“While We’re Young” is a film by Noah Bumbach, starring Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts and Adam Driver.

The film is about a 44-year-old filmmaker, going through – sort of – a midlife crisis. He’s stuck in the rat race of getting older and not finding success, thinks he’ll find his passion again when he meets a younger couple that begin to bring him his passion back.

I stepped into the theater not expecting anything.

I’ve seen a lot of films that Ben Stillers has been in, and mostly enjoyed them all. Recently, I watched, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and enjoyed it. There was something special about that film. Interestingly resembles this one in many ways, a man struggling with his identity. The pacing of these two films feels the same, but “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was special effects heavy, while “While We’re Young” had no special effects — just good old fashion camera work with a great story and good character development.

Noah Bumbach did an amazing job developing the characters and letting the audience get to know them. At times I even felt uncomfortable and embarrassed for them. Noah lets us get into their heads to see how they think and feel.

After about 10 minutes of the movie, I could instantly relate to the character in a very strange a special way. Josh, played by Ben Stiller, is a 44 year old filmmaker, that’s been stuck on his film for the past 10 years. Well, guess what, Erik, played by the real life

Erik Calderon is 44 years old, a filmmaker, and stuck on a film for the past 8 years. What’s another thing we have in common, we both work for a school. I naturally like this character, and enjoy seeing how Noah Bumbach takes him through intense emotional changes. Josh went from a normal successful guy, stuck in his normalness, leading a pretty good life with good friends and a good job with past success. Then Jamie comes around, played by Adam Driver, and kind of wakes Josh up a bit, brings him back to living life with passion, adventure and excitement.

It’s fun to watch — and at times uncomfortable — to see the ups and downs of Josh. This is a perfect film for anyone that’s been leading a  stable life. This film will get you to take a look at your stability and question it.

“While We’re Young” opened in Houston on April 10 and is showing in two theaters in Houston, The Landmark River Oaks, and Cinemark at Market street.

I highly recommend this fun, quirky and romantic movie.

Written by Erik Calderon of HCC MovieMakers Academy. Watch their reviews at YouTube.com/HCCMovieReviews