GOODRICH

(director/writer: Hallie Meyers-Shyer; cinematographer: Jamie D. Ramsay; editor: Lisa Zeno Churgin; music: Christopher Willis; cast: Michael Keaton (Andy Goodrich), Mila Kunis (Grace), Carmen Ejogo (Lola), Michael Urie (Terry), Kevin Pollak (Cy), Vivien Lyra Blair (Billie), Nico Hiraga (Jonny), Danny Deferrari (Pete), Jacob Kopera (Mose), Laura Benanti (Naomi), Andie MacDowell (Ann), Noa Fisher (Tali); Runtime: 111; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Kevin Mann, Dave Caplan; A Ketchup Entertainment release/Stay Gold Features; 2024)

“So-so dramedy.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Hallie Meyers-Shyer (“Home Again,” the daughter of noted filmmakers Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer) writes and directs this so-so dramedy about a toxic father coming to terms with his shitty attitude.

Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton) owns a struggling L.A. boutique art gallery, that he spends more time there than with his family.

In the middle of the night he receives a call that his younger second wife Naomi (Laura Benanti) has checked herself into rehab for 90 days for a pill dependency. She’s also asking for a divorce. Therefore he must care for their nine-year-old twins, Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair) and Mose (Jacob Kopera).
 
Andy reaches out to Grace (Mila Kunis), his married, oldest pregnant daughter from his first marriage to an art dealer (Andie MacDowell), to give him a hand. She’s peeved he neglected her as a child and that he’s dismissive of her nice guy hubby Pete (Danny Deferrari), but is still there for him in his time of need.

A subplot develops when a legendary Black artist dies. Andy approaches her daughter, Lola (Carmen Ejogo), about putting together a retrospective show at his gallery.

The rambling story follows the flawed father, who begins to realize his selfishness hurt his family and tries to change to be a better person.

Keaton, as usual, gives a good performance.

REVIEWED ON 11/11/2024  GRADE: B-
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