Marty Supreme (2025)
7.5 /10
1036 Reviews
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Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Marty Mauser
... Kay Stone
... Rachel Mizler
... Milton Rockwell
... Wally
User reviews
Films about underdogs who eagerly aspire to be champions are among the biggest crowd-pleasers in today’s movie industry. There’s something about watching a story in which an indisputable hopeful does whatever it takes to come out on top (even if that sometimes calls for occasionally bending ‒ or even breaking ‒ the rules), prompting viewers to pull for the would-be victor in the face of such hardships. However, there comes a point where the contender’s actions might be called into question, either by going too far or by exhibiting a degree of confidence that verges on arrogance or conceit. Does someone like that still make for a suitable role model? Is that kind of “inspiration” something to be emulated? Or does this represent the rise of a bona fide bad boy? Those are the questions raised in this solo project from writer-director Josh Safdie, one-half of the Safdie Brothers moviemaking duo. Loosely based on the life of colorful American table tennis star Marty Reisman, who rose to prominence in the sport in the 1950s, the film tells the story of Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a character patterned after his real life counterpart. At a time when table tennis is largely looked on in the US as a home-based pastime – very much in contrast to its immense popularity as a competitive, legitimate sport in Asia and elsewhere – Mauser aspires to be a world champion, a goal aimed at making “ping pong” something taken more seriously stateside. However, given the sport’s lightweight reputation in America at the time, he has trouble securing financial backing for his efforts, leading him to engage in an array of questionable funding arrangements. What’s more, he doesn’t help his own case much, either, frequently alienating officials in the sport, as well as potentially influential backers, such as a wealthy pen manufacturer (Kevin O’Leary), partly by his behavior and otherwise with his smug, sarcastic attitude and ample capacity as a pathological liar. Mauser also makes some dubious personal choices, such as having an affair with a Hollywood actress seeking to resuscitate her flailing career (Gwyneth Paltrow) (who, by the way, just happens to be his would-be sponsor’s trophy wife) at the same time that he has unwittingly fathered a child with a lifelong friend (Odessa A’zion) who’s married to a hothead abusive husband (Emory Cohen). And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of his bad behavior. Mauser is, in no uncertain terms, a hustler of the first order who doesn’t always think through his schemes before acting on them. To be sure, Mauser’s story is a genuinely entertaining (albeit somewhat overlong) tale, full of laughs, great sports action sequences and one of the most impressive (i.e., not annoying) performances by Chalamet. Despite those strengths, though, is the protagonist someone that parents would want their children to look up to? Personally, I find that a rather questionable choice for the subject of a big screen film. While the protagonist’s objective is a noble one, the story told here is also a potent cautionary tale, one that raises many questions about the ends justifying the means. In light of that, then, “Marty Supreme” is one of those releases that must be taken with a full shaker of salt while assessing its content. It might well amuse, but it should also give viewers pause to reflect on the kinds of individuals we admire as heroes, especially where the impressionable among us are concerned. Indeed, watch wisely.
Director:
Genres:
Release Date:
2025-12-19
Run Time:
150 min
MMPA Rating:
R
Reviews of
Marty Supreme
Films about underdogs who eagerly aspire to be champions are among the biggest crowd-pleasers in today’s movie industry. There’s something about watching a story in which an indisputable hopeful does whatever it takes to come out on top (even if that sometimes calls for occasionally bending ‒ or even breaking ‒ the rules), prompting viewers to pull for the would-be victor in the face of such hardships. However, there comes a point where the contender’s actions might be called into question, either by going too far or by exhibiting a degree of confidence that verges on arrogance or conceit. Does someone like that still make for a suitable role model? Is that kind of “inspiration” something to be emulated? Or does this represent the rise of a bona fide bad boy? Those are the questions raised in this solo project from writer-director Josh Safdie, one-half of the Safdie Brothers moviemaking duo. Loosely based on the life of colorful American table tennis star Marty Reisman, who rose to prominence in the sport in the 1950s, the film tells the story of Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a character patterned after his real life counterpart. At a time when table tennis is largely looked on in the US as a home-based pastime – very much in contrast to its immense popularity as a competitive, legitimate sport in Asia and elsewhere – Mauser aspires to be a world champion, a goal aimed at making “ping pong” something