leethomas-11621 Intelligent comedy about a "lost" middle-aged couple trying to find "meaning" by connecting with a younger couple. But there's much more to this movie especially when we come across a storyline concerning what is fake or real in the media. The comedy is great too ("I didn't mean 'bless you' in the sneeze sense. In the Pope sense!") Both leads are wonderful and I'm not usually a Ben Stiller fan. In under 90 mins, the writer/director has made a tight movie that is smart and has real feeling. Only quibble? Overuse of the Baroque on the soundtrack but there's also Bowie, Lionel Richie, Paul McCartney & Wings, and lots of hip-hop! (viewed 4/17)

simona gianotti The basic idea of the picture could have been interesting if properly developed. The idea of setting the boring lives of a couple in their forties against the smart younger couple was intriguing at the beginning, but boringly conducted and ended with a big question mark. The dichotomy between old and young is not that simple and when the movie seems to exploit this idea, it suddenly takes a tumble and looks for an easier and reconciling finale. There's certainly good acting, Ben Stiller proves a good serious performer, confirming that talented comic actors can do a very good job in more serious roles, but lacks some due chemistry with Naomi Watts. The final result is rather disappointing: given its premises, the picture should have been more focused and much more daring.

Argemaluco I'm not sure about the niche or sub-category occupied by Noah Baumbach in indie cinema, but I have liked most of the films he has been involved in, either as a director (The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha) or as a screenwriter (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Fantastic Mr. Fox). In While We're Young, Baumbach occupies both positions, and I enjoyed the fascinating tour he offers us through the neurosis and internal turbulence from various picturesque characters on different stages of their lives very much. The clash between "hipsters" and "Gen-X" suggests the fact that While We're Young is a satire of the clichés which identify those social groups, one of them rising, and the other one, on its road to obsolescence... or at least passive complacency. And, effectively, there are some satire moments about the habits and affectations from both generations; but beyond those humorous comparisons, Baumbach built sincere and realistic characters who develop endearing connections with each other. The friendship between the young couple and the mature one seems strange on the beginning, but we eventually realize that both possess qualities complementing their respective emotional needs. The mature couple has experience and a better knowledge of the "real world", while the young one enjoy the energy of youth and isn't tied to a complex net of social or economic obligations, something which brings them an degree of freedom that is attractive for their mature friends. In summary, I found While We're Young an excellent character study with perfect performances from the whole cast, and with an interesting "personal crisis" premise solidly executed by Baumbach's melancholic sensibility. I liked this film very much, but I know that While We're Young has generally not found a good answer from critics and the general audience. Anyway, I would personally recommend it with enthusiasm, with the warning that it isn't a traditional Ben Stiller comedy. Sure, there's pretty much humor in the screenplay and the performances, but they never seek peals of laughter, but the astute observation of absurd or incongruent details which keep us amused while simultaneously leaving us thinking. In other words, don't expect the Stiller from Night at the Museum, but the one from Greenberg (which was curiously also written and directed by Baumbach). And don't expect a "feel good" ending either, but a "feel weird" one. That final scene is perfect for me to answer the eternal question "Why don't you have any children?".

rjsf96 'While We're Young' struck a chord with me. It's not the main characters that I could relate the most to but the supporting characters. Whichever character an audience member can identify with is because of While We're Young's tremendous script and directing talent. The person responsible for this highly detailed film about what it means to be human and alive is Noah Baumbach. Prepare yourself for some of the greatest ninety seven minutes put to film.'While We're Young' does not have a solid plot. But is centered around the relationships of characters and the interactions they have socially and on different forms of media. It is an extremely thought provoking film that is sure to open up much debate months after its release in cinemas. It is not a slow paced film and has much to say about the state of friendships, relationships and how the internet plays a big part in our everyday lives. Sometimes with us left unawares. The couple that we are first introduced to is Josh (a striking Ben Stiller) and Cornelia (an energetic Naomi Watts). They are nearing their fifties and cannot escape the feeling that there are events that they are missing out on. But as age takes its toll they feel they have missed out on their opportunity and are far too old to engage in activities that are adventurous, daring and fun. Josh is a university professor and in one of his classes Jamie (a wacky Adam Driver) and Darby (a hypnotising Amanda Seyfried) spontaneously appear. Josh and Cornelia feel energised by the twenty something couple. A fact that their friends take pleasure in mocking them about. "Nine years ago they couldn't vote".'While We're Young' is so engaging that you always feel the runtime could have been stretched to over two hours. But no matter. What Baumbach offers us here is more than enough to be overwhelmed by. I was frequently touched by the heart and soul of the film. This is achieved through exceedingly excellent performances, character development and great lines every other second. Baumbach is turning into the next Woody Allen. I could not be any happier.This brings me to the astonishing script. Normally it takes two or three people to bring a well realised script to the screen. This is not the case in 'While We're Young'. The Director is the only contributor to this Meta feat of a film. All of the characters feel like real people, to gain their entire back story would take three films or more to achieve. Josh and Cornelia are the polar opposite of Jamie and Darby who do any activity for the sheer fun of it. The script delicately shows the contrasts and comparisons to be had between each couple. I'm so grateful that the characters never felt fake. This is the type of drama and comedy that I cannot get enough of. This is destined to be the funniest film of the year by a long shot. Directors twice the age of Noah Baumbach could not dream up the glorious lines that he does here. This is a Director that is in touch with society and knows what is right and wrong with it.The cinematography simply put is splendid. Sam Levy has worked previously with Noah Baumbach on 'Frances Ha'. Levy outdoes himself here, lending 'While We're Young' a whimsical feel hitting the right tone for the themes of the film. It is simple whilst effective. The composure of the shots is breath-taking. You just have to see this film if you consider yourself a supporter of art as well as entertainment for cinema.The music composed by James Murphy is beautiful and contributes largely to the effect that 'While We're Young' is bound to have on its audience. The best thing though is the inclusion of eighties hits such as All Night Long and Eye of the Tiger. This allows for further connection between Josh and Jamie through the power of music. As Josh says "I remember when this song was just considered bad". This will bring nostalgia to many older audience members and I for one am glad of this inclusion.'While We're Young' is the perfect example of when a Director is working in complete harmony with his out of this world cast; featuring well realised characters, an engaging story, a smart, punchy script, amazing cinematography and nostalgic tracks from the eighties. 'While We're Young' is a must see experience for viewers both young and old.