Get ready for a delightful cinematic surprise! Bradley Cooper's latest film is a crowd-pleaser with a twist: he portrays a man named Balls, and it's a role that will leave you both laughing and reflecting.
In the 2025 Movie Club, film critic Dana Stevens engages in an email exchange with fellow critics Justin Chang, Alison Willmore, and Bilge Ebiri, discussing the year's cinematic highlights. Among them is Cooper's new movie, which Dana admits she fell hard for—twice. But what's all the fuss about?
The film, selected for the New York Film Festival's closing night, is a heartwarming tale of love, laughter, and self-care. It's a sweet, funny, and unapologetically optimistic crowd-pleaser, but Dana's initial viewing in an empty screening room left her wondering if others would feel the same charm.
And then, at the premiere, she fell for it all over again. Will Arnett's self-deprecating performance, Laura Dern's exasperated charm, and Cooper's seamless blend of showbiz instincts and observational insights captivated her. Even the casting of Cooper as Balls showcases his growth as a director, a talent already evident in his previous work, 'Maestro'.
But here's where it gets controversial: Dana draws a comparison to the Icelandic drama 'The Love That Remains', a story of a failed marriage navigating uncharted waters. While both films explore flawed characters finding themselves, 'The Love That Remains' takes a more enigmatic approach, leaving viewers with a less reassuring conclusion.
The discussion then turns to the unique storytelling styles of Josh Safdie and Mary Bronstein, prompting Dana to wonder how they might have tackled the film. She appreciates the sharp critique of Marty Mauser, a character whose unbearable nature sparks an intriguing question: What does it mean when unbearable tension is good, but unbearable characters are deemed bad?
Dana's preference for characters like Marty over the unpersuasive non-characters in 'A House of Dynamite' is clear. She also touches on 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', a docudrama that confronts the atrocities in Gaza. While the film is commendable for its fearless approach, Dana suggests a more minimalistic approach could have been even more powerful.
The conversation continues with praise for 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk', a film that captivates with its sparse means and sense of entrapment. And finally, a mention of 'Who by Fire', a vacation-from-hell movie that explores the unbearable dynamics between characters, including an arrogant director and his guests.
As the discussion unfolds, one thing is clear: this movie club is a haven for film enthusiasts, sparking debates and reflections on the year's cinematic offerings. And with Bradley Cooper's new film at the center, it's a charming crowd-pleaser that's sure to spark conversations long after the credits roll.
