Highball (2002)

Highball is a scrappy little time capsule of Brooklyn social ambition, the kind of comedy that finds its biggest laughs in the awkward pauses, forced smiles, and performative “we’re having fun” energy of parties that keep trying to become legendary. Noah Baumbach sets the tone like a hangout with a hidden edge—light, talky, and sharply observant—while a game cast (including Justine Bateman and Peter Bogdanovich) sells every petty insecurity and social misfire with relish. It’s rough around the edges and unmistakably low-budget, but that rawness fits the vibe: you’re not watching a polished fantasy of nightlife, you’re eavesdropping on friendships and romances wobbling under the pressure of being seen. If you like your romantic comedy a little off-kilter and your humor a little uncomfortable, this one’s a surprisingly addictive invite.

Highball is trying to be a loose, party-hopping snapshot of Brooklyn friendships and couple dynamics, where the charm is supposed to come from messy conversations and small social humiliations rather than big plot turns. The problem is it often feels more like a rough, undercooked experiment than a finished romantic comedy: low-budget visuals, uneven performances, and a drifting structure can make the parties feel repetitive instead of revealing. If you want a clear story arc, sharp punchlines, or a satisfying romance, this will likely test your patience. But if you’re curious about early, scrappy Baumbach vibes and you enjoy awkward, talky ensemble hangouts, there are moments of genuine, lived-in humor worth catching.