Goodrich shines as a poignant, heartfelt comedy that captures the beauty and absurdity of life’s unexpected detours. Written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, the film features a powerhouse performance by Michael Keaton as Andy Goodrich, a flawed but ultimately lovable art dealer thrust into a whirlwind of family, career, and personal reinvention.
Plot in a Nutshell
Andy Goodrich is your quintessential workaholic art dealer whose life implodes when his younger wife checks herself into a 90-day rehab program for prescription pill addiction and informs him that she’s leaving him. Suddenly, Andy is left in charge of their nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose (Vivien Lyra Blair and Jacob Kopera), a job he is hilariously unprepared for. Adding to his chaos, Andy’s struggling art gallery is on the brink of collapse, and his estranged, pregnant daughter Grace (a standout performance played by Mila Kunis) becomes his unlikely anchor.
Through a series of comedic misadventures, Andy fumbles through modern parenting, navigates professional setbacks, and reckons with the consequences of his absentee fatherhood. The story’s heart lies in Andy’s transformation: his shift from a self-absorbed businessman to a more present, vulnerable, and connected father and grandfather.
Keaton’s Tour de Force
Michael Keaton brings depth and humor to Andy, a character whose flaws are laid bare but who never loses our sympathy. Whether failing to braid his daughter’s hair, grappling with the realization that his career is crumbling, or clumsily bonding with a single dad (played with charm by Michael Urie), Keaton’s portrayal is a masterclass in vulnerability and comedic timing.
A Story of Redemption and Growth
Goodrich doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of addiction, fractured relationships, and late-in-life reinvention. Naomi’s rehab journey catalyzes Andy’s upheaval, but the film smartly focuses on how those around her are also forced to grow. Grace, in particular, mirrors Andy’s shortcomings as a parent. Their rocky but ultimately redemptive relationship is one of the film’s most compelling arcs.
The Supporting Cast Shines
Mila Kunis’s Grace is a revelation. Her raw, relatable portrayal of a daughter grappling with her father’s newfound attempt at redemption grounds the film’s more comedic beats.
A Modern Take on Parenthood
What sets Goodrich apart is its exploration of modern parenting dynamics. Andy’s struggles with school drop-offs, awkward interactions with fellow parents, and attempts to connect with his twins feel refreshingly authentic. The film balances its humor with heartfelt moments that remind us that it’s never too late to change, even when it feels like life has left you behind.
Final Thoughts
Goodrich is a gem of a film that blends comedy and drama in a poignant and uplifting way. It’s a story about the messiness of life, the power of connection, and the hope that comes with embracing change. With Michael Keaton leading a stellar cast, Hallie Meyers-Shyer delivers a film that reminds us of the beauty in our imperfections.
Goodrich is a must-watch whether you’re a fan of character-driven comedies, tales of family redemption, or just looking for a movie that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.
Movie Night with The Sober Curator Sobees Score: 3.5 out of 5
Goodrich Trailer
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