taken more seriously stateside. However, given the sport’s lightweight reputation in America at the time, he has trouble securing financial backing for his efforts, leading him to engage in an array of questionable funding arrangements. What’s more, he doesn’t help his own case much, either, frequently alienating officials in the sport, as well as potentially influential backers, such as a wealthy pen manufacturer (Kevin O’Leary), partly by his behavior and otherwise with his smug, sarcastic attitude and ample capacity as a pathological liar. Mauser also makes some dubious personal choices, such as having an affair with a Hollywood actress seeking to resuscitate her flailing career (Gwyneth Paltrow) (who, by the way, just happens to be his would-be sponsor’s trophy wife) at the same time that he has unwittingly fathered a child with a lifelong friend (Odessa A’zion) who’s married to a hothead abusive husband (Emory Cohen). And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of his bad behavior. Mauser is, in no uncertain terms, a hustler of the first order who doesn’t always think through his schemes before acting on them. To be sure, Mauser’s story is a genuinely entertaining (albeit somewhat overlong) tale, full of laughs, great sports action sequences and one of the most impressive (i.e., not annoying) performances by Chalamet. Despite those strengths, though, is the protagonist someone that parents would want their children to look up to? Personally, I find that a rather questionable choice for the subject of a big screen film. While the protagonist’s objective is a noble one, the story told here is also a potent cautionary tale, one that raises many questions about the ends justifying the means. In light of that, then, “Marty Supreme” is one of those releases that must be taken with a full shaker of salt while assessing its content. It might well amuse, but it should also give viewers pause to reflect on the kinds of individuals we admire as heroes, especially where the impressionable among us are concerned. Indeed, watch wisely.
“Marty” (Timothée Chalamet) has dreams that he can dominate the sport of table tennis. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most folks he knows in New York think he’s a few bricks short of a full barrow. Anyway, after quite a fun altercation with a rival at work, he purloins seven hundred bucks then absconds to London for the world championships. That's where he meets not only his soon-to-be nemesis “Koto Endo” (Koto Kawaguchi) but also the glamorous actress “Kay” (Gwyneth Paltrow) who just happens to be rather unsatisfactorily married to millionaire ink-man “Rockwell” (Kevin O’Leary). From now on, “Marty” must juggle a series of plates that include the pregnant “Rachel” (Odessa A’zion) and an international federation that takes a dim view of his attitudes to their sport (and it’s accommodation policies). The next world championships are in Japan, and there’s a fighting chance he can get there is he plays the game the way “Rockwell” wants - but given he’s an entirely self-obsessed and frankly quite unlikeable man, what chance he can learn to compromise? I was late to the party as far as Chalamet is concerned. Until “Dune” (2021), I found him to be quite an unremarkable actor. Here, though, he shines. He owns the part and I must admit I really quite enjoyed his performance as a man whom I’d cheerfully have fed to the sharks. Indeed, the scene for which this film will most likely be best remembered was nowhere near severe enough on a character who took arrogance to an whole new level. A’zion comes into her own a little more towards the end but Paltrow doesn’t really get much chance to shine as her sparing appearances don’t really endear “Kay” to us much, either. My dad used to paint his golf balls orange so he could play in the (Scottish) snow, so the design of an orange ping pong ball against white backgrounds seems self-evidently sensible for all concerned; some of his energetic antics do raise a smile as this races along and although I don’t know that I’d join a queue to see it again, I did enjoy it as Chalamet exudes a charisma that is enjoyable to watch.
you ever watch a movie where everything is perfect and it’s hard to imagine they held casting calls because there’s no chance anyone else could play any of these roles? And it almost feels real like this is who these people are and we’re witnessing a moment, a window inside? A certain disbelief arises because genuinely Marty Supreme really is that bitch.
Uncut Gems anxiety multiplied by 100.
Yeah the Oscar might actually go to Timothee. Don't get me wrong, Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio were amazing, but GAH DAMN Timothee did something special here.
It's getting harder and harder for me to choose the best movie of 2025. I'll need to rewatch Sinners and OBAA to decide.
(The Reze Arc is still my personal favorite of 2025.)
**What was it?**
I’m not sure why everyone’s so hyped about this movie, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. I picked it up because of the high ratings, but it failed to impress.
The movie starts with a gripping plot, great art, and cinematography. It held my attention for about an hour, but then it started feeling forced, chaotic, and unrealistic.
