Jay Kelly (2025) – Clooney & Sandler Shine in a Bittersweet Hollywood Mirror

Jay Kelly (2025), directed by Noah Baumbach, takes us deep behind the Hollywood curtain with George Clooney as the famous movie star Jay Kelly and Adam Sandler as his loyal (but paid) manager Ron. On screen Jay is the perfect leading man everyone loves; off screen he’s a 60-year-old guy full of regrets, lonely, and struggling to connect with his daughters. I went in expecting something light and funny, but walked out feeling that quiet ache of “what did I miss in life?” It’s not perfect, but Clooney and Sandler are so good together that I’m already thinking about a rewatch. Solid 8/10 for me.

The Story: Fame, Regrets, and a Long Overdue Road Trip 

Jay Kelly is at the top—rich, adored, still getting big roles—but inside he’s empty. His daughters feel abandoned (one heartbreaking line: “When you left us as kids, I watched your movies… there you were the perfect dad”), his old acting-school roommate blames him for stealing his big break decades ago, and even his closest “friend” Ron gets 15 % of everything he earns.

When Jay decides to take a spontaneous trip through Europe, Ron drops his own family crisis to join him. What starts as a celebrity getaway turns into a slow, funny, painful look back at choices, sacrifices, and whether all the fame was worth the personal cost.

What I Really Loved

• George Clooney is perfect as Jay—charming on the surface, quietly broken underneath. You feel his loneliness.
• Adam Sandler as Ron is the surprise MVP. He plays devoted, funny, a little resentful… and you totally buy their weird 30-year friendship/business deal.
• The flashbacks to young Jay and his roommate are great, especially the behind-the-scenes movie-making bits. That bedroom scene where we see the “romantic kiss” turn into awkward acting with crew everywhere? Genius.
• Those little moments of Hollywood truth: how perfect on-screen families hide real broken ones, how managers sacrifice their own lives, how fame leaves you surrounded by people but still alone.

My Two Complaints

First, some scenes stretch a little too long—I got disconnected for a minute or two before the next good moment pulled me back. Small thing.

Bigger issue: it’s a character study of a flawed famous guy, but it stays pretty shallow and gentle. The criticism of Hollywood and fame feels soft, almost polite. One critic nailed it: “strong performances from Clooney and Sandler, but Baumbach’s film sinks into Hollywood self-indulgence, offering a glossy yet shallow portrait.” I felt that too—it pokes at the problems but never really punches.

Ratings and Critical Reception

• IMDb: 6.6/10 (15,000 votes)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 76 % critics (206 reviews) / 87 % audience

Critics love the acting (Clooney and Sandler both got Golden Globe noms), audiences seem to connect more with the heart. My 8/10 sits closer to the audience side—flaws and all, it moved me.

A Thoughtful, Rewatchable Look at Fame’s Empty Side

At 8/10, Jay Kelly isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s one of those quiet movies that sticks with you. If you love character-driven dramas, behind-the-scenes Hollywood glimpses, or just watching two legends bounce off each other—this is worth your time.

Made me think: all the applause in the world doesn’t fix an empty house.

What did you think of Jay Kelly? Did Clooney and Sandler sell the friendship for you, or did the softness bug you too? Drop your thoughts below!

And suggest my next watch—I’m in the mood for more smart adult dramas or anything with great acting chemistry.

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