Review: ‘MAX ROSE’ sees legend Jerry Lewis in his first live-action film in two decades.

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Presents

 MAX ROSE

Max Rose Poster starring Jerry Lewis

In Theaters September 2nd

Starring: Jerry Lewis, Claire Bloom, Kevin Pollak, Kerry Bishé, Dean Stockwell, Mort Sahl, Illeana Douglas, Rance Howard, and Lee Weaver

Written and Directed by: Daniel NoahMax Rose still Jerry LewisDrawing on personal experiences tends to be a pretty successful way to tell a story. Raw emotion tends to translate from page to screen, especially if you have a legend bringing your words to life. Jerry Lewis makes Daniel Noah‘s new film a beautiful and heart-wrenching winner. MAX ROSE tells the story of a retired jazz pianist whose world is sent into a tailspin after he finds a letter given to his wife. Who is the mysterious author? This could change everything he’s ever known.kerry bishe and kevin pollak

After the death of his beloved wife Eva, Max finds a relic from her past, along with a love letter from a man who is not him. Adjusting to a new life in which everything feels like a lie wreaks havoc on everyone connected to Max. His granddaughter Annie  becomes his surrogate caretaker, while he pushes away any attempt from his son to help. Max is on a mission to find the truth while attempting to maintain any sense of self or fraction of happiness. Noah’s script is delicate and intense. There is possibly  no other actor able to fill this role other than Lewis, who returns in his first live-action role since Funny Bones in 1995.

The cast is unreal. Kevin Pollak as Max’s son Christopher, is solid as ever. He plays a pragmatic man who yearns for the affection and approval of his Dad. The volatility between the two is so palpable on screen, it’s a joy to watch from any cinephile’s perspective. Kerry Bishe plays Annie. Soft and loving and seeking her own way in the world. Dean Stockwell‘s appearance, is surprising and welcome. Since Stockwell will forever be “Al” from Quantum Leap, seeing him as a much more emotionally stunted man on his death-bed was fantastic.Max rose still

The entire film revolves around the ability of Jerry Lewis to be on his toes. He does not disappoint. This film is a reminder of how truly incredible this man is. It’s not easy to tell the story of an octogenarian in a new and interesting way. There are so few films that center around an elderly main character. Cocoon and Driving Miss Daisy (both starring Jessica Tandy), Nebraska, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Amour, and Harold & Maude are a few wonderful examples, but even they must have a been a hard sell at some point. With Lewis as our main man, we happily sit up and take notice. Everything from tone to timbre is perfection. Noah should be proud of this exemplary sophomore film. MAX ROSE deals with many relevant issues, such as loss, life transition, and hope. No matter the age of the viewer, there will be an instant connection in both story and performance.

MAX ROSE comes to opens Friday, September 2nd

MAX ROSE, featuring the legendary Jerry Lewis in his first starring role in over two decades, is a deeply moving drama about a retired jazz musician whose beloved wife of nearly six decades has just passed away. Though his career wasn’t everything he hoped for, Max always felt like a success because his beautiful, elegant Eva was by his side.  Then, while going through her effects, he discovers a love note from another man, a shocking revelation that leads him to believe his entire marriage, indeed, his entire life, was built on a lie. Following a period of anger and withdrawal, Max decides to confront the man who “stole” his wife in the hope that what he learns will provide the answers he so desperately needs.  A film about reconciling the past, living in the present, and never stopping to plan for the future, MAX ROSE was written and directed by Daniel Noah,   Rounding out the cast are Claire Bloom (as Eva), Kevin Pollack, Kerry Bishe, Mort Sahl, Dean Stockwell, Rance Howard, and Lee Weaver.