For almost forever, Adam Sandler has made a filmography riddled with indignated comedies. But with 'The Meyerowitz Stories,' he reminds cinema that he possesses acting prowess that transcends hilarity to downright sensibility. Writer-director Noah Baumbach finally provides Sandler with the right material to showcase his talent long hidden in his comedic genius.
Draped in a groovy mustache, Sandler presents another Oscar-worthy acting that was last seen in 2002's 'Punch-Drunk Love.' Even more impressive, 'The Meyerowitz Stories' features an ensemble including Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman, yet Sandler steals every scene he was in with his poignant and authentic portrayal.
It is also another example of Baumbach's auteurist work. His signature style is a blend of humor and drama, effectively emitting it from his characters' sheer point of views and through the alluring dolly shots, panning, and editing. This time, he writes a story about a sculptor played by Dustin Hoffman that explores his dysfunctional relationship with his children whom are portrayed by Stiller, Sandler, and Elizabeth Marvel.
The movie's problematic ingredient, however, is the inconsistent pacing. It begins slow, but the narrative accelerates at the 55-minute mark, then screeches once more about 20 minutes later. 'The Meyerowitz Stories' might well be a microcosm of an awkward family reunion, where audiences would endure the small talk with relatives and goes with it anyway for the fun of it.
While Sandler produces his best work yet, Ben Stiller shockingly unleashes a buzzer beater of a performance. He manages to take the spotlight for himself late during a sequence where he speaks in an art show which bizarrly transforms into a eulogy. Stiller confides his lines with visceral energy that magnets unique sympathy and awe for his character. It is the magic of Baumbach's screenplay, realized by the crafty acting techniques of Stiller.
Yet, 'The Meyerowitz Stories' feels it may be a musical in another dimension as Sandler sang and played piano during many sequences. The film also boasts a quasi-dark twist when Marvel's character shares a backstory implying sexually harassment -- another microscopic view of the real-life dynamics of family and friendship. Though the family thrives to learn forgiveness in the cloud of their hilarious reality. The movie draws a mammoth amount of laughs, still, when it is time to say goodbye, it is usually difficult to withhold the laughter even if forgiving occasionally sculpts a funny life.
Director: Noah Baumbach
*Trailer ©Film Trailer Zone; YouTube.com
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