Review by John Delia
The heartfelt story Max Rose showcases the amazing talent of Jerry Lewis. His performance here just may earn him a nomination of high honors in a leading role, it’s that good. Pleasantly surprised at his ability to show his vitality and pathos the remarkable actor puts on a show that will be remembered way after you leave the movie theater. Add to this a delightful scenes with the magnificent Claire Bloom and you have a fine evening of movie-going. It’s an older crowd’s film that’s not to be missed.
The film opens with Max Rose (Jerry Lewis) leaving the hospital with his granddaughter Annie (Kerry Bishe) and son Christopher (Kevin Pollack) after signing the death papers of his wife Ava (Claire Bloom). Married for 65 years, Max is not taking her death very well and looks weak and frail. Not trusting him alone, Christopher has Annie stay with Max during this awful period to help in consoling him.
But, Max has always been able to fend for himself and provide for Ava with dignity and hesitantly accepts the attention. That evening when going through some of Ava’s things he comes across a compact that she has carried with her through many years. Upon opening it he sees it has a engraving that seems to suggest that Ava was having an affair since the late 1950’s that he was unaware of during their marriage. Thus begins a compelling story of doubt, agony and confusion that puts Max on a quest to find the truth.
The film goes on from there slowly gripping the audience with flash backs from his recent past, his future unsure and his unloved son faced with making hard decisions. Director and writer Daniel Noah keeps his film tight focusing on the current decisions needed to keep Max upbeat and realistic at first, then his determination to get to the bottom of Ava’s indiscretion. He does a wonderful job of drawing a hurting Max from Lewis ably showing his character just can’t come to grips with the “why†of it all.
Although there are several actors who are at the age of Noah’s main character, he chose Jerry Lewis to play the part. And, what an excellent choice for the touching yet complex role that shows Lewis’s ability to grow from sadness to sublime. Always the comedian, there’s even some nice laughable moments to bring back the facial expressions that show he’s still king of comedy, but it’s never maudlin. Much like Lilly Tomlin’s Golden Globe nomination in last year’s Grandma, I can see something like that for Lewis, and maybe a shot at an Oscar.
Supporting Lewis with a challenging role, Kevin Pollack plays Max’s son Christopher. Not a champion in the mind of Max, Pollack shows the dismay between him and his dad. His home life on a downhill slide he’s been on the outs with Max for some time. He show’s his character’s rejection and helplessness to comfort his dad.
Turning to his granddaughter for solace and a much needed shoulder, Annie’s the one that comes to his aid. Played nicely by Kerry Bishe (“Halt and Catch Fire”) she’s able to maneuver Max into thinking positive thoughts and moving on with his life. But, she also runs into a wall with her grandfather, but stands up to him when the going gets tough.
Max Rose has not been rated by the MPAA but contains language and some sexual suggestions.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good script for Lewis who turns the challenging plot into a moving performance.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jerry Lewis, Claire Bloom, Kevin Pollack, Kerry Bishe, Mort Sahl, Dean Stockwell, Rance Howard, and Lee Weaver
Directed and written by: Daniel Noah
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated (contains Language)
Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min.
Release Date: September 23, 2016
Distributed by: Paladin Distributors
Here are some of the theaters showing the film in Florida
Miami: Â Regal South Beach 18, AMC Sunset Place 24, AMC Aventura
Fort Lauderdale: Cinema Paradiso-Hollywood, The Last Picture Show, Silverspot Coconut Creek
Palm Bch County: Â Living Room Theaters, Regal Shadowood 16/Boca Raton
Orlando: Winter Park Village, Rialto/The Villages
Ft Myers/Naples: Regal Bell Tower 20/Ft Myers, Regal Hollywood 20/Naples, Silverspot/Naples Prado 12/Bonita Springs
Tampa/St. Petersburg: Â AMCÂ Woodlands 20
Always consult the internet for show times