In the low-key, Tribeca-premiering dramedy The Best You Can, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick deliver their captivating on-screen charisma and impeccable comedic timing. Their strong performances and a unique premise about an unconventional friendship in middle age make the film engaging, but it’s weighed down by overused comic devices that detract from its overall impact. Despite being consistently watchable, the film fails to truly grab your attention with a gripping, memorable performance.
This movie marks the second project both written and directed by Michael J. Weithorn, who’s known for co-creating “The King of Queens” and contributing to other popular sitcoms. To put it plainly, its predictable plotlines and rapid-fire comedic timing might resonate more with a less discerning audience and an older generation.
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Michael J. Weithorn, known for his work on “The King of Queens” and other sitcoms, is the creator of this movie. While its storylines can be predictable at times, and it’s structured to appeal to a quick-paced comedy audience, it may be particularly enjoyed by less critical viewers and an older demographic.
In this drama, Sedgwick portrays Cynthia, a character whose intellectually astute husband, Warren (Judd Hirsch), who previously worked on the Watergate committee, is now 83 and exhibiting signs of dementia. Initially, Cynthia seems excessively talkative and overly enthusiastic, a role that appears to be straining for comedic impact, particularly during her introduction with Stan, the security guard.
In a seamless transition, Bacon embodies Stan exceptionally well; however, his character leans heavily on sitcom stereotypes. One of the most obvious tropes is Stan’s predicament with his prostate and his inventive use of foliage as a portable urinal during night patrols. In an amusingly predictable turn of events, when Cynthia’s alarm rings and summons him to her residence, he desperately pleads for access to her bathroom. Ironically enough, she turns out to be the ideal person to address his issue, expressing her excitement in a dramatic, exaggerated manner.
The comedy becomes less forced as they develop a friendship, primarily through text messages narrated by the actors. Cynthia shares her struggles regarding her husband’s condition, while Stan opens up about his strained relationship with his daughter Sammi (Brittany O’Grady), who is an insecure singer-songwriter. The text messaging technique is employed effectively compared to most films, but there are still attempts at humor that fall flat. As they grow closer, Cynthia enquires about Stan’s contact with his ex-wife, to which he replies, “Just through a voodoo doll.” Oh dear.
As Stan and Cynthia’s bond deepens, it’s filled with poignant instances. Sedgwick skillfully portrays Cynthia’s enduring love and devotion towards her husband, as well as the solitude his situation has imposed on her. Bacon breathes life into Stan, a character who is both intelligent and quick-witted, leaving you yearning for Weithorn’s script to delve deeper into Stan’s past. How did this character become such a underachiever and a less-than-ideal father?
The movie sensibly avoids exaggerating the romantic undertones that emerge from their friendship. Moreover, Bacon and Sedgwick skilfully separate their on-screen characters from their real-life married status, portraying a fragile, cautious relationship with authenticity. Towards the end, they both deliver poignant speeches that seem incredibly genuine, making it hard not to think that a less talented cast would have made the film feel ordinary.
In Weithorn’s movie, the supporting actors deliver powerful performances, with O’Grady standing out in her short musical scenes portraying Sammi. The bond between father and daughter feels authentic, showcasing that while Stan has good intentions, he often ends up saying the wrong things as he attempts to motivate her.
Olivia Luccardi portrays Stan’s younger occasional love interest, whose texting with him provides some amusing moments. Ray Romano makes a brief appearance in a video call scene as a doctor friend of Cynthia’s who offers advice on Warren’s health situation. Meera Rohit Kumbhani, playing Warren’s caregiver, delivers one of the movie’s most intriguing and unforeseen twists when it is revealed that she has recorded the memories Warren can still recall.
If the movie could have achieved a higher degree of unexpectedness and heartfelt impact more frequently, incorporating more of the nostalgic warmth that develops between Cynthia and Stan’s relationship, as well as humor that feels less forced.
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2025-06-10 05:25