Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family dysfunction with humor; mature themes, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
What's the Story?
Harold Meyerowitz (Dustin Hoffman), the patriarch in THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED), is a sculptor who never met with the artistic or financial success he believed he deserved. The fact that he taught at a fine university for more than three decades doesn't salve his wounded ego. His three children from various marriages, Danny (Adam Sandler), Jean (Elizabeth Marvel), and Matthew (Ben Stiller), are still struggling with the effects of Harold's parenting, as well as his arrogance, rage, and jealousy of old friends. Structured as "chapters" in the film, the action shows the family meeting in New York City and its environs over a period of several months. They face illness, old resentments, and truths about their own strengths and inadequacies, as well as the certainty of their father's mortality.
Is It Any Good?
In this dazzling, fast-paced, and quick-witted yet insightful movie, Noah Baumbach uses his distinctive style and offbeat wit to reveal a family whose love-hate relationships are riveting. Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller, usually cast in broadly comic roles, get to stand up and make movie magic with the formidable Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Marvel, and Emma Thompson, as well as a stellar featured cast. Grace Van Patten is delightful as Sandler's daughter, and Candice Bergen, Rebecca Miller, and Judd Hirsch show up for some juicy scenes. Baumbach, whose early triumph was The Squid and the Whale, once again finds humor in what is usually tragic, and tragedy in what is usually funny. Plus, it's obvious that he has a wonderful gift working with the often-unexpected actors he selects. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) is highly recommended for those who like the "fun" in dysfunction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the writer-director combines both humor and pathos in The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected). How did the humor help illuminate the characters? How did the tragedy help explain their sometimes bizarre behavior?
Talk about the performances of Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller. Since both are more well-known as comic actors, were you surprised by their ability to play drama as well? How does this movie enlighten you about their versatility? Were you aware that it takes solid acting chops for both genres?
What role did music and musical performance play in this film? How did Danny's artistry help define his character? How did the music play an integral part in the family's connecting with one another?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 13, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2017
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Ben Stiller , Dustin Hoffman
- Director : Noah Baumbach
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate