The Good House

I'm glad I continued to watch this movie. When the main character played by Sigourney Weaver speaks directly to us viewers I tend to fall completely out of the action. Such films are not for me. Usually. The Good house is the exception.

For Sigourney Weaver is magnificent in this story about an alcoholic real estate agent who apparently has "full control". The plot is set in a small, idyllic town, and our protagonist knows most things about most people.

Yes, it's about alcoholism, but just as much about life in a small town - for better or for worse. The togetherness and the cozy environment are excellently portrayed. As well as all the secrets that people in a small town think they have. When it comes to the depiction of an alcoholic's life, this is shown in a different way here than in many other films. What I like is that it shows that an alcoholic is first and foremost a human being, with an alcohol problem. Not the other way around.

Many good supporting roles here, but Sigourney is the one that everything revolves around and is about in all the scenes. This is her film, and another proof of the versatile and talented actress she is.

The script is clumsy (Really? Breaking the fourth wall?), the blocking is stumbling and cinematography bland (I felt bad for the poor editor who seemed at a loss to shove the clunky shots together). But in the end, this movie still worked.

It was a pleasure to spend two hours with these actors, especially the always witty and wonderful Sigourney Weaver. She gives the part weight without making it heavy, and she is well-supported by Robert Kline, Rebecca Henderson, Rob Delaney, and Morena Baccarin, all of whom turn in well-rendered performances. And in the end, all the pieces came together to make a satisfying story about people trying-some successfully, some not-to get through life's trials.

The Good House follows Hildy Good, a prominent realtor in Wendover, a fictional coastal Massachusetts town resembling Gloucester. Hildy knows everyone in town, as she's lived here all her life with family and friends. She speaks directly to the audience by breaking the fourth wall to offer background information and gossip on the main characters. The town of Wendover feels very lived in by the end, due to how each well developed character is acted excellently. Hildy's struggle with alcoholism is incredibly believable because her relatable excuses and nonchalant internal voice is convincing. This is largely due to Sigourney Weaver's stellar performance as usual. As the film progresses, it passes through comedy, romance, drama, and finally suspense. I laughed, cried, felt on edge, and finally the ending warmed my heart.

Weaver's character should be unlikable, but the humanity of her flaws, as well as her humour makes that not so. I can't say this is Weaver's best film, but she's highly watchable.

Themes include friendship, class, and alcoholism. There's really not a lot new here, but Weaver breaking the 4th wall is a nice touch and all the subjects are treated with a degree of finesse.

I'm sure many will watch The Good House for the third outing of Kline and Weaver together, despite it being their softest. It's not as bleak as The Ice House, or as quirky as Dave.

This is predictable adult-contemporary fare, but I was engaged until the end. Weaver mostly steals the show.

Ms. Weaver makes this role seem effortless. I totally related to her character.

I have to search diligently these days, to occasionally find a gem of a movie, and this one is one of those special few.

The acting, the story, the characters, the setting, the score,the camera work....everything, was authentic, beautifully and excellently executed.

The only tiny thought I had, which did not lesson my enjoyment, was why they didn't go with a more authentic Maine accent. No big deal.

A must see movie for those of us who are not entertained or much impressed with what is most popular of movie making these days.