The Amarillo Pioneer’s Film Review series is back, covering many of the big releases that will be greeting audiences soon. Today’s review is for the new film “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothee Chalamet.
Who would’ve thought a movie about ping pong could be so cool?
“Marty Supreme” is A24’s latest release, putting Josh Safdie in the director’s chair to guide this story of a 1950s shoe salesman in New York who dreams of glory as a professional ping pong player. Timothee Chalamet, who is fresh off his Best Actor nomination in 2025 for his turn as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” plays the leading role of Marty Mauser in this new film.
Mauser, who is stuck working at his uncle’s shoe company in the first part of the film, is desperate to get out of the family business. He ends up hopping on a plane to London to compete in an international table tennis competition. While there, he meets fading movie actress Kay Stone (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) and her husband, wealthy businessman Milton Rockwell (played by Kevin O’Leary). He also faces off for the first time against his archnemesis, Japanese table tennis player Koto Endo (played by Koto Kawaguchi).
Coming out of the London tournament — and off his first loss to Endo — Mauser seeks to make his way to the top of the ping pong world, and gets in lots of trouble along the way. From angry husbands to frustrated oversight commissions, to upset gamblers, Mauser leaves a trail of enemies along the way.
First things first, when talking about “Marty Supreme,” ping pong isn’t exactly the most exciting sport in the world. However, Sadfie manages to capture a relentless energy in this film that makes every serve seem as exciting as every scheme Mauser finds himself involved with throughout the movie. Safdie has a reputation for creating anxiety-inducing films, like 2019’s acclaimed “Uncut Gems.” However, “Marty Supreme” isn’t meant to be an anxiety-inducing drama, as much as it’s meant to be a dramedy fusion set in the world of ping pong. And the fact that the film not only pulls this off, but also sticks the landing, is a true testament to Safdie’s filmmaking.
The musical choices throughout the film are also fascinating. Despite being set in the 1950s, much of the film’s score is electro-influenced. 1980s hits also make several appearances throughout the film, including songs from Tears for Fears bookending the film. While it might seem a little out of place, the selections work, as they help to contribute toward Mouser’s focus on the future amid the simpler times of the 1950s. Let me also say the opening sequence of “Marty Supreme” is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on screen — and it’s one I’m going to be thinking about for a long time to come.
A review of “Marty Supreme” would also be incomplete without talking about Chalamet’s leading performance. He completely embodies this character. Marty Mauser isn’t exactly a sympathetic hero; rather, he’s actually a jerk for most of the movie. However, Chalamet’s charismatic performance still leads audiences to root for Mouser to claim ping pong glory. This is a career-best performance for Chalamet and one for which he definitely deserves a nomination for Best Actor.
Additionally, Sadfie’s unconventional casting all worked for a few roles that turn out to be quite important to the film. Perhaps none of these is as obvious as the casting of businessman and “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary as Rockwell. This film is O’Leary’s first acting gig, and it’s a role he absolutely nailed.
The film isn’t totally without flaws, however. The runtime is nearly two and a half hours — and it feels like a two and a half hour movie. There are places that could have been cut, but in the end, everything still worked out to make “Marty Supreme” one of the most exciting film experiences of the year. I don‘t think “Marty Surpeme” is the best movie of the year, but it has to be in the top five. And it’s definitely worth your time to check out.
“Marty Supreme”
Director: Josh Sadfie
Top Stars: Timothee Chalamet, Odessa A’Zion, Fran Drescher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, Penn Jillette, Ronald Bronstein, Tyler The Creator
Studio: A24
Runtime: 149 minutes
Rating: R for language, sexual content, some violent content, bloody images, and nudity