Goodrich

Well, we've seen almost every kind of Michael Keaton there, right? We saw Batman Keaton, we saw Birdman Keaton, we saw The Founder Keaton, and so on. This is him treading comfortable yet dramatic waters, as a father of a 36-year-old and twin 9-year-olds. The film discusses the theme of modern parenting, especially from the perspective of a workaholic, somewhat absentee father.

But since we're talking about an "endearing" Michael Keaton here, can he ever be the quintessential bad guy? Nope. And the film never makes that to be the case. There's the occasionally witty quip, but Goodrich doesn't really aim for comedic highs. It's a drama by all means, with Keaton and Mila Kunis doing most of the work. The finale can be seen coming a mile away, yet it lands on steady ground, thanks to its lightweight treatment and good performances overall.

Like the great Jack Lemmon, Michael Keaton has always had an affinity for films that are not easily categorized as either drama or comedy. Goodrich is certainly more drama than comedy, but a seasoning of ironic humor gives it a valuable extra dimension.

Goodrich, the character, could be a stereotype: he's a guy who's spent too many years in love with his career (as owner of a chic art gallery), and not enough years showing love for his (2) wives or (3) children. The story focuses particularly on his 30-something daughter from his first marriage, and his two nine-year-olds from the more recent one. As the movie opens, Goodrich faces a confusing situation, and the challenges rapidly get tougher as the story progresses.

In strong contrast to many feel-good films having a roughly similar storyline, Goodrich doesn't offer easy answers or magical redemption. It shows life as a constant struggle, allowing us to cringe at the protagonist's failures, and feel warmed by his successes. The script is impressive, dodging many tired twists, and taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.

Goodrich is an older character for Keaton, and one that's much less obviously appealing than most of those he's portrayed previously. But few other actors could have made Goodrich so rough and prickly, and at the same time so sympathetic. We really want to see this guy succeed, despite his at times almost unforgivable flaws.

Some viewers may be put off by the rambling style of the movie. But the narrative is actually very cohesive - like real life, you have to let it come at you at its own lurching pace. Good things happen, bad things happen. Some of these things Goodrich - the character - handles badly. Others much better than we might expect. (In its realistic ambiguity, Goodrich - the movie - reminded me quite a bit of Jack Lemmon's least-comedic film, Save the Tiger.)

Given the late release of Goodrich in 2024, one might assume that its creators had some Oscar hopes. Keaton, having been criminally overlooked by the Academy so far, certainly deserves a nomination. So does the script... and possibly Mila Kunis as well.

Goodrich is top-notch in just about every way. It isn't a movie for everyone, or for every occasion - it's emotionally demanding, and as tragic as it is inspiring. But when you're in the mood for that kind of movie, you'll find Goodrich to be among the best of its type.

Hallie Meyers-Shyer delivers her second film as director and screenwriter, a tragicomedy about parenthood with Michael Keaton at his best.

A simple but loving story is what Goodrich delivers about a father who seeks the help of his adult daughter to raise his young twins after his second wife leaves him.

The film works thanks to a pleasant script and enthusiastic direction that allows us to have Michael Keaton in one of his best performances where we can see the actor in all his splendor and with all his talent to take us from comedy to drama and vice versa in a gratifying and perfect way. A character full of humanity and sweetness, but with a soul really in need of affection that makes him an adorable character that hooks you throughout his journey. Also notable are his supporting actors like Mila Kunis and the young actors who demonstrate an avalanche of charisma.

It doesn't reinvent the wheel, it's a routine film that has been seen many times, but it is endearing with funny moments and other emotional ones that make this tragicomedy a pleasant pastime to watch on a family weekend. It doesn't propose new things and always plays it safe in the aspects it wants to explore in depth, but its entire cast gives it an additional plus, which allows you as a spectator to have a good time watching this adventure about fatherhood, maturity, forgiveness and love.

Recommended for anyone looking for something light and full of pleasant messages, it is a movie that you will have a good time with and it will be worth it without any major expectations.

Andy Goodrich's (Michael Keaton) life is upended when his wife and mother of their nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. Thrust into the world of modern parenthood, Goodrich leans on his daughter from his first marriage, Grace (Mila Kunis), as he ultimately evolves into the father Grace always wanted.

The story is not just about Keaton growing into being a father, it's about him growing every time life throws him sideways. I guess the whole story, with negative event after negative event coming at him from all sides, tearing at who he is, is about him fighting back quietly and stoically and overcoming everything life can bring that's dark. He improves himself into a version that multiple people can love, and he finds what is really important in life instead of spending all of his energy on work. Keaton's performance is brilliant and justifies the writer and director's (Hallie Meyers-Shyer) decision to write the film for him. He is ably backed by Mila Kunis who proved she can do serious acting as well as the comedy she is well known for. Vivien Lyra-Blair as his daughter Ellie deserves a major shout out for her great performance. She's been around for several years now and she just keeps getting better and better.

All in all a great film which says to me "Don't ever give up. Always strive to overcome and move forward." Most of us over a certain age already know this but it's great to have a reminder, and a one done so cleverly and emotionally. A thoroughly enjoyable film with great performances by everyone and I gave it a 7.

"Goodrich" is a movie with its heart in the right place, yet it struggles to fully deliver on its emotional promise. Michael Keaton shines in his role, showcasing his ability to balance vulnerability and humor, while Mila Kunis provides a solid performance that adds some depth to the family drama. Their chemistry offers glimpses of what the movie could have been if its storytelling had been tighter.

The film stumbles with its uneven pacing and a script that feels too predictable at times. While some scenes carry genuine emotional weight, others fall flat, bogged down by clichés or an over-reliance on sentimentality. The mix of humor and drama occasionally feels forced, as if the movie is unsure of the tone it wants to maintain.

Visually, "Goodrich" makes good use of its Los Angeles setting, with a warm, polished aesthetic that fits the movie's themes of family and personal growth. The score is pleasant and inoffensive but lacks the kind of memorability that might elevate key moments.

Overall, "Goodrich" is a decent watch for its performances and occasional heartfelt moments, but it doesn't leave a lasting impact. It's a safe, middle-of-the-road film that's enjoyable enough for a quiet evening but unlikely to stick with you long after the credits roll.