HIGHBALL

Cinemavixion Review

Noah Baumbach's "Highball" from 1997 offers a candid, albeit somewhat uneventful, glimpse into the social aspirations of a newly married Brooklyn couple. The film, starring Justine Bateman and featuring Baumbach himself alongside Peter Bogdanovich, attempts to capture the dynamics of hosting parties as a means to invigorate a social life. While the premise holds potential for sharp observation and comedic situations, the execution feels more like an intimate, perhaps even autobiographical, sketch than a fully realized narrative. The ensemble cast navigates the material with a naturalistic ease, but the film ultimately struggles to transcend its low-key approach, making it a niche piece for those interested in Baumbach's early directorial efforts or indie comedies focusing on interpersonal relationships.