The protagonist was confusing. I didn’t know whether to root for him or support his peril. He did some really unlikable and immoral things. Immoral protagonists aren’t new, but usually the story tries to justify their actions for a greater good. But in this movie, the only motivation was his obsessive, selfish “ping pong” game victory. Why should I care if winning was important to him?
There are a few good things in the movie, though. Timothee Chalamet really shines as a mature actor, and I was surprised to see Kevin O’Leary’s acting skills. But overall, it’s a mediocre movie at best.
Cast & Crew of
Marty Supreme
Cast
... Marty Mauser
... Kay Stone
... Rachel Mizler
... Milton Rockwell
... Wally
... Rebecca Mauser
... Ezra Mishkin
... Ira Mizler
... Béla Kletzki
... Koto Endo
... Murray Norkin
... Dion Galanis
... Ram Sethi
... Mariann
... Lloyd
... Norkin Customer
... Lawrence
... Not Marty's Messenger
... Judy
... Christopher Galanis
... Wembley Photographer
... Amit Vishwakarma
... Wembley Round 1 Umpire
... Angry British Bailey Fan
... Ted Bailey
... Vladimir Sebek
... Wembley Round 3 Umpire
... Daily Mail Reporter
... The Sun Reporter
... The Star Reporter
... Irish Times Reporter
... Ritz Maître D'
... Wembley Finals Umpire
... Japanese Coach
... Japanese Team Member
... Wembley Announcer
... French Maître D'
... Globetrotter
... Globetrotter
... Greasy MC
... Coach Abe
... Brussels MC
... Officer Sal
... Officer Frank
... Pet Store Customer Mom
... Pet Store Customer Son
... Bruised Man
... Halsey Desk Clerk
... Pissed Off Neighbor at Halsey
... Halsey Worker / Male Voice (voice)
... Halsey Worker
... Paramedic
... Paramedic
... Fox's Employee
... Boyd
... Roger
... Board Man
... Overalls
... Christian
... Clark
... Trish
... Lawrence's Dirtbag
... Ted
... Rockwell Receptionist Voice (voice)
... Troy
... Director Glenn Nordmann
... Playwright
... Henry the Suitor
... Assistant to Kay Stone
... Production Manager
... Hotel Edison Custodian
... Pawn Shop Leon
... Gas Station Attendant
... Hoff
... Ira's Grandmother
... Mitch
... Blarney Stone Phone Voice (voice)
... Blarney Stone Bartender
... Park Hero
... Merle
... Fred Astaire
... Patrolman Cap
... Patrolman Joey
... Gloomy Rockwell Friend
... Partygoer
... Kay's Mom
... Milton's Friend
... Milton's Friend
... Milton's Friend
... Robert
... Reuben
... E.R. Nurse
... E.R. Nurse
... Flight Attendant
... Rockwell Executive
... Rockwell Executive
... Haneda Ramp Agent
... Japanese Rockwell Executive
... Haneda Greeter
... Japanese MC
... Japanese Show Worker & Translator
... Japanese Challenger #1
... Japanese Usher
... Ueno Ball Boy
... Japanese Coach from JTTA
... Japanese Show Worker
... IATT Representative
... IATT Representative
... IATT Japanese Peer
... IATT Japanese Peer
... IATT Japanese Peer
... Japanese Challenger #2
... American General
... Japanese Scorekeeper
... Japanese Ping Pong Umpire
... Man in Ueno Crowd
... Officer
... Bellevue Phone Operator
... Bellevue Maternity Reception
... Newborn Nursery Nurse
... British Open Semifinals Commentator (voice) (uncredited)
... Usher (uncredited)
Crew
... Producer
... Producer
... Writer
... Writer
... Producer
... Director
... Producer
... Producer
... Director of Photography
... Casting
... Set Decoration
... Sound Mixer
... Costume Design
... Production Design
... Executive Producer
... Supervising Art Director
... Script Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Stunt Coordinator
... Still Photographer
... Editor
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Steadicam Operator
... "A" Camera Operator
... Original Music Composer
... Second Unit Director
... Music Supervisor
... Editor
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Thanks
... Unit Publicist
... Art Direction
... First Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Second Unit Director of Photography
... Special Effects Makeup Artist
... Prosthetic Designer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Colorist
... Unit Production Manager
... Unit Production Manager
... Makeup Department Head
... Hair Department Head
... Stand In
... Stunt Coordinator
... Stunt Double
... Stunt Double
... Stunt Double
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunt Driver
... Utility Stunts
... Animal Wrangler
... Animal Wrangler
... Animal Wrangler
... Co-Producer
... Associate Producer
... Associate Producer
... Associate Producer
... Additional Editor
... Additional Editor
... Consulting Editor
... Post Production Producer
... First Assistant Editor
... Post Production Coordinator
