Adam Sandler steals the spotlight from George Clooney in Netflix’s showbiz dramedy ‘Jay Kelly’

Is Hollywood Star Power Fading?

Does Hollywood still have the same star power? It seems like we’re in a time where blockbuster movies just aren’t pulling in the crowds like they used to, and A-list actors aren’t guaranteed to draw in a big audience anymore. The golden days of legends like Cary Grant and John Wayne feel pretty distant now.

Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” features George Clooney as the titular character, arguably one of the last iconic leading men in Hollywood. Jay wraps up a film shoot and is eager to spend the holidays with his daughter, Daisy (Grace Edwards), before diving into his next project in just two weeks. The catch? Daisy has her own plans—she’s headed to Europe with friends.

Knowing that his relationship with his estranged daughter, Jess (Riley Keough), is already strained, Jay decides to drop everything and catch a private jet to be with Daisy. Meanwhile, his inner circle—led by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler) and publicist Liz (Laura Dern)—struggles to manage the chaos around him.

Pivotal Flashbacks

The film takes us through flashbacks, revealing the key moments of Jay’s career and his regrets over time. He reflects on how he treated friends and family—everything from acting classes to a bitter final encounter with Jess and the way he dismissed his elderly mentor before he passed away. A striking moment occurs when Jay realizes, “all my memories are of movies.”

Clooney’s portrayal feels almost like a glimpse of himself—handsome and accomplished, yet perhaps a bit self-absorbed, he grapples with his flaws as he navigates his later years. It’s a familiar theme in cinema, but, honestly, I think Michael Keaton did this brilliantly in “Birdman,” and even Sandler in “Funny People.” Still, Clooney’s performance stands out, and if you’re interested in his Hollywood life, “Jay Kelly” fits the bill.

Ron and Liz also shine in their roles. They seem worn down by Jay’s antics, and it’s affecting their own relationships. Ron is incredibly loyal, viewing Jay as a friend, but Liz points out the harsh reality: “we are not to him what he is to us.”

Standout Performances

While Clooney may be the leading man, Sandler delivers one of the most emotionally rich performances of his career, alongside a strong showing from Dern, who captures the essence of an exhausted publicist.

Writer and director Noah Baumbach, known for films like “The Squid and the Whale” and “Marriage Story,” broadens his scope here with an impressive cast, including Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Isla Fisher, and Greta Gerwig—Baumbach’s real-life partner—who also co-wrote the script.

With cinematography by Oscar winner Linus Sandgren (“La La Land”), “Jay Kelly” is visually stunning, especially with its picturesque Tuscan backdrops. Composer Nicholas Britell, known for his work on “Succession,” adds an opulent score that complements Jay’s extravagant lifestyle.