Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s latest cinematic endeavor, “Goodrich,” marks her sophomore venture as a director following her 2017 effort, “Home Again.” This film bears a striking resemblance to the cherished works of her mother, Nancy Meyers, known for crafting such beloved classics as “The Parent Trap” (1998), “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003), and “The Intern” (2015).
At the heart of “Goodrich” is Andy Goodrich, portrayed with remarkable depth by Michael Keaton. Andy is an art dealer in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, whose life spirals into turmoil when his second wife, Naomi, played by the talented Laura Benanti, delivers a life-altering phone call in the dead of night. Naomi has checked herself into rehab due to a severe addiction to prescription pills compounded by alcohol abuse. This revelation underscores Andy’s detachment from his domestic life, as it becomes evident that everyone but him was aware of Naomi’s struggles. Suddenly, this work-focused father finds himself thrust into the role of the primary caregiver for their nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose, played with delightful charm by Vivien Lyra Blair and Jacob Kopera respectively.
The screenplay artfully portrays Andy’s journey from an absentee parent to the quintessential dad attempting to redeem himself in the eyes of his children. In this challenging transition, he seeks the aid of Grace, his daughter from a previous marriage, magnificently portrayed by Mila Kunis. Grace harbors deep-seated resentment towards Andy for his perennial absence during her formative years. Now a writer, Grace is expecting her first child with her husband Pete, portrayed by Danny Deferrari, a doctor.
Amidst the turmoil in his personal life, Andy is also grappling with challenges at his art gallery. His loyal staff, including Jonny, played by Nico Hiraga, and his business partner portrayed by Kevin Pollak, deliver the harsh truth that the gallery is in dire straits.
. To salvage his struggling business, Andy endeavors to secure the works of a now-deceased artist, Theresa Thompson, which he hopes will reinvigorate the gallery. This quest leads him to Theresa’s daughter, the jazz singer Lola, played with finesse by Carmen Ejogo. It’s a critical juncture in Andy’s life where his personal and professional worlds collide.
One of the film’s many poignant themes is Andy’s evolution from a single workaholic parent to a man re-evaluating his priorities. This journey is filled with touching moments, such as sharing the timeless magic of “Casablanca” with his children, embarking on hikes with Grace, and engaging in mindfulness exercises. The narrative skillfully intertwines these elements, depicting Andy’s maturation as he learns the art of letting go and embracing the simple pleasures of life.
“Goodrich” expertly weaves gentle humor into its fabric, bringing levity to its heartfelt storyline. The Halloween costume scene, where Boba Fett triumphs over Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, is particularly memorable, eliciting genuine laughter. Vivien Lyra Blair continues to charm audiences with her portrayal, while Andie MacDowell, as Andy’s first wife, and Poorna Jagannathan, as Grace’s obstetrician, add gravitas to the ensemble cast, delivering performances that enrich the narrative.
In essence, “Goodrich” is the kind of film that would fare exceptionally well as part of a cozy movie night at home. With its tender storytelling, it pairs perfectly with pizza and popcorn, though the magnetic performances of Keaton and Kunis make a trip to the theater worthwhile. Audiences will find themselves captivated by this gentle relationship drama that resonates with the universal themes of family, redemption, and personal growth.
“Goodrich” is currently captivating audiences in theaters, inviting viewers to embark on this touching cinematic journey alongside its unforgettable characters.
