Film critics are abuzz over two new releases, with the spotlight on Timothée Chalamet’s performance in ‘Marty Supreme’ and Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’. Both films are set to hit screens just in time for the holiday season, with Chalamet’s offering premiering on December 25, 2023, and Cooper’s film launching a week earlier on December 19, 2023.
‘Marty Supreme’ Delivers a High-Stakes Character Study
Directed by Josh Safdie, known for his acclaimed film ‘Uncut Gems’, ‘Marty Supreme’ is described as “a 150-minute-long heart attack of a film” by Nick Schager in The Daily Beast. Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a 1950s aspiring table tennis champion in New York City. Critics highlight Chalamet’s “career-best turn” as a character filled with ambition and a willingness to bend the rules to achieve his dreams.
The film intricately weaves a narrative that serves as both a character study and a commentary on the American success story. According to David Fear of Rolling Stone, the story follows Marty, a scrappy kid with a questionable mustache and a gift for persuasion, who finds himself propelled into the world championship tournament in London. However, a humbling experience ignites his desire for a comeback.
Chalamet is joined by a diverse supporting cast, including Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, Tyler the Creator, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who portrays a faded movie star entangled in a complex affair with Marty. Alissa Wilkinson from The New York Times notes that the film explores deeper themes of antisemitism and racial dynamics in postwar America, making it “one of the best of the year.”
Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ Offers a Bittersweet Perspective
In contrast, ‘Is This Thing On?’ presents a more lighthearted, yet poignant narrative. Directed by Bradley Cooper, this film follows a father of two who turns to stand-up comedy in New York City as his marriage faces potential collapse. Critics have described it as a “feel-good divorce comedy,” though some express disappointment in its execution.
Owen Gleiberman from Variety notes that while the film has its merits, it feels like a step down for Cooper, who previously directed ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘Maestro’. The film features Will Arnett and Laura Dern in supporting roles, with Dern’s performance particularly highlighted as a revelation. Critics such as Ryan Lattanzio from IndieWire mention that the film takes its time to find momentum, describing the first hour as “lethargic and listless.”
Despite mixed reviews, the chemistry between Arnett and Dern shines through, especially during a pivotal moment when Dern’s character re-evaluates her perspective on their marriage. Cooper himself adds humor to the script as a reprobate friend, reinforcing his talent for creating engaging domestic drama.
As audiences eagerly await these two contrasting films, critics are already debating their merits. Both ‘Marty Supreme’ and ‘Is This Thing On?’ promise to deliver unique cinematic experiences that reflect the complexities of life and ambition.
