Goodrich Movie Review: Michael Keaton’s Underwhelming Drama Misses the Mark
Goodrich, starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis, struggles with too many subplots, resulting in a meandering and lackluster experience.
Goodrich Movie Review: A Meandering Story Despite Stellar Cast
Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis are reliable talents, but their latest film, Goodrich, fails to live up to expectations. Despite a star-studded cast, the movie struggles to weave its numerous subplots into a coherent and engaging narrative.
Keaton’s Role in ‘Goodrich’ Lacks Focus
Michael Keaton plays Andy Goodrich, the owner of a high-end boutique art gallery. While his character is a successful art dealer, he’s been absent from home, deeply absorbed in his work. When his wife checks herself into rehab after becoming addicted to prescription medication, Andy is left to care for their nine-year-old twins. He tries to reconcile his guilt, making heartfelt but unanswered phone calls and writing letters to his wife. Though the premise has emotional potential, it quickly becomes apparent that the film doesn’t delve deep enough into these complexities.
A Series of Disconnected Subplots
One of the biggest issues with Goodrich is its juggling of too many subplots that never quite come together. While Andy quickly adapts to fatherhood, forming a bond with another parent who is gay and single, the film spends too much time on awkward scenes that don’t contribute much to the main storyline.
Another subplot features Andy’s strained relationship with his 30-year-old daughter Grace (Mila Kunis), from his first marriage to Anne (Andie MacDowell). Anne only makes a brief appearance, spending a pleasant afternoon with Andy, but the tension never rises as expected. The film hints at potential conflict when Anne seemingly steals an artist that Andy desperately needs for his gallery’s survival, but this is never explored further, leaving viewers hanging.
Mila Kunis Underutilized in a Vague Role
Mila Kunis, playing Andy’s daughter Grace, is hardly given any screen time or depth. Her character is present, but there’s little for her to do other than display her pregnancy, which feels more like an afterthought than a key plot point. Grace’s relationship with Andy is barely scratched at the surface, leaving the audience wanting more substance.
An Abruptly Concluded Romance
The third subplot revolves around an artist who has recently passed away, leaving her daughter, Lola (Carmen Ejogo), in charge of her work. Andy pursues Lola, a sensual jazz singer and breathing-exercise enthusiast, to secure representation of the artist’s work. The movie teases a potential romance, but this storyline, much like the others, ends as quickly as it begins, offering no real resolution.
Keaton’s Performance Outshines a Weak Plot
Despite the script’s flaws, Michael Keaton delivers a solid performance. His portrayal of Andy Goodrich, particularly in the later scenes, shows glimpses of the complexity his character should have had throughout the film. However, it’s unclear whether viewers are meant to feel sympathy for him or celebrate his redemption. The film fails to clarify his journey—whether as a failed father, struggling grandfather, or unsuccessful gallery owner.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, Goodrich suffers from an inability to decide on a central theme. It leaves the audience unsure of how they should feel about the main character and the story’s outcome. The film’s title may serve as an unintentional warning: Goodrich is a muddled film that never quite hits the mark, despite its impressive cast.
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