Opened: October 13, 2017

Directed by: Noah Baumbach

Starring: Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Elizabeth Marvel, Grace Van Patten, Danny Flaherty, Candice Bergen, Adam Driver, Sigourney Weaver, Judd Hirsch, Rebecca Miller, Josh Hamilton, Matthew Shear, Jared Sandler, Sakina Jaffrey, Gayle Rankin, Michael Chernus & Greta Gerwig

Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) takes a heavy script and becomes a touching family drama with bits of smart comedy.

After his divorce, Danny (Adam Sandler) decides to spend some time with his dad Harold (Dustin Hoffman). Danny and his siblings Jean (Elizabeth Marvel) and Matthew (Ben Stiller) had a hard time growing up with their father but come to his aid when he falls ill.

Baumbach allows this family to be messy with different types of relationships and personalities. Audiences will be able to connect coming to the aid of family even when there are emotional strains.

Hoffman sets the tone as the painfully difficult patriarch, while Sandler and Stiller’s dynamic together provides both humorous and deep moments. Emma Thompson also brings a unique flair as their hippie stepmother.

Final say: Family matters. ★★★★☆