As a gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the virtual worlds of video games, I found myself drawn to the film “Goodrich.” It’s not often that the narrative of a middle-aged man trying to become a better father resonates so deeply with my own experiences of leveling up characters and completing quests.
When Naomi Goodrich (played by Laura Benanti), Andy’s wife, confesses that she has admitted herself into a rehabilitation center and intends to leave him, very few are taken aback by this news. It was common knowledge among many that the mother of his two elementary school-aged children often resorted to taking pills to help her sleep at night and consumed more than usual glasses of wine.
Despite Andy, portrayed by Michael Keaton with a charming awkwardness, being taken aback by the news, it suggests a deeper preoccupation within him. His history with his gallerist role and relationship, particularly with his eldest daughter (Mila Kunis) from his first marriage to Andie MacDowell, has always been distant and uninvolved. With his current partnership on the verge of collapse, Andy is compelled to make changes in his life.
In “Goodrich,” Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s second film, I find myself in the shoes of Andy, striving to be a more dedicated father. The storyline follows common threads related to this theme, sprinkling just a few unexpected moments throughout. With Naomi checking into rehab for her drug addiction, it falls on me to take care of our twins, Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair) and Mose (Jacob Kopera), for three months. This involves shuttling them to and from school, coordinating their playdates, and addressing their emotional needs. Simultaneously, I’m trying to keep my gallery afloat, a long-cherished dream that has been facing financial challenges lately.
Keaton’s charming portrayal dominates the film Goodrich. Although Andy isn’t identical to Jack from the movie Mr. Mom (1983), they share some similarities in their experiences. Like Jack, Andy initially finds it hard to manage household responsibilities. He nearly triggers an allergic reaction in his son by overlooking his peanut allergy and jeopardizes the twins’ school attendance with late drop-offs. Keaton skillfully infuses his character’s blunders with his signature wit, creating empathetic moments from his constant bungling and finding humor even in the most dramatic situations.
By doing so, he gives the image a chance to break free from its predictable patterns and avoids an excessively dramatic visual style. Meyers-Shyer has skillfully crafted Goodrich to evoke emotions like comfort and tears, which is fitting for this heartwarming comedy-drama. However, a more creative approach would have added depth and novelty. The plot relies too heavily on familiar elements, such as overly intelligent children and the recurring theme of Andy struggling initially but ultimately succeeding in his endeavors.
The excessive use of montages, skillfully crafted by cinematographer Jamie Ramsay and accompanied by Christopher Willis’s stirring music, tends to slow down the film’s rhythm. While some of these montages, such as the one where Andy tries to impress a potential client at a feminist art exhibition, are humorous, others, like when he encounters his ex-wife, feel out of place in the storyline. These instances seem to suggest a lack of confidence in the audience’s ability to comprehend the emotional impact of specific scenes without explicit guidance.
There’s no point in adding more since Meyers-Shyer already has a strong plot and talented actors. When the director relaxes her control, allowing certain parts of the story to unfold naturally, the outcome is just as endearing as Andy – a dapper art world rebel – browsing Halloween costumes with his kids and another parent (Michael Urie steals the scene).
In the story, as Andy tends to his twins, his past shortcomings as a father towards Grace become apparent. Unlike with his older child, he wasn’t consistently present, and even now, when she’s expecting her first, he lets her down again. The movie, titled “Goodrich,” focuses on the emotional bond between father and daughter, as they confront old wounds and build new memories together. Mila Kunis delivers a strong performance alongside Keaton, their interactions onscreen feeling authentic and enjoyable. Danny Deferrari also deserves recognition for his brief but impactful portrayal of Grace’s husband, serving as a stark contrast to Andy.
In the movie, it’s clear that Andy and Grace’s relationship could have been stronger with more distance, particularly since it plays a significant role in the film’s most poignant moments. Initially, when Andy learns about Naomi’s disappearance, he turns to Grace for advice on raising Billie and Mose. Furthermore, she assists him in sealing a deal with the daughter (Carmen Ejogo) of a renowned, recently deceased artist whose artwork could save the gallery from closing. However, Andy’s failure to keep his promises toward Grace slowly fuels a simmering anger within her that threatens to erupt.
Additionally, it adds tension to the story of Goodrich, introducing a sense of conflict that enhances suspense. While we anticipate a positive conclusion, a slower pace and avoidance of stereotypical tropes could have made the emotional impact more genuine and rewarding.
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2024-10-17 16:25