THE MEYEROWITZ Stories Stars Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller - Still, It Lacks Luster

THE MEYEROWITZ Stories is now in select theaters & available on Netflix.  The star studded cast includes Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler.  Sandler, surprisingly is  very affective as Danny the demeaned son of Harold (Hoffman) and underdog to the successful, prodigal son Matthew (Stiller).   In fact, surrounded by such extraordinary talent, Sandler garners likability & captures our empathy.  The stories revolve around Harold, a narcissistic, charismatic, irritating sculptor whose work eludes the fame he's convinced he's due.  Harold is married to his 4th wife (or 3rd since his 1st was annulled) Maureen (the indomitable Emma Thompson).  Thompson as Maureen plays an alcoholic, bohemian nihilist who manages to make the most of every moment on screen.  The movie is mostly takes place in NYC where Harold & Maureen live in an old brown stone that is up for sale which is supposedly up for family consensus.  The general feel of the film is a good natured comedic family drama.  The hilarious family dysfunction ranges from the mundane to the absurd.  Harold's indignant, inappropriate behaviors are brazenly hysterical.  The scene at the restaurant with Matthew is priceless.  Where Danny is Harold's lackey we cringe with wretchedness.  The stellar supporting cast include Candace Bergen as Harold's ex & Ben's mom, Grace Van Patten as  Danny & Matthew' under appreciated sister, Adam Driver as a spendthrift rock star & Judd Hirsch as a celebrated artist & colleague of Harold's.  Bergen's rehearsed, apology reads of years of therapy.  It's as disingenuous as it is hilarious.  Danny & Matthew each have a child and both are separating from their spouses.  They bond over their kids, commiserate over their failed marriages and pull together to care for Harold when he's hospitalized in a coma.   They also push & shove each other outside the hospital. Their tussling & antics are comedic genius.  In hindsight, THE MEYEROWITS Stories dir/written by Noah Baumbach (WHILE WE'RE YOUNG) the movie has more to savor than disclaim for its discomfort.  Nonetheless, you win by tuning into Netflix rather than paying to see it in the theaters.