There are few greater joys than having the chance to chat with friends about a movie. To roll it around, turn it over, and discuss it – to see what the other sees, even if they disagree. It’s been a minute since the last time I’ve been able to join the Meet Me at the Movies crew to chat, but it’s always a pleasure. In this case, chatting with Noel T. Manning about Noah Baumbach’s latest film, Jay Kelly, which completely took me by surprise.

What happens when a Noah Baumbach drama brings together George Clooney and Adam Sandler — and the result is nothing like what you expect? Noel T. Manning II and Douglas Davidson dive into Jay Kelly, a film that begins as a Hollywood backstory and slowly transforms into something much more reflective, emotional, and quietly surprising.

This isn’t the Clooney/Sandler pairing you might be imagining. We invite you to leave your expectations at the door — because Jay Kelly becomes a journey shaped by memory, regret, and rediscovery. The film echoes something more than a standard popcorn flick, offering an experience that rewards audiences who are willing to sit with it, think about it, and let its emotional layers surface long after the credits roll.

Clips are used by permission for review and commentary purposes.

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Music on this episode provided by Johnny Russell, Voni Morrison, and Dale Evans. Opening and closing theme lyrics by Phill Ruff.

Official Synopsis:

Famous movie actor Jay Kelly embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting his past and present with his devoted manager Ron. Poignant and humor-filled, pitched at the intersection of regrets and glories.

In select theaters November 14^th, 2025.
In wider release November 21^st, 2025.
Available on Netflix December 5^th, 2025.

For more information, head to the official Netflix Jay Kelly webpage.

For more information on Meet Me at the Movies:

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Find Douglas Davidson on Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram.

Categories: Meet Me at the Movies, Publications, Television

Tags: Adam Sandler, Alba Rohrwacher, Billy Crudup, C19 TV, Charlie Rowe, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland Community College Broadcasting Program, comedy, drama, Emily Mortimer, Eve Hewson, George Clooney, Grace Edwards, Greta Gerwig, Heyday Films, Isla Fisher, Jay Kelly, Jim Broadbent, Josh Hamilton, Laura Dern, Lenny Henry, Louis Partridge, Meet Me at the Movies, NB/GG Pictures, Netflix, Netflix Original, Nicôle Lecky, Noah Baumbach, Noel T. Manning, Pascal Pictures, Patrick Wilson, Riley Keough, Sadie Sandler, Stacy Keach, streaming, Thaddea Graham