones) who play husband and wife. Robert Grainer is the primary breadwinner of the family and works as a logger and a railroad employee. He tries to work hard to maintain his happy family, but reality hits hard when there is a fire. Gladys and their child go missing. Robert begins to lose work and must find odd jobs. During this time, finding side gigs is not easy. In Train Dreams, the impact of doing hard physical work and its connection to mental issues are highlighted.

The vibrant and humanistic personality portrayed in Edgerton’s performance is full of heart. He displays what it looks like to never give up. There are others around him who do not give up on him either. One of these supporters is Arn Peeples, played by William H. Macy. He is an old colleague who is always focused on working hard. However, he knows the hardship endured when seasons change. The changing weather conditions add extra weight to the losses at the center of Train Dreams.

The story also reveals that there are different notions regarding what is lost and what can be restored. It is abundantly clear that things can’t be fixed overnight. During an era with limited technological advancements, the level of patience required in Train Dreams prompts caring audiences to pray for the Grainer family, especially for Robert since Gladys is the one missing. The focus of the prayers is for Robert to find more work and to be reunited with his family again. While he is the one most impacted, others who work on the railroad or as loggers are suffering too. 

Many moments are woven uniquely together in Train Dreams and include shifting patterns of working, feeling lost, and being forced into a pause mode. The lighting and cinematography areout of this world. The scenes of the mountains surrounding theareas where the film is set create a sense of urgency and aspiration. Filmed in and around the beautiful rural forests of Washington state, the trees and the skies shine a light throughout Train Dreams. It is a magnificent portrait with a 20th century adaptation and takes audiences on a breathtaking journey to remember that everyone deserves a chance. Also, it is a reminder that there is still good in the world, even during times when it seems that all is lost. One of the best films of 2025. Four out of four stars for Train Dreams.