Marty Supreme

Synopsis: In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. 

Movie Review: 

"Marty Supreme" is directed by Josh Safdie and is loosely inspired by a real-life table tennis player, but it tells an original story filled with sports, romance, action, and drama, making it one of my favorite and most entertaining films of the year. The movie's chaotic, gripping, and energetic pacing keeps it moving and never dull, which made it a joy to watch. Timothy Chalamet portrays Marty Mauser, a charming table tennis player who is determined to prove he’s the best. He delivers one of his finest performances, showcasing his offensive humor, selfish nature, and relentless charm, which can make him unlikable at times, yet you still want him to succeed. This is the first time I didn’t see the actor; I saw a young athlete striving to win, making him a strong contender for best actor. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Kay Stone, a veteran actress whose career isn’t what it used to be, and she gives an outstanding performance as a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Although she shines in the film, she primarily serves as a supporting character in this epic sports tale. Despite the age gap, she and Marty share a romantic chemistry that had me rooting for them, even if it feels wrong. Odessa A’zion plays Rachel Mizler, his childhood friend and lover, and she completely steals the show as a struggling young woman eager to escape her unhappy marriage because she loves Marty. She is compassionate, caring, and the complete opposite of Marty, which makes her a standout in this film. Kevin O’Leary, the famous businessman, makes his acting debut as another businessman, almost playing himself, and he excels at portraying a selfish, wealthy, and cruel character with an attitude similar to Marty’s. The talented supporting cast, including Tyler, The Creator, Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher, all deliver wonderful performances, even though they don’t have much screen time. The fantastic music and score perfectly fit the 1950s New York setting, making it even more enjoyable to watch. I had just one tiny problem: there was a subplot about a missing dog that felt a bit too complicated and chaotic at times. Other than that, this was a hilarious, gripping, and fun sports movie with a fantastic lesson. I'm giving "Mary Supreme" a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Josh Safdie 

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, Tyler, The Creator, , Abel Ferrara, Fran Drescher, Sandra Bernhard, Emory Cohen, Geza Rohrig, Larry Sloman, Penn Jillette, David Mamet, Fred Hechinger, and Isaac Mizahi 

Runtime: 150 Minutes