Max Rose (2016)

An Exercise In Nonsense

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Jerry Lewis (1926-2017) plays an 87-year old jazz pianist whose wife of 65 years has died. He has learned that his Eva may not have been faithful all those years. Max Rose is directed by Daniel Noah and it's from 2013, but the wider audience got to see the movie last year. It hasn't gotten such fine reviews, but I just saw it on Netflix and liked it. It marks Jerry Lewis' return to the big screen after a very long time, and even longer with the top billing. This could be seen as the swan song of this legendary comedian, although he did appear in a couple of films after this. Here we see him playing it straight, even though he does wear a clown's nose for a while. And it's a lot of fun to see glimpses of the old Jerry Lewis, like at the jam session with the other old-timers. He mimes playing the instruments, which is a reminder of his old typewriter routine. But Jerry Lewis could be serious too, if he wanted to. The movie has a wonderful supporting cast, as well. Kerry Bishé is terrific as Annie Rose, the granddaughter. And Kevin Pollak is great as his son Christopher. Dean Stockwell is very good as Ben Tracey, the other man. Illeana Douglas plays the part of Jenny Flowers and she's superb. In the flashback sequences we see Claire Bloom as the late wife, and she's just marvelous. Then we have the group of fantastic old men- Rance Howard, Lee Weaver and Mort Sahl. What a joy to watch them! This is not your typical feel-good movie. If you want to see one, go see a Jerry Lewis movie of a different era. I'm so glad Max Rose got made when it still was possible. It ends with Mr. Lewis walking into the light. What a nice exit!

Jerry Lewis was cast in this slobbering bore-fest about an old geezer whom has recently lost his wife.The most sore-thumb quality about this tripe is the fact that it has no point except to prop up Lewis as a kindly old load whom we're supposed to find irresistible..... I did not. Hopefully this will be his swan song as an actor (by the way, he was NEVER an actor).Lewis was a comedian, nothing more -- and even then, he was funny only when he was funny, which wasn't very often. His pathetic films (especially the ones he directed) have proved that.If nothing else, Lewis' movies over the years (most notably in the 1960's) can be viewed as a poignant exercise in self-aggrandizement, similar to the way he conducted himself on the Labor Day telethons where he always said things like, "What 'I' have tried to do here....". Always "I", not "We".... "My kids", not "Our kids", etc.And for those who are too stupid to realize it (and there are many), Lewis cannot act, he cannot direct, and he certainly cannot sing. Just like any other mediocre performer, Lewis lucked into the position to do whatever he wanted to do in the entertainment industry, so he thinks he's a singer. Having fun in your little fantasy-life there, Jerry? In his lame attempt to feel superior to others, Lewis has never possessed the cognizance to understand that other people (even if they're not 'famous') are worthwhile human beings. Being famous, trying to be humorous, or owning a yacht, is not what makes the man. That comes from the inside. Being a loving person comes from an amiable heart.Most of all, love comes from sincerity which allows a person to accept and help others. Jerry didn't get that, he just never got it. Not when he was pan-handling for nickels on those telethons, and certainly not in 'Max Rose'. The audience is only offered a character filled with syrupy vomit which Jerry was hoping would be construed as "charm", an obvious failure.No doubt Lewis was expecting a 'deserved' Oscar for this.... deservedly, he didn't get it.

Just another Jerry Lewis Filmed Fiasco that sat unreleased.... until now, unfortunately. No doubt to prove that he's still relevant in some way, Lewis has allowed humanity to be 'graced' with this ridiculously sappy movie about the widower life of an old fart (Lewis, type-casted).Lewis putters around bumping into things, the camera incessantly zooming in for the close-up so we can see just how 'loveable' and 'cuddly' he really is -- yes, this is a science-fiction flick, folks. But at least Jerry doesn't try to sing!.... there IS a God! Jerry's fake pomposity is in tow once again. Pass on this matza ball of a film.

Memory is a funny thing, it ebbs and flows with one's mood and circumstances and so does perspective. In Max Rose, we meet a recent widower (played by Jerry Lewis), who finds reason to believe that his wife of 65 years, Eva (Claire Bloom) was in love with another man. He declares at her funeral that the marriage "was a lie." Max, who is already a cantankerous old man, becomes even more recalcitrant after his loss and engaging in a revisionist journey wherein he lets his own demons pollute his mind. Lewis, in his first feature role in more than 20 years, does well in presenting the depression and anger that Max suffers, and it is perhaps the most redeeming quality of the film because something else is still missing. Read more of my review here: https://indieethos.com/2016/09/23/max- rose/