In the movie "Goodrich", we follow the life of Andy Goodrich, a distracted gallerist with an unraveling personal life; unaware of the looming crisis as his wife Naomi, checks into rehab. Michael Keaton's portrayal of Andy, who struggles to balance work and become a more accountable parent, is heartily engaging.
The film, Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s second feature, steeps us into Andy's attempts at a more intense involvement in the lives of his preteen twins, with Naomi seeking professional help for her substance misuse. Andy finds himself juggling parental responsibilities with attempts to keep his struggling gallery afloat.
There are shades of Keaton's 1983 character from "Mr. Mom" in Andy. His initial struggles with domestic chores and care of the kids, like forgetting a peanut allergy and tardy school drop-offs, are adroitly handled with Keaton's signature blend of savvy humor amidst blunders. This along with his, and other cast members’ fine performances, alleviate some of the film's predictable moments.
However, the plot isn't without its familiar tropes; the hyper-intelligent children or Andy's repeated fumbling-turned-success are hardly refreshing. Yet, the film's use of montages coupled with Christopher Willis’s emotional score, though sometimes disruptive to the story's pace, also evoke amusement and nostalgia. Instances like these create remarkable cinematography by Jamie Ramsay.
Also noteworthy, is the father-daughter bond between Andy and his eldest daughter Grace (Mila Kunis), from his first marriage. As his involvement in his twins' lives unfolds, Andy's past neglect towards Grace surfaces. This heartwarming relationship forms the backbone of the movie, as themes of atonement and healing are explored. The onscreen chemistry between Keaton and Kunis is charming, whilst Danny Deferrari excels in his brief appearance as Grace’s husband.
However, a deepened exploration of Andy and Grace's dynamic and additional plot depth would have augmented the richness of the narrative. There's a sense of missed opportunity, as seething disappointment within Grace towards Andy, which could have further the narrative friction, is underutilized.
While the movie ticket is a ride towards the inevitable feel-good climax, a slower pacing coupled with fewer clichés would have lent more authenticity to its emotions, elevating the charm of "Goodrich".
