My Rating: 3.88/4 (aka You should see this one)

One line summary: Marty Mauser pursues greatness in table tennis.

The Deets: Okay people, buckle up. If you haven’t seen the previous work from director Josh Safdie (“Uncut Gems,” which was so erratic I couldn’t finish it), then consider yourself prepared; this is a grand, wild, intense, and relentless movie – Timothee Chalamet should win the Oscar for his portrayal of lead character Marty Mauser (very loosely based on the real-life Jewish ping pong champion Martin Reisman), as he dominates every scene with his quick wit, intensity, and striking energy. Most movies have a fairly identifiable three-act structure, but Safdie defies the rules, as the story seems to continuously heighten its stakes as it progresses, lurching ahead toward an unknowable conclusion. The script is provocative and sharp, the cast sublime (especially the radiant Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin O’Leary from “Shark Tank”). You may leave the theatre feeling uneasy, and I think that is by design – while Safdie’s former work seemed to want to make you uncomfortable as the point of it, this work is more mature and driven by a deeper purpose. The final scene anchors us there.

Perfect for: If you like Safdie’s work and especially if you love to watch Chalamet act, as he has become the next great movie star of his generation.

Where to watch: For now it’s only in theatres, and at a bold 2.5 hours, it’s totally worth it for the experience.

Food pairing: Big bucket of popcorn.