Jay Kelly – One of the Best Movies About Movies This Year. 

By: Dominic La-Viola

Noah Baumbach’s new film, “Jay Kelly,” is easily in the top three best movies of the year about movies. Which could sound like an insult, considering there have only been three this year in the mainstream. But that would be far from the truth. 

Baumbach’s film offers an insightful look at an aging movie star looking back at his life and career after the death of a friend and director who gave him his big break. 

The film offers this unique perspective on what most people would call a dream come true. Seeing firsthand what I am sure has happened to countless people in the industry, a job in which the work demand is so great, you miss out on being a family man. 

There is this perfect balance between entertainment and story. Never is there a point where the film tilts heavier to one side and becomes more of a popcorn flick or an art house film.

While “Jay Kelly” could easily be seen as an artistic film with a character-driven story, Baumbach’s vision allows for comedic and heartfelt moments that feel real and grounded, yet fluffy enough to pass as popcorn moments. The perfect combination, offering a sleek yet elegant rhythm. 

Adam Sandler gives one of his best performances since “Punch-Drunk Love”, showing once again that he is an underrated actor. A comedian who does comedies, yet has this dramatic performer tucked away ready to spring into action at any moment. 

George Clooney not only plays the role perfectly but is perfect for the role. If the performance alone doesn’t tell you that, the tribute that his character is given does. Using real footage from various films across the span of his career. 

A perfect example of how to create the ultimate montage. Blissfully capturing in frames what can’t be said in words. 

Overall, I think the film works on both an entertaining level as well as a cinematic level. Offering something to both those who desire elevated films, with an intellectual undertone. All while being entertaining and simple enough to enjoy as a movie without the layer of artistic intellect.

Not quite in the same realm as “Nouvelle Vague”, as it is to “Sentimental Value”, the foreign film about a similar situation. An aging filmmaker, trying to reconnect with his daughters. 

While both are great movies, “Jay Kelly” has more of a commercial appeal to the masses, whereas “Sentimental Value” is very much so an art house style film. That has a style and tone that won’t appeal to the average moviegoer.

Overall rating: 4/5 Stars.