Noah Baumbach's Jay Kelly might as well be George Clooney's swan song. Playing the titular character who very much resembles his real life persona, the actor conveys a nostalgic look at his life's successes and ups and downs and missed opportunities where he failed to properly connect with his daughters and old filmmakers who propelled his career into stardom.
Jay Kelly, along with his manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), take a trip to France, where they encounter curious passengers on an overcrowded train, visit Tuscany and meet with Jay's father (Stacy Keach), concluding their journey at a gala tribute in which Jay receives an lifetime achievement (or something along those lines) award. Throughout, both Jay and Ron reminisce about their pasts, and about what could have been, if only they'd made different choices.
The movie has shades of Federico Fellini's 8 1/2, with the nostalgia of an actor taking place those of a filmmaker. Not to be outdone, in an early small cameo, Billy Crudup steals the only scene he's in, as an old friend who's still bitter and holding on to squashed rage. Jay Kelly does not reinvent the wheel, but it is a fitting, timely narrative for one of Hollywood's nicest, kindest actors (from what I've heard).
☆☆☆
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