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.

This is my first IMDB review, but the difference between the current rating and the quality of the movie is just incredible, I had to intervene. Goodrich is an excellent, calm, well paced movie about a flawed man that is forced to become a better version of himself. Keaton does an excellent job, I can't think of an actor that would've been better. Mila Kunis is also a great addition to the cast, these two have incredible father/daughter chemistry that is a joy to watch. I promise, it's easily a 9/10 movie that should definitely be given a chance. I usually check IMDB ratings before watching a movie, so in case you're doing the same, just give this movie a go, I'd be surprised if you're disappointed.

"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.

Greetings again from the darkness. The heart definitely skips a beat when the phone rings late in the night, awakening us from a deep slumber. Andy Goodrich groggily answers the call to hear his wife inform him that she's checked herself into rehab and then ending the call with, "I'm leaving you". It doesn't take long for us to realize the real problem. Andy seems to be the only one unaware that his wife too frequently swallowed prescription drugs and chased them down with a bit of booze. Over the next few days, Andy is almost too late in recalling that his 9-year-old son has a peanut allergy, and discovers that his 9-year-old daughter (yep, twins) hates to be late for school and likes a glass of water on her bedstand at night.

Writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer (HOME AGAIN, 2017, daughter of filmmakers Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer of PRIVATE BENJAMIN and FATHER OF THE BRIDE fame) shows us that Andy (Oscar winner Michael Keaton) has always been somewhat absent from his family, choosing instead to pour his heart and soul into the art gallery he owns. It's a business that once flourished, but now struggles month to month. The old saying goes, 'when it rains, it pours', and Andy is experiencing an emotional and emergency flash flood. The twins, precocious Billie (Vivian Lyra Blair) and quiet Mose (Jacob Kopera), need their dad to crash-course the whole parenting thing, while he also tries to salvage his business. Andy decides to lean on his adult daughter Grace (Mila Kunis, BLACK SWAN, 2010), who also has always felt distant from and let down by her father.

Now, you might be questioning 73-year-old Michael Keaton as the dad of fourth grade twins, but he easily passes for sixty-something here, and his unique blend of dramatic and comedy talent makes him one of the few who could pull this off. His frenetic energy plays right into the role and we accept him as a guy who hasn't been good at 'family' but has the heart to make the effort when he must. The scenes between Andy and Grace are the best, as both Keaton and Kunis work to elevate the material. Supporting work comes from Michael Urie ("Shrinking") as a gay single parent who is a bit over-emotional, Danny Deferrari (SHIVA BABY, 2020) as Grace's opposite-from-Andy husband, Kevin Pollak as Andy's business manager, Carmen Ejogo ("Your Honor") as a feminist singer and a last gasp hope for the gallery, Laura Benanti as Andy's rehabbing wife, Poorna Jagannathan as Grace's doctor, and Andie MacDowell as Andy's ex-wife.

The lesson here is keeping the important things in life as a priority, which is a relatively simple and heavy message, and fortunately the cast (especially Keaton) can handle it. There are enough laughs included - the best involves Halloween costumes of Warhol, Frida, and Dali - to balance the bleak elements and the cliches; however, personally I could have used a bit more of absent dad reconnecting with pregnant daughter. Still, watching Keaton's Andy come to grips with his lifelong self-centeredness makes this one worth watching.

In theaters beginning October 18, 2024.

Andy Goodrich gets an abrupt phone call in the middle of the night, changing his entire world. His wife has checked herself into rehab, leaving him to figure out his life outside of his art gallery. As he stumbles and fumbles with her 90-day absence, every aspect of his life starts to unravel, which gives him a new perspective and appreciation of his life and its relationships.

This dramedy shows how some people may lose sight of what is essential, pursuing a career that does not love them back like those in their lives. The story is simple and is shared with a bit of humor and a bit of drama. It takes the viewer through the 90 days, showing how Andy Goodrich adapts and changes to his circumstances and learns along the way. With a runtime of one hour and fifty minutes, the story does an excellent job of moving along but has parts that stall and slow it down. This is a unique watch, but it is worth waiting for it to arrive on a streaming service than paying for a movie ticket.