The Film "When We Were Young" Grows Old Quickly

Dir./writer Noah Baumbach's (The Squid & the Whale '05) film had a lot going for it at the start but then starts to gnaw on you.  Naomi Watts and Ben Stiller play a childless couple in their 40's who find themselves at a crossroads with their lives, their careers (doc. filmmakers) and their choices.  Neither feel fulfilled and both feel themselves getting older; regretting their fading youth and ambitions.  There are clever observations on the generational divide: loss of spontaneity, freedom, fashion, music  and drive.  Added to the widening barrier divide from the younger generation is their alienation from friends  now embracing parenthood.  Along comes a young couple played by Adam Driver (TV: Girls & film: This is Where I Leave You) & Amanda Seyfriend (Chloe opposite Julianne Moore) who ingratiate themselves into their lives.  Driver & Seyfriend spark a rejuvenation & excitement into their staid lifestyle. Charles Grodin plays Watt's father, a highly regarded doc. filmmaker.  Grodin is an old pro who adds a lot of heart to the film.  In fact, the ensemble cast are excellent except for Stiller.  Stiller is slow to realize he's being manipulated and his character turns annoying.  Stiller can phone in the role of a whiney, self-absorbed schlub.  Watts bemoans the loss of new love.  I wonder when Stiller is going to outgrow his wearisome personna on film.  Whatever charms the movie held grow tarnished by the end.