Jay Kelly (2025)

An internationally famous movie star (George Clooney) goes to Italy, ostensibly to receive a career tribute award but in reality, he hopes to spend time with his daughter (Grace Edwards) who wants to spend time with her friends in Italy before going to college in the fall. Co-written and directed by Noah Baumbach (MARGOT AT THE WEDDING). In his best performance since MICHAEL CLAYTON, a perfectly cast George Clooney is terrific. It's said that it takes a star to play a star and no where is it more in evidence than this film. The Movie Star as we knew them is a fading phenomenon. Clooney (along with the likes of Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts) is the last of the breed. The film is a rumination on the narcissism and self centeredness of the actor who knows no other life and whose life beyond the lens uses family and friends as a supporting cast. Fame is their victory but at what cost? As his loyal manager, Adam Sandler gives a career best performance. The movie is generously laced with humor and if you're any part of the film industry, the humor comes with the pang of recognition. With Laura Dern, Greta Gerwig (nice to see her back in front of the camera), Billy Crudup, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson and Isla Fisher.