... Post Production Coordinator
... Visual Effects Producer
... Post Production Accountant
... First Assistant "A" Camera
... "B" Camera Operator
... Second Assistant "A" Camera
... First Assistant "B" Camera
... "C" Camera Operator
... First Assistant "C" Camera
... First Assistant "C" Camera
... Second Assistant "C" Camera
... Digital Imaging Technician
... Gaffer
... Chief Lighting Technician
... Assistant Chief Lighting Technician
... Second Unit First Assistant Director
... Key Grip
... First Company Grip
... Dolly Grip
... Dolly Grip
... Key Rigging Grip
... Art Direction
... Assistant Art Director
... Assistant Art Director
... Assistant Art Director
... Assistant Art Director
... Art Department Coordinator
... Graphic Designer
... Graphic Designer
... Graphic Designer
... Graphic Designer
... Property Master
... Picture Car Coordinator
... Storyboard Artist
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Key Construction Grip
... Set Decorating Coordinator
... Set Decorating Coordinator
... On Set Dresser
... Construction Coordinator
... Key Carpenter
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Scenic Artist
... Main Title Designer
... Main Title Designer
... Key Hairdresser
... Hairdresser
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Assistant Costume Designer
... Wardrobe Supervisor
... Set Costumer
... Key Set Costumer
... Key Costumer
... Truck Costumer
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Costume Coordinator
... Ager/Dyer
... Casting Associate
... Casting Associate
... Casting Assistant
... Extras Casting
... Extras Casting
... Extras Casting Assistant
... Extras Casting Assistant
... Local Casting
... Production Coordinator
... Assistant Production Coordinator
... Production Secretary
... Travel Coordinator
... Boom Operator
... Second Second Assistant Director
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Set Medic
... Production Accountant
... First Assistant Accountant
... Second Assistant Accountant
... Second Assistant Accountant
... Second Assistant Accountant
... Payroll Accountant
... Location Manager
... Assistant Location Manager
... Assistant Location Manager
... Assistant Location Manager
... Location Scout
... Location Scout
... Location Scout
... Location Scout
... Location Coordinator
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Location Assistant
... Driver
... Transportation Captain
... Transportation Co-Captain
... Chef
... Chef
... Chef
... Craft Service
... Craft Service
... Security
... Military Consultant
... Finishing Producer
... Executive In Charge Of Production
... Foley Artist
... Executive In Charge Of Post Production
... Executive in Charge of Finance
... Additional Colorist
... Finishing Producer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Sound Designer
... Supervising Dialogue Editor
... ADR Editor
... Supervising Dialogue Editor
... ADR Editor
... ADR Editor
... Sound Effects Editor
... Foley Artist
... Assistant Sound Editor
... Foley Artist
... Foley Mixer
... Foley Mixer
... Foley Recordist
... ADR Recordist
... Foley Recordist
... Foley Recordist
... ADR Mixer
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... VFX Editor
... VFX Editor
... VFX Editor
... Modeling
... Modeling
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Producer
... Compositing Supervisor
... Compositing Supervisor
... Compositing Supervisor
... CG Supervisor
... VFX Editor
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Production Manager
... Layout Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Producer
... CG Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Music Editor
... Scoring Mixer
... Music Coordinator
... Researcher
... Researcher
... Researcher
... Clearances Coordinator
... In Memory Of
... Art Direction
... Assistant Art Director
... Assistant Art Director
... Set Decoration
... Art Department Production Assistant
... Producer
... Production Manager
... First Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Second Second Assistant Director
... Third Assistant Director
... Line Producer
... Graphic Designer
... Second Assistant "A" Camera
... Unit Production Manager
... Assistant Unit Manager
... First Assistant "B" Camera
... "B" Camera Operator
... "D" Camera Operator
... Sound Mixer
... Boom Operator
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Tailor
... Camera Operator
... Art Direction
... 3D Artist
... 3D Artist
... 3D Artist
... 3D Artist
... 3D Artist
... 3D Artist
... Location Casting